Afghanistan
CRS helps Afghan women form self-help groups, learn basic skills and choose income-generating projects to work on. Photo by Laura Sheahen/CRS
For the last 25 years, Afghanistan has been plagued by disasters ranging from drought and earthquakes to war and terrorism. Afghans face low life expectancy, high illiteracy rates, and limited access to clean water, sanitation and electricity. Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world. Today, as the country takes steps toward recovery, Catholic Relief Services helps people racked by war, poverty and drought. Our programs help Afghans rebuild their homes, farms, and war-damaged streets and buildings. Key areas of our work include agriculture, water and sanitation, education, women's livelihoods, and emergency response.
Latest Stories From Afghanistan
View all stories »»
World Water Day Is March 22
With two thirds of the earth under water, you might not think we'd need a day to remind us that millions of people don't have near enough of it. »»
Education in Afghanistan: Changing Minds
Nisa Gul's mother didn't want her to go to school—until the 9-year-old Afghan girl brought home a special book. »»
Afghanistan's Women Breadwinners Beat Hunger
In Afghanistan, impoverished women are escaping poverty and hunger through CRS-supported self-help groups. »»
Stats
| Population: | 33,609,937 (July 2009 est.) |
| Size: | 249,935 sq mi; slightly smaller than Texas |
| People Served: | 147,245 (2011 est.) |
History
CRS began working in Afghanistan in 1998 with local organizations through the international Caritas network. Shortly after September 11, 2001, CRS opened offices in Kabul, Kandahar and Herat, with suboffices in Herat and Ghor provinces. We began by providing food, shelter, and vocational training and materials to returning refugees and the poor who had suffered severely from drought, oppression and war. Over time, CRS started rehabilitation work, helping people rebuild their homes and farms and establish basic ways to make a living. CRS supports cash-for-work programs that allow people to earn money by rebuilding neglected and war-damaged infrastructure, such as irrigation canals and roads. With a new program in Bamiyan, CRS now provides access to education, clean water and sound livelihoods for Afghans living in some of the most remote parts of the country.
Partners
The Afghanistan National Association for the Deaf (ANAD) is one of only a few organizations improving the lives of Afghans with hearing impairments. Offering basic primary education, teacher training and vocational training in Kabul, ANAD has opened the door to learning and life opportunities for many, including students, teachers and most of the staff, who also have hearing impairments. CRS has covered rent for ANAD's school buildings and teacher training as well as providing management support.
