Working street children schooled through Sozo’s partnership with Aschiana

The idea behind the Aschiana schools is simple—to change the future. From a present of poor, illiterate, homeless children working or begging on the street, Aschiana aims to bring hope.

Aschiana is a private Afghan agency dedicated to the welfare of working street children and their families. Through the school program these children learn life survival skills, basic education, literacy and numeracy. Children also receive skills development, vocational training, and health education. They are provided access to basic health care and taught environmental awareness.

From one school that opened in 1995, the system has grown to five schools in Kabul that educate more than 2,500 students as well as temporary schools in refugee or Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps that educate another 800 children.

Sozo International's work with Aschiana began in May 2005 with military volunteers from the coalition forces in Kabul. Sozo has raised money to help clothe the children, to buy sweaters and coats, socks and blankets for them for the winter. Sozo also helps buy shoes and school supplies.  Sozo partners with the Hopeful Hearts, a children’s aid foundation, to supplement the daily lunch at the Karte Char school. Hopeful Hearts has also donated clothing and school supplies for the Aschiana children.