Afghanistan is a vast and beautiful country inhabited by warm and generous people. But being a child in Afghanistan can be pretty grim at times. Over two decades of war have left the Afghan people facing enormous problems. Poverty is widespread - Afghanistan is the 5th poorest country on Earth, and life expectancy is just 44. 1 in 5 children die before their 5th birthday. With much of the infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and community buildings still to be rebuilt, the government is struggling to establish itself as a functioning authority in the regions. Literacy rates are only around 30% on average, and 5% in Helmand Province. The BBC have an excellent Afghanistan information page at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7741767.stm

Perception of Afghanistan and it’s people is often negative; the Afghan Appeal Fund hopes to show the other, more positive face of Afghanistan. 

“If you ask the girls what they wish for most, it is to become doctors, teachers or engineers and then to serve their people. Their other wish – for peace.”
Sarah Fane, Afghan Connection

“Education is the foundation of society. People are aware of its importance. As schools are reconstructed, the country is reconstructed.”
Principal, Parwan Province (UNICEF quote)

Jools Rixon has composed the song “Every Step of the Way” about the Afghan people for the Afghan Appeal Fund.

An Afghan youth group in Bamiyan sent their message to us - read more.