Books and learning offer a powerful coping mechanism for Afghanistan’s orphans
Children are suffering the worst consequences of Afghanistan’s collapse and for those without families, the outlook is particularly bleak. As the country descends into chaos, children are among those most at-risk from the pressures piling onto a population already traumatized by conflict and now facing rising poverty and starvation as food prices spiral beyond the reach of ordinary Afghans.
“A lot of children are at risk in Afghanistan at the moment, but those living out on the streets day and night with no one to take care of them are especially vulnerable,” says Diana, a child psychologist, citing forced labor, sexual abuse and drug trafficking among the threats they face.