UMCOR in Afghanistan: A Better Place to Learn

NEW YORK, September 22, 2006—More than 8,000 children now have a better place to go to school because of a recently-completed project by UMCOR Afghanistan. Three schools in Gardez city, located in the south eastern region of the country, were damaged and in disrepair from the long years of war, then during the winter recess the government opened the schools to families returning from refugee camps in Pakistan and Iran. They built fires and kept livestock indoors for lack of other options. This rendered the schools unusable after the families left for another place to live.

UMCOR Afghanistan heard the concerns of these communities and helped them refurbish the three schools, repairing damage from the war and misuse. The students are excited to have a better place to go to school. “Now our classrooms are looking very nice as they are well painted and lighted,” says Zarifah. “Finally we are studying in very peaceful and calm conditions.”

UMCOR is also helping students in Gardez and other parts of Afghanistan by giving them school kits. These notebooks, pencils and other items will help them have what they need to go to school. Some 9,073 school kits are currently enroute from UMCOR Sager Brown, the United Methodist relief supply depot.

UMCOR established its work in Afghanistan in May 2002. UMCOR Afghanistan actively engages in helping the people of Afghanistan recover from decades of conflict and four years of drought. To accomplish this, UMCOR Afghanistan implements programs in reconstruction; income generation; health and education; emergency response and intervention; and demobilization, disarmament, rehabilitation and reintegration of former combatants.

How You Can Help
Cash gifts support UMCOR’s work in Afghanistan. Checks can be mailed to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087. Write “UMCOR Advance #602225, Afghanistan Emergency” on the memo line of your check. One hundred percent of your gift will contribute to UMCOR’s work in Afghanistan.