Afghanistan

 

Afghanistan has faced years of armed conflict and political instability, which has left millions of people displaced within and outside Afghanistan. The current political and economic conditions are a key driver of displacement. Many flee the country and the over 6.6 million internally displaced persons (2022) continue to live in extreme poverty with little access to government assistance.

Our Work in Afghanistan

Since 2005, JRS has accompanied internally displaced persons (IPDs) in the camps in Kabul and Herat provinces, providing complementary education for children, vocational training, youth programs, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), social cohesion programmes, and emergency support.

Complementary Education provides out-of-school children an opportunity to start or continue their education. JRS centres offer these children a safe space to relish their childhood and stay off the streets. Nutrition ensures that deprived children get basic nutrients through daily food rations, which parents are not able to provide on a regular basis.

The integration of Social Cohesion and MHPSS in the JRS education and training programmes helps the students to grow in a holistic and constructive way while being surrounded by violence. The children share their life stories and concerns with other students, teachers, and MHPSS counsellors. This platform has helped children and adults find meaning in their lives amidst the difficult environment.

The accompaniment of the IDP youth has resulted in growing volunteerism among them. Many youth have volunteered to participate in the education program for children between 4-6 years.

Vocational training through ‘Skilling Circles’ aims at providing a platform for skilled artisans to work together for income generation. Additional skill development of the youth through various trainings is conducted, based on the market assessments.

See Our Work

Students attending a JRS English class in Bamyan.
Girls students in a JRS school in Afghanistan attending a primary school class.
Girl students attend a class in Bamyan.
Students of the Herat Technical Institute celebrate Peace Day.

Contact

JRS South Asia Regional Director

Fr Stan Fernandes SJ

southasia.director@jrs.net

Project locations:

Herat, Bamyan, Daikundi, Kabul

Visit The JRS South Asia Website