FEROZKOH (Pajhwok): Following the closure of the Mastora Ghori Orphanage in western Ghor province, some of the children enrolled there have started hard labour.
Israel, 13, one of these children, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “I used to live in the orphanage. After it was shut, we were told to leave and now I am vending small items in the bazaar. I earn 100 afs daily and am trying to do more.”
Sardar, another teenager who lived in the orphanage, said he began work in a shop after its closure.
“I clean this shop, wash appliances and fetch my employer water in return for a few afghanis,” he added.
Parwaiz, 15, is bow working as a cobbler along with his younger brother. At the kindergarten, he recalled, they learned and spent their days and nights there.
He demanded the reopening of the orphanage and said: “That is a good place we were given food and imparted education.”
Civil society activist Abdul Rauf Umari confirmed: “After the closure, most children have resorted to hard labour and begging. We are waiting for the authorities concerned to take action in this regard.”
Work and Social Affairs Director Ghausuddin Sahal said: “We know the situation the children are going through. Unfortunately, they have started hard labour and begging on streets.”
He added the problems faced by the Mastora Ghori Orphanage had been conveyed to the centre, which assured to take action to resolve the issues.
nh/mud
