October 2022

Allah Dad is 65 years old living in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He has worked as a daily laborer on other people’s land his whole life. He never went to school and cannot read or write. Now, his body is worn out. His back aches. His hands shake. But he still wakes before sunrise each day to look for work. If he finds none, his family of eight goes hungry.

“Though I am getting older, but still work in the fields to earn a living. My family hasn’t eaten good food since few weeks, as I can’t afford it.”

His daily wage is only 300 AFN. This amount cannot cover the basic food needs of his ill wife and children. Most days, they survive on bread and tea alone. Allah Dad knows he cannot continue working in the fields much longer. His age and health no longer allow it. He is not asking for charity. He is asking for a small shop in his village; a place where he can sell everyday goods and earn a modest income without exhausting his body. 

Local NGOs in Afghanistan can support him by providing the materials and basic business training. This simple assistance would restore his dignity and give him a sustainable way to feed his family.

Allah Dad’s situation reflects the reality of many elderly Afghan laborers. They have contributed their strength to the land for decades. Now, they deserve our attention and support.