In the aftermath of the Afghan earthquake, the shock was immediate, 500,000 people were impacted. But five months later, people across Kunar, Laghman and Nangarhar provinces are still living with loss of shelter, of income and of a sense of safety. War Child and its local partner Organisation for Human Welfare (OHW) were already on the ground which meant we were able to step up to help children and families affected, thanks to the support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
A crucial first step in our work was establishing Community-Based Child Protection Committees. Community relationships post crisis are vital, so we can hear directly from people about their needs and involve them in decision-making and the roll out of our work. In Kunar, six committees have been established with 90 members in total, including 42 women and girls.
We are providing cash for protection to help families cover urgent expenses for children who have been identified as vulnerable. This means the money supports each child’s individual needs, for example medical treatment for health complications or providing a wheelchair to a child who has faced injuries in the earthquake.
For many caregivers, it's been difficult to find a steady income post-earthquake, and daily survival needs means facing impossible choices. Easing the financial pressure on families helps children recover from trauma and ensures their support is prioritised. In December alone, 24 families received cash and 300 children were identified and supported.
For children, the emotional impact of the earthquake remains deep. In Kunar, we were able to provide specialist mental health and social support to 360 children who accessed our child friendly spaces in the months following the earthquake, up to November.
These are spaces where fear can be spoken aloud and where a sense of safety can begin to return. Local communities have now taken over the work at these spaces, with check ins and support from the War Child team.
Child-friendly spaces continue to play a vital role in this recovery. These safe, welcoming places allow children whose homes have been destroyed and who are dealing with trauma to play, learn, and simply be children again.
In Kunar, six additional child-friendly spaces have been established as part of the earthquake response and will support around 1080 children. Heating, stationary, toys and food and drink are being provided through our partner OHW.
Recovery takes time. But with sustained support, children and families are not facing it alone.