Emergency Relief Appeal
Aid for Flash Flood Victims in Northern Afghanistan
On 10 May 2024, devastating flash floods hit several provinces in Afghanistan, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in their wake.[1] The northern provinces of Baghlan, Takhar, and Badakhshan, along with central Ghor and western Herat, suffered the most severe impacts. In Baghlan, specifically, five districts suffered the full force of the floods, worsening an already dire situation.
According to reports from the World Food Program (WFP) as of 11 May 2024, the consequences of this catastrophe are grim, with a death toll of 300 and more than 1,000 homes destroyed. Countless individuals have been left injured.[2] The scale of devastation is unprecedented, and the urgent need for assistance cannot be overstated.
In the face of such overwhelming tragedy, the people in these flood-ravaged areas are in desperate need of our support. Basic necessities like food, water, medical care, shelter, and clothing are in critically short supply. Adding to the complexity is the limited capacity of the de facto government in Afghanistan to provide adequate relief efforts.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Organisation for Humanitarian Initiatives (OHI), a non-governmental organisation registered in Afghanistan and the UK, has launched a fundraising campaign to aid those affected by the floods. But we cannot do it alone. We need your help.
We implore you to stand in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan during this time of unprecedented hardship. Your generosity can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have lost everything. Every donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to providing vital assistance to those in need. Your support will help alleviate the suffering of countless individuals and families struggling to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of this disaster.
Below are the bank details where you can send your donations:
Bank Account in the UK:
Business Name: ORGANISATION FOR HUMANITARIAN INITIATIVE
Sort Code: 821208
Account Number: 20032123
Card Number: 5356481043501551
Bank Account in Afghanistan
Beneficiary Name: ORGANIZATION FOR HUMANITARIAN INITIATIVES (OHI)
Beneficiary Account No: 000101214292641/USD
Swift code: AZBAAFKA
Thank you for your compassion and generosity in this time of crisis. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by the flash floods in Afghanistan.
[2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/11/more-than-150-killed-in-afghanistan-flash-floods-government-says
Empowering Afghanistan Youth for Global Opportunities
In the era of rapid globalisation and technological advancement, Afghanistan youth encounter multifaceted challenges hindering their pursuit of education and employment opportunities within Afghanistan and abroad. Among these challenges, a significant barrier arises from the limited proficiency of youth in the English language, impeding their access to both educational avenues and the job market. While citizens of neighboring countries dominate job markets in Arab and Western nations,Afghanistan citizens face disproportionately low employment rates, often confined to low-income positions within their own country.
This disparity engenders a vicious cycle for Afghanistan youth, perpetuating their exclusion from national and global employment opportunities and contemporary education abroad. The resulting isolation and despair further widen the gap, especially for girls who face additional restrictions on education and work, intensifying the challenges they confront.
Tackling this intricate situation demands comprehensive interventions across various fronts. From addressing the population’s mental health needs to reforming the education system, creating economic opportunities, and enhancing social welfare, a holistic approach is imperative. However, such a comprehensive strategy often demands substantial resources, making it challenging for smaller organisations to address fully. Nonetheless, a cost-effective and impactful intervention involves empowering youth with essential skills for pursuing education and employment inside Afghanistan and overseas. This encompasses proficiency in the English language and the ability to navigate proper national and international education systems and bolster their employability.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing this critical need, OHI has forged a strategic partnership with Winsome International
Language House. Through physical classes, Winsome and OHI aim to equip several youths in Afghanistan with the linguistic and practical skills required to enhance their language proficiency, explore educational opportunities within the country and abroad, and develop a nuanced understanding of global educational landscapes. This collaborative initiative seeks to break the barriers constraining youth, opening doors to a more interconnected and promising future.
The objectives of the project are:
The project will continue with each period running for six months, with classes conducted three days a week for 20-30 students. OHI aims to leverage its extensive network in the UK and the US by bringing in instructors from various sources, including Chevening scholars and Afghanistan citizens who have studied or are currently studying in the UK, Europe, or the US.
The primary beneficiaries of this project are young girls deprived of education and employment opportunities within Afghanistan. Boys will also have the chance to participate and benefit from the program.
The first round of classes with 19 students is currently underway.
