Jawzjan children run for combating poverty

SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): In an attempt to alleviate poverty, Save the Children sponsored a race involving children in Shiberghan, the capital of northern Jawzjan province.

Thirty-two students, 16 of them girls, participated in the 500 metres race, said Dr. Ahmad Shah Qarar, the NGO chief for Jawzjan. Poverty led to malnutrition among children, he added.   

Qarar said the objective was to raise awareness about poverty alleviation efforts. Based on an international survey, poverty led 40 percent children to malnutrition. 

Over 36 percent of children in Afghanistan live under the poverty line. They wanted to convey the message that not only Save the Children, but all people, desired to be lifted out of poverty, he added.

The NGO, advocating for child rights, urged not to forget the children of Afghanistan, he noted.  

Mohammad Haroon, a participant of the race, said: “By joining this competition, we have conveyed a message to our elders to fight against poverty.”  

Mehr Afzon, a girl runner, she was happy representing females.

ra/mud