Strengthening Communities Through Transformational Development
Our mission.
Partnering with at-risk Afghan communities to create a sustainable future and transformed lives through healthcare, education, and economic initiatives. We seek to do this in a holistic manner that considers physical, relational, and spiritual components. We intend to learn, partner, and provide resources to this end.
Our vision.
Be a catalyst of hope and change in some of the most vulnerable and forgotten communities in the world.
Our values.
Relationship.
We build relationships that demonstrate hospitality, authenticity, and respect of one another.
Partnerships.
We enter into partnerships that serve Sozo’s mission and vision and benefit Afghan communities.
Service.
We serve others in a relational context by setting positive examples and going the extra mile.
Empowerment.
We equip and encourage national leadership while we serve behind the scenes.
Pioneering.
We pioneer in our area of work through innovation, creativity, and intentional risk-taking, assured that achieving our vision is worth the risk.
Our history.
More than two decades ago, a network of healthcare professionals was seeking a place they could concentrate their efforts for a noticeable impact. They were invited to go with a short-term team visiting Afghanistan before the fall of the Taliban. The Afghan healthcare system was in shambles and access for women was all but non-existent. Sozo International’s seeds were planted here.
Small, incremental steps were taken and then the unthinkable happened – 9/11. With the fall of the Taliban came open doors never before imagined. Sozo International was launched.
The work started with a strong emphasis on healthcare and emergency relief. The vision grew as Sozo saw the great need to rebuild a sustainable infrastructure, a community of educated youth, and opportunities for adults to work and build their skills.
Today.
Today, Sozo has grown into a nationally recognized NGO (Non-governmental organization) in Afghanistan. We have received accolades from the Ministry of Health for the model used at our clinics, one of holistic care partnered with community health education.
Additionally, our education models serve the street-working children of Kabul and provide adult literacy and skills training to provide hope of an economically sustainable future.
