1998 - 2002
Community development
Following the success of the pilot programme in the previous two years, Afghanaid now began a community development approach to all of its programme. We established village organisations (VOs) as decision making bodies and through them we set up wheat banks, health education, income generation, veterinary care, and agriculture programmes. The VOs have decided on community based engineering projects and contributed labour and materials, alongside Afghanaid's technical expertise and equipment, to carry them out. These later devloped into Community Development Councils created in cooperation with the Afghan Government's National Solidarity Programme.
Engineering
Afghanaid continued to undertake important engineering work, repairing, maintaining and building roads and bridges and constructing aqueducts, wells and water supply systems. Afghanaid's engineering work has continued and is currently developing a micro hydro-power scheme.
Earthquakes
Afghanaid was among the first agencies to respond to the two devastating earthquakes which hit northern Afghanistan in February and May 1998. Working jointly with other organisations, we sent wheat, biscuits, tents, wood stoves, plastic sheeting, milk and medicines. Later we funded Oxfam's work, rebuilding houses and improving sanitation in the affected areas.
Our community development and engineering programmes continued to operate in Badakhshan and we began work in Nuristan province.
Disaster Response
In the winter of 2001-2002, Afghanaid distributed food, blankets and emergency aid to more than 250,000 Afghans. We provided a milking goat and kid to around 2,700 vulnerable older people in the drought struck highlands of Ghor and provided basic building materials so returning refugees could repair damaged housing in Paghman. With over 200 Afghan field staff already in place in three provinces of the country, Afghanaid worked throughout the period of conflict in appalling winter conditions. That was our immediate response to the emergencies faced in the initial post-conflict period.
Child Development Programme
Afghanaid commences its Child Development Programme which started on a pilot basis in 2001 in Badakhshan. The aim of the programme was to assist 100 communities to move towards an environment where children’s fundamental rights are respected and put into practice.
The project started in 10 sample target communities to raise awareness of the issues related to child rights and to involve community members (both children and adults) in addressing those rights. Initial keen responses by these communities were very encouraging, indicating that the project is focusing on a priority issue for the beneficiaries. Main activities included awareness training on child rights (based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child(CRC)), the initiation of peer groups and the distribution of literacy and CRC material to schools and other concerned community bodies. The CRC training initially targeted particularly the village organizations, VO (Later the Community Development Councils CDCs) leaders and teachers.
Security Issues
It is worth noting that despite the fragile security situation in the area before and after the September 11 incident, considerable efforts were made to achieve most of the planned projects. Afghanaid continued throughout this period with its community development programs and engineering programmes.