A humanitarian and development crisis in Afghanistan

Recent events have been devastating in Afghanistan, with the chaotic withdrawal of US military support and the shocking return of the Taliban in August 2021. Not only does this threaten the hopes and aspirations of a generation of Afghans, it is also utterly heartbreaking for those of us that were privileged to live and work in this beautiful country and were so deeply involved in its rebuilding and development. Afghanistan is now in the throes of a humanitarian emergency with thousands of displaced families, particularly in Kabul, and the upcoming harsh winter is envisaged to exacerbate the social and economic crisis. More broadly, there are major risks to human rights and inclusion under the new Taliban regime, especially for women and girls, threatening critical development gains made over the last 20 years.  

Fostering resilience & hope: 
Fundraising for Afghanaid in Kenya

Friends and long-term supporters of Afghanistan in Kenya are organizing an evening fundraiser on Friday Oct 22nd 2021 at the Tribal Gallery in Nairobi for the UK charity Afghanaid.

A dedicated and committed aid organisation with its headquarters in Kabul, Afghanaid has been working tirelessly in Afghanistan for over three decades – kindly see below for its crisis appeal. Afghanaid works in both humanitarian relief and longer-term development, supporting democratic rights and opportunity, particularly related to vulnerable women and girls.

The evening fundraiser* will include a cocktail bar, auction and Afghan dinner. The exciting auction will include some of Kenya’s best and most brilliant artists. The dinner will then be a celebration of Afghanistan and its strong cultural heritage, as we recline on carpets under the Nairobi night sky and enjoy the delights of Afghan fare.  

For art lovers and collectors, we would love to encourage your participation not only in the evening auction if you are able, but also in the digital ‘mini-auctions’ prior to the main fundraiser event…more soon!

Whilst many of you will sadly be unable to attend the actual fundraiser event in person, we would like to urge you to give generously to this emergency appeal for Afghanaid from wherever you are, supporting this extraordinary country and its wonderful people. The Schooner Foundation has pledged to match any funds raised during this campaign.

A huge thank you in advance for donating to this important and worthy cause!

Louise Paterson, Tribal Gallery

Holly Ritchie, THRIVE Kenya

Cynthia Ryan, Schooner Foundation

Carol Lees, One Off Gallery

Nadeem Noordin, Copy Cat Group

* For the evening fundraiser in Nairobi:
Friday Oct 22nd, 5-9 pm
Tribal Gallery, Loresho
Tickets: 12,000 KSH
Please kindly call/MPESA: 0713 825250

Afghanaid’s Crisis Appeal 

Afghanaid calls for urgent support for those families whose lives have been affected by the upheaval during 2021. This includes the continued and increased support of the refugee exodus and ensuring that the funding flows of aid resume and increase, so that NGOs can continue important development work, as well as delivering the immediate humanitarian assistance that is so urgently needed.

As with previous times of difficulty, Afghanaid will continue to work alongside local people to help them overcome the challenges they face and prepare for a more peaceful future for the country. Over the past year, we have worked with the UN to help over a thousand families displaced by the conflict and have the expertise to expand this work if the funds are available.

We have now reopened nearly all of our offices and restarted work in Kabul and in three of the four provinces where we currently have programmes running. In Daykundi, Ghor and Badakhshan both men and women are back at work and we are delivering both important development work focused on climate change adaptation and improving livelihoods, and UN-funded emergency assistance. This includes providing:

* emergency shelter and financial support so families can keep a roof over their heads;

* kitchen kits so that they can cook and safely store food;

* hygiene kits including towels, laundry soap and hand soap;

* items such as solar powered lamps, stoves and gas cylinders;

* emergency food parcels;

* blankets and the support they need to heat their homes and keep their families warm as the winter approaches.

How can you help?

In this difficult time, one thing is clear: we must not forget Afghanistan. Together, we can make a real difference to these people. Donate to our campaign today to support families who need it most at this time, and to support ongoing rights and development.

For more information on Afghanaid’s work, kindly see: 
https://www.afghanaid.org.uk

Campaign supported by the Schooner Foundation

The Schooner Foundation believes in the fundamental right to a life with dignity, opportunity, and access to resources. Founded in 1998, the Foundation seeks to advance human rights by leveraging funds and resources where there is the greatest need and opportunity, both domestically and internationally.

For more information on the Schooner Foundation, kindly see: https://www.schoonercapital.com/the-foundation