FEROZKOH (Pajhwok): A number of orphaned and underprivileged children in western Ghor province say access to free education, provided by a young man, has not only eased their path to learning but also given them new hope for the future.
Decades of war and insecurity in Afghanistan have had widespread negative consequences.
Reports by the United Nations and its development programme show poverty and unemployment have increased significantly in recent years, leaving millions facing severe economic hardship.
According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), many children in Afghanistan have been deprived of education due to poverty, lack of guardians and economic crises.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says millions of people in Afghanistan need humanitarian assistance, with hundreds of thousands of widows and orphaned children living in difficult conditions.
In Ghor, a young man has established several educational centres, enabling hundreds of orphans, working children and those from poor families to study free of charge.
The initiative has been welcomed by officials and experts and has raised hopes among the children for a better future.
Free education brings hope
Izzatullah, who lives in a government-run orphanage in Ferozkoh, said that he had recently been enrolled in a private school by the young benefactor.
“I now feel I am not alone and that someone cares about my education and future,” he said, expressing hope and determination to make the most of the opportunity.
He added that previously, life’s challenges and worries about the future occupied his mind, but with this support, he now believes he can achieve his dreams.
He said the support had not only facilitated his education but also boosted his morale and self-confidence to work towards a brighter future.
He expressed hope that one day he would help other orphaned and underprivileged children, just as he had been supported.
Another child at the orphanage Sayed Jamal also welcomed the opportunity, describing it as significant and life-changing.
“I used to think I might never attend a good private school, but now I am hopeful I can study and achieve my goals,” he said.
He added that the support had motivated him to continue his studies with greater enthusiasm and belief in his ability to change his future.
He urged other young people who have the means to support orphaned and needy children to step forward and help, as the benefactor had done.
Benefactor pledges continued support
Ghulam Sakhi Sakha, the young man behind the initiative, said he had already enrolled more than 150 orphaned, working and poor children in his educational centres.
He recently admitted 15 orphaned children from a government orphanage into his private school and pledged to support them through Grade 12.
“I have personally experienced the hardships of being an orphan and living in poverty, so I try to do what I can to provide educational opportunities for these children,” he said.
He emphasised that he would continue expanding the programme to include more children and ensure wider access to education.
Experts stress importance of education
Abdul Basir Karimi, an education expert, praised the initiative, saying such efforts could provide opportunities for children who otherwise lack access to education.
He noted that individual initiatives not only expand educational access but also strengthen a sense of social responsibility and solidarity among young people.
He stressed that investing in the education of disadvantaged children not only transforms their individual lives but also contributes positively to long-term social development.
Officials welcome initiative
Director of Labour and Social Affairs Mawlawi Nasrullah Ansari thanked Sakha for enrolling 15 orphaned children from the orphanage into his school.
“This will allow the children to benefit from better educational opportunities,” he said, adding that more than 250 orphaned children live in the orphanage.
Zabihullah Wafa, spokesman for the provincial education department, also supported such initiatives, saying efforts were ongoing to coordinate with relevant institutions to expand educational opportunities.
He said cooperation between government bodies, the private sector and charitable individuals could play a key role in ensuring broader access to quality education for all children.
He emphasised that providing education for orphaned and deprived children remained a key need in the province and such initiatives could help fill existing gaps.
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