Afghanistan Development National Organization-ADNO is a dedicated humanitarian organization working to address critical needs in vulnerable communities across Afghanistan. Focused on child protection and empowerment, ADNO is actively implementing a comprehensive Child Protection (CP) project in Kandahar and Nimroz provinces, aiming to safeguard and uplift the most vulnerable children and their families.
Hazratullah is 6-year-old boy from Takhtapol district, a remote district in Kandahar province, was facing difficult circumstances in his life. He had been neglected by his family due to extreme poverty and a lack of awareness about his needs. He suffered from several untreated diseases, which had significantly weakened him. His inability to walk further compounded his challenges, isolating him from other children and basic opportunities like education and play. His family struggled to meet even his most basic needs, and leaving his future uncertain.
The ADNO case management team began by providing MHPSS services to Hazratullah to address the psychological toll of neglect and illness. Through regular sessions, trained counselors worked with him to build his confidence and help him process feelings of abandonment. Play therapy and storytelling were incorporated to make the sessions engaging for Hazratullah, allowing him to express himself and develop trust. These interventions helped him regain his smile and his emotional resilience.
Recognizing Hazratullah’ s physical challenges, the case management team referred his case to Handicap International (HI). After an assessment, HI provided him with a walker, enabling him to take his first step toward happiness and joy. This not only improved his mobility but also give him the chance to interact with other children and participate in activities he had previously missed. For the first time, Hazratullah could walk outside and experience the freedom of movement, which greatly enhanced his quality of life.
Understanding the financial struggles of his family, ADNO provided 8,000 Afghanis in cash assistance. This support was vital in meeting his immediate needs, including nutritious food, medical treatment, and other essentials such as clothing and hygiene supplies. The financial relief also enabled the family to improve their living conditions, ensuring Hazratullah could recover in a healthier and more stable environment.
The combined interventions had a life-changing effect on his and his family life. The MHPSS services not only helped him emotionally heal but also strengthened the bond between him and his family, as they began to understand his needs better. With the walker from HI, Hazratullah gained mobility, independence, and a new sense of confidence. The financial support allowed the family to focus on his recovery, ensuring his needs were consistently met.
Hazratullah, once isolated and hopeless, now actively interacts with other children and has started dreaming about attending school. His physical condition continues to improve, and his newfound ability to walk has brought joy to his family and community.
Hazratullah’ s story illustrates the profound impact of comprehensive, child-centered interventions. By addressing his physical, emotional, and financial challenges through a coordinated effort, ADNO, HI, and the MHPSS team created a sustainable path for his recovery. His transformation serves as a beacon of hope, showing how timely support can restore dignity and possibility to vulnerable children in Afghanistan’s most remote regions.
