Responding with Resilience: A New Chapter for Survivor Care in Afghanistan
In the face of changing political realities and increasing constraints on civil society, Hagar has taken a bold and strategic step to ensure continued support for Afghan children who have experienced severe trauma.
Hagar has worked in Afghanistan since 2008 supporting thousands of women and children through residential and community programs.
Now, Hagar is shifting from a residential care model to a community-based model of care—one that reflects global best practices in child protection, maintains the organization’s strong standing with Afghan authorities, and engages families to deliver survivor-centred care at scale.
Why Community-Based Protection?
Vulnerable children face widespread instability and drastically reduced access to food, healthcare, and education—conditions that place children at heightened risk of exploitation, abuse, and trafficking.
Hagar’s decision to transition to community-based child protection responds to this urgent need.
Rather than relying on centralized shelters, Hagar’s model brings support directly to the neighborhoods and families where children live, ensuring care is culturally sensitive, sustainable, and locally led.
“We’re not stepping back—we’re stepping closer,” says Rohullah Ahmadi, Country Director for Hagar in Afghanistan. “This approach brings healing and protection into the heart of the community.”
About the Community-Based Child Protection Project
The new initiative, launched in April 2025 is grounded in the belief that safe communities are the cornerstone of long-term recovery. The project aims to support children who have experienced trafficking, abuse, and exploitation—particularly those living in or reintegrated from government-run shelters and those currently living on the streets of Kabul.
Core Services Include:
- Case Management – Walking the whole journey of restoration with each child and connecting them to services like healthcare, education, and psychosocial counselling.
- Medical Care – Providing basic medical care and referral to partners organizations for additional support.
- Education – Supporting children with scholarships to attend school
- Vocational Training – Providing life-changing skills in tailoring, plumbing, baking, and mobile repair.
- Psychosocial Counselling – Hagar’s trained counsellors will provide trauma-informed support to hundreds of individuals.
- Recreational Support – Structured activities will promote healing and community belonging.
- Economic Empowerment – Small business start-up kits and entrepreneurial support for children and their families.
- Outreach & Training – Equipping community and religious leaders, teachers, and caregivers with Trauma Informed Care (TIC), child protection and human trafficking awareness training.
A Model for the Future of Child Protection in Crisis Settings
Even amid political change, survivor care must go on—and it can, when rooted in community, trust, and adaptability.
As the organization continues to serve the most vulnerable with compassion and courage, this project stands as a model for trauma-informed, scalable care in fragile contexts.
Join Us
This work is only possible with the support of committed partners, donors, and community champions. Learn more about our work in Afghanistan, or donate today to restore life and dignity for survivors.
