What's going on in Afghanistan?
Considered one of the poorest countries in the world, 72 percent of the population of Afghanistan currently lives in poverty. A number of factors contribute to this: political instability, food insecurity, dependence on foreign aid, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participation of women in society and access to good education for girls is a continued area of concern. The country is also adversely affected by global warming, which has caused drought and led to loss of crops and livestock. Additionally, insecurity and violence has displaced millions of Afghan people, both inside and outside the country.
What is Islamic Relief USA doing to help Afghanistan?
Through their regional offices in Kabul, Balkh, Herat, and Nangar-har provinces, Islamic Relief USA has worked to distribute the following items to people in Afghanistan: food aid, hygiene kits, essential non-food items like cooking pots, emergency tents, and much more. Additionally, IR Afghanistan will begin winterization and health projects in the country with support from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
For Afghan families in the US, IRUSA teams are working with partners to reach families and provide them with support and essential items to help them as they arrive and transition to life in our communities. Some of these efforts include providing shelter, emotional care, spiritual care, and cultural items for Afghan refugees.
How is ISI’s Humanitarian Service team raising money through IRUSA for Afghanistan?
Our humanitarian team's focus is on women's empowerment programs and education. We plan on hosting a number of events, including bake sales/concession stands, a ‘pie a senior’ event, charity bingos and raffles, and a stationary stand. The Jumuah bake sale and basketball concession stand will take place at our school and will be directed toward all students and the community. Our “pie a senior” event is a collaboration with ISI’s Student Council and is a fun and interactive way for middle and high school students to support our cause. The virtual charity bingo card will be shared through our school’s mist social media account; it will target various groups of people such as middle and high school students, friends, family members, and the community at large. Those who donate will have the chance to win prizes chosen by our team, which will create a sense of excitement and pride for our supporters, especially when they successfully complete one bingo card. Since our main focus is on the improvement of education, we will also have a stationary stand where we will sell children's pencils, erasers, pens, and fun stickers as a way to engage the elementary students as well.
How Can You Help Afghanistan?
IRUSA is advocating and amplifying the voices of our Afghan brothers and sisters and you can get involved. Your advocacy, volunteerism, and donations are how we can help support and get aid to Afghan families who are in desperate need right now. Click below to take action today, and stay tuned to this page for more information as it becomes available.