11 OCTOBER 2010 | BALA BULUK DISTRICT, FARAH PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

 

When 19-year-old Adbul Manan of Bala Buluk District in Farah Province learned that his father had died as a result of accidental fire from international military forces, he made the difficult decision to drop out of school and become the breadwinner for his mother and three younger siblings.

 

“I was very disappointed that I had to leave school and it was difficult to earn money,” said Abdul.

 

With assistance from the USAID-funded Afghan Civilian Assistance Program (ACAP), the family has been able to establish new income and Abdul has been able to return to school.  ACAP provided livestock for a small business, an irrigation water pump, a tailoring kit, and an education support kit.  Said Abdul, “Every morning, I sell dairy from the livestock.  Thanks to the pump, we grow vegetables to sell in the bazaar.”

 

Abdul’s sister Zia found benefit in the tailoring kit that has given her the opportunity to sew and repair dresses, providing extra income and experience as a seamstress.  The two youngest members of the family, Fariba and Naqibullah, are also delighted with the education support kits that contain much treasured pencils, pens, notebooks and whiteboard which they use every afternoon for homework and drawing.

 

The ACAP assists Afghan families and communities suffering losses resulting from direct or indirect international military operations against the Taliban and insurgents.

 

With assistance from USAID’s ACAP, hundreds of Afghan families are receiving the assistance they need to make better lives for their families.