Annual Report of the Afghan Zamin Educational and Development Assistance (AFZENDA) – 2024
Introduction
The year 2024 marked a significant milestone for Afghan Zamin Educational and Development Assistance (AFZENDA). Following its re-registration as a national non-governmental organization (NGO) with the Ministry of Economy of Afghanistan in October 2023, AFZENDA has continued to focus on implementing impactful programs in key sectors such as education, social services, healthcare, environmental protection, and agriculture. This report provides an overview of the institution’s key achievements, challenges encountered, and future plans.
Mission and Vision
AFZENDA is committed to the development of Afghan civil society through a comprehensive approach that includes educational, vocational, social, health, and environmental programs. Our mission is to strengthen community resilience and create sustainable opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized groups who face limited access to such opportunities.
Our approach is grounded in the principles of education, community awareness, skills development, and job creation. By equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge they need, we aim to empower them to actively contribute to their communities and the wider Afghan society.
Our vision is to create an Afghan society that is self-sufficient, educated, and empowered, where all individuals, regardless of gender, have access to high-quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. We aspire to build communities that thrive on social, educational, and economic independence, and ensure the full realization of the potential of all citizens, particularly women and youth.
Key Achievements of 2024
1. Institutional Strengthening
Central Office Activation: AFZENDA successfully reactivated its central office in Kabul, establishing efficient operational mechanisms, policy frameworks, and effective communication channels with national and international stakeholders.
Networking & Advocacy: We built strong relationships with key local and international partners to promote AFZENDA’s programs and garner support for our initiatives.
2. Training and Capacity-Building Programs
Short-Term Medical Training Center: In partnership with Dr. Mohammad Hassan Samimi’s clinic, we launched a three-month hands-on training program in dental processing, first aid, and prescription writing. This program has trained 80 participants, with many now employed in dental clinics.
3. Educational and Vocational Development
Vocational Training: We initiated a comprehensive vocational training program in tailoring, literacy, first aid, and psychological counseling for over 250 women and girls in Kabul’s 17th District. This program, which runs on a volunteer basis with minimal resources, has registered around 300 beneficiaries.
Non-Profit Female School: AFZENDA established a non-profit girls’ school in Kabul, aiming to provide educational opportunities to girls in line with the Ministry of Education’s curriculum. The school is in the process of formal registration with the Ministry of Education.
4. Health Services Development
Health Center Registration: AFZENDA has made significant progress in registering a health center dedicated to maternal and child care in Kabul’s 17th District. Once operational, this facility will provide medical services and psychological counseling to vulnerable families, with an expected capacity of serving 50 to 100 people daily.
5. Community Engagement and Needs Assessment
Identification of Vulnerable Families: We conducted surveys in impoverished areas to identify families in need and prepare concept notes for donor support.
Active Advocacy: AFZENDA has actively collaborated with national agencies and international organizations to address the needs of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
6. Free Drinking Water Distribution Initiative
Access to Clean Water: In response to the critical need for clean drinking water, AFZENDA launched a Free Drinking Water Distribution Initiative in District 17, Solh Township. This program distributed over 2,000 liters of water daily, providing safe drinking water to hundreds of households. The initiative not only addressed the urgent need for potable water but also helped improve health outcomes by reducing waterborne diseases. The project significantly enhanced the quality of life for the families in the area and reinforced AFZENDA’s commitment to improving the daily lives of vulnerable communities.
7. Capacity-Building for Operational Team
AFZENDA organized a series of capacity-building seminars in leadership, human resources management, and financial administration, in collaboration with industry experts. This initiative enhanced the skills of our operational team, ensuring better management of resources and improved service delivery.
Challenges
Limited Financial Resources: While AFZENDA’s programs have garnered strong interest, the demand for our services has far exceeded available resources. This challenge is compounded by the difficult economic conditions in Afghanistan.
Operational Constraints: Limited infrastructure and operational facilities continue to restrict our ability to fully expand programs and services to all those in need.
Future Plans
Expansion of Educational and Health Services: AFZENDA plans to further expand its educational and healthcare services in underprivileged regions, with a particular focus on creating employment opportunities for graduates of vocational training programs.
Women Empowerment Projects: We aim to implement more projects focused on empowering women through skill development, entrepreneurship, and access to financial resources.
Increased Partnerships: AFZENDA intends to strengthen its collaborations with national and international organizations to secure additional funding and resources, which will enable the expansion of our initiatives and ensure the sustainability of our programs.
Conclusion
In 2024, AFZENDA, with limited resources, has made significant strides in improving the lives of marginalized communities, particularly women, through focused and impactful programs. We remain committed to our mission and are hopeful for a brighter future. AFZENDA will continue to work tirelessly towards the empowerment of Afghan women and girls, the development of future leaders, and the creation of a more prosperous and sustainable Afghanistan.
Respectfully,
Afghan Zamin Educational and Development Assistance (AFZENDA)
Date: December 2024
