A VALUABLE EDUCATIONAL PROJECT FOR IMPROVING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN IN AFGHANISTAN

By Emilio Asti

Education is the foundation of development and a vital path to promoting peace. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, countless children are deprived of education. Many have no roof over their heads and become street children. Despite the gravity of this tragedy, it often receives little attention from the media.

Children may differ in background, but they are all essential to the future of society. Every child deserves the opportunity to study and develop their talents freely, in an environment free from war and violence.

In Afghanistan, decades of violent conflict have left the country in a dire state, with many people lacking basic necessities like adequate food and shelter. To make matters worse, natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and droughts have compounded the hardships.

Afghanistan is marked by violence and poverty, with a significant proportion of its population being very young. Tragically, many Afghan children have fallen victim to war. Some have been killed or injured by the countless unexploded landmines scattered across the country. Over the years, many schools and hospitals have been destroyed or severely damaged.

The prolonged conflicts, severe restrictions, and sanctions imposed on Afghanistan have hindered the development of a strong educational system. As a result, many children are unable to attend school. While some progress has been made, the standard of education remains poor, and the Afghan government still faces immense challenges in addressing this issue.

Today, illiteracy is widespread, and the lives of children are extremely precarious, especially in rural areas. Harsh winters, starvation, and a lack of resources and medical facilities place children and the elderly at great risk. Exposed to harsh weather conditions, many struggle to survive.

For several years, as a scholar of Oriental cultures, I have studied Afghan civilization, written articles, and delivered lectures in Italy and abroad to share the richness of its culture. My goal has been to contribute to humanitarian efforts that bring relief to the Afghan people.

At the end of last year, I had the opportunity to connect through social media with a young Afghan named Elham Khan from Jalalabad, an important city in eastern Afghanistan. Elham has been leading a voluntary educational and humanitarian initiative called the Help Educational Centre. This project aims to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for poor children and orphans whose lives have been disrupted by war and poverty. Many of these children have parents who are no longer able to care for them.

Impressed by Elham’s initiative, I began supporting his efforts. Through video calls, I have witnessed the classrooms and, at Elham’s request, occasionally interacted with the children.

At the end of October, I traveled to Afghanistan to witness the project personally. Being Elham’s guest was deeply inspiring and provided me with invaluable insights into various aspects of Afghan society.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Elham’s work is that it extends far beyond teaching. He offers psychological support to his pupils, fostering relationships that go beyond the conventional teacher-student dynamic. Elham and his collaborators focus on instilling in the children a profound understanding of life’s purpose—not merely for personal well-being but as a mission dedicated to God and society. While learning academic subjects is essential, Elham emphasizes that becoming honest, responsible individuals is even more important.

In his classes, Elham also enrolls girls, promoting their literacy and social integration. He teaches boys the importance of respecting and valuing girls as equals. In a country like Afghanistan—where women have long suffered discrimination and abuse, and where many still face severe restrictions on education and public participation—this effort is a vital step toward women’s empowerment. Promoting gender equality is a cornerstone for broader societal progress.

In my opinion, this project transcends the conventional idea of education. Education, as exemplified by Elham’s work, is not merely the transmission of knowledge; it carries a higher meaning. I deeply admire Elham’s dedication to winning the hearts of his students and providing them with a spiritual vision that helps them overcome challenges and obstacles. He encourages them to see their potential as citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society, while also teaching the importance of sustainable resource use.

The students are motivated to develop their skills and broaden their perspectives by learning about various topics. Elham places special emphasis on Afghanistan’s rich spiritual heritage while fostering openness to new educational methods. The project is interdisciplinary in nature, as it not only teaches basic knowledge but also encourages critical thinking and meditation on what is being learned.
This approach promotes respect for other peoples and cultures, helping students to overcome selfish tendencies and harmful habits. Elham ties these lessons to the Islamic concept of jihad, interpreted as the continuous spiritual struggle for self-improvement.

The project also organizes special workshops tailored to the interests of the children, inspiring curiosity and a love for learning. Beyond literacy in their native language, Elham places great importance on teaching English. With the help of illustrated booklets and notes designed by him, the children begin to understand and speak basic English, giving them tools to connect with the wider world.

Elham firmly believes that his primary duty as a teacher is to offer encouragement to children who have suffered from a deep sense of disillusionment. His words aim to help them overcome their hardships, emphasizing the power of prayer to face adversity and bring calm to the mind, even in uncertain times. He seeks to inspire them to love their fellow human beings unconditionally, fostering compassion and unity among his pupils.

For Elham, the role of a teacher goes beyond the classroom. He views it as a calling to embody the principles of truth and goodness, offering service to others in everyday life. Acting as a compassionate spiritual guide, he strives to address the diverse needs and interests of his students while giving them opportunities to develop and showcase their talents.

To nurture a sense of joy and camaraderie, Elham occasionally organizes entertainment activities that provide moments of relaxation and fun. These events are designed not only to uplift the children but also to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship among them. Furthermore, he sometimes gives small, practical gifts to the children—not just to make them happy but to teach them the importance of valuing what they receive. He encourages them to share these gifts with those in need, fostering generosity and empathy.

Elham and his team hope that this initiative will inspire similar projects and that, despite the challenges, they will eventually be able to expand their educational programs. Their dream is to establish a safe shelter for street children and create even more opportunities for learning and growth. They firmly believe that achieving social and economic development requires responsibility, persistent effort, and unwavering optimism. Step by step, they aim to bring positive change to their community.

According to Elham and his staff, improving the lives of children demands a profound and sincere commitment to building networks of solidarity. By working together, they hope to contribute to the betterment of the community as a whole. Education, they believe, is a powerful tool for fostering peace and justice. It can spark a new awareness and spread hope throughout Afghan society—a vital step toward creating a brighter future for all.