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  1. Who We Are
  2. Our History

Our History

Afghanaid was founded in 1983 and since then we have worked in almost every province in the country. Despite over three decades of conflict and insecurity, we have never left. We have become one of the longest serving and most widely respected charities in Afghanistan.

Watch our 30th Anniversary film

1980s: The Beginning

1980s: The Beginning

Afghanaid was set up as a British charity in 1983 to provide assistance to Afghans in hardship and distress. We opened our first office in Peshawar, Pakistan, to provide emergency relief to those fleeing Afghanistan during the Soviet-Afghan War. Read more

Published: 3rd September, 2017

Updated: 4th September, 2017

Author: Deleted User

1990s: From Relief to Rehabilitation

1990s: From Relief to Rehabilitation

Afghanaid continued to provide emergency relief to people affected by conflict and natural disaster in the 1990s, but also began to focus on the rehabilitation of infrastructure and rural development. Read more

Published: 7th August, 2017

Updated: 15th September, 2017

Author: Deleted User

2000s: Communities Take the Lead

2000s: Communities Take the Lead

Despite the fragile security situation after the 9/11 attacks, considerable efforts were made to continue our programmes throughout this period. In 2003, Afghanaid became a facilitating partner of the National Solidarity Programme. This formed the backbone of our work for the next thirteen years. Read more

Published: 7th July, 2017

Updated: 15th September, 2017

Author: Deleted User

2010s: Women and Water

2010s: Women and Water

Building on its long experience of bringing drinking water to communities, Afghanaid made Water, Sanitation and Hygiene a key element of its strategy in 2010. Afghanaid also significantly stepped up its women's empowerment work in this period. Read more

Published: 7th July, 2016

Updated: 15th September, 2017

Author: Deleted User

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Showing 10 of 4

Latest

  • By Her Side: UK Aid Match animation

  • Press release: Christina Lamb adds support to Afghanaid’s By Her Side appeal, helping women in Afghanistan to transform their futures

    Press release: Christina Lamb adds support to Afghanaid’s By Her Side appeal, helping women in Afghanistan to transform their futures

    Journalist and best-selling author Christina Lamb OBE launches Afghanaid’s By Her Side appeal with UK government matching public donations until 30th September 2022.

  • Afghanaid's Cultural Festival with Elaha Soroor

    Afghanaid's Cultural Festival with Elaha Soroor

    Join us on 10th August for an exciting celebration of Afghanistan's vibrant and varied culture with Afghan pop musician Elaha Soroor.

  • Change starts with her. Change starts with you. Change starts By Her Side.

    Change starts with her. Change starts with you. Change starts By Her Side.

    Thanks to her small business selling products she makes, Arzo’s family has been able to weather the storm of the past year, but thousands of other women just like her are still struggling, “Right now things are difficult... Since last year, the price of food and other items has increased, but our animals are healthy and we have food to eat.” Read her story here.

Most read

  • Afghanistan Crisis Appeal

    Afghanistan Crisis Appeal

    As the people of Afghanistan face Please give generously to provide urgent, life-saving assistance to men, women and children in Afghanistan.

  • Instagram Link in Bio

  • Is Afghanistan in the Middle-East? Afghanaid Explains!

    Is Afghanistan in the Middle-East? Afghanaid Explains!

    We hear this all the time when people discuss our work, but here's the answer to the all important question of whether Afghanistan is in the Middle-East!

  • What is culture like in Afghanistan?

    What is culture like in Afghanistan?

    Afghanistan is rich in traditions and customs but, for many of us, this melting-pot of cultures is a bit of a mystery. Read our guide to find out more about the culture, music and food in Afghanistan.

  • Conflict and Crisis in Afghanistan

    Conflict and Crisis in Afghanistan

    In August, the Afghan Taliban took control of Afghanistan. There is now tremendous uncertainty as to what the future holds for the Afghan people, and the country is now in the grip of a major economic crisis. Read our full update here.

  • About Us

    About Us

    Supporting change that will last

  • #FeedTheFuture

    #FeedTheFuture

    For farmers like Mohammad living in remote rural Afghanistan, finding food over winter is a struggle for survival. But these farmers will not give up. And neither will we. With our support they are finding innovative ways to survive and thrive. You can be part of this mission.

  • A Guide to Afghan Greetings

    A Guide to Afghan Greetings

    As is consistent with Afghanistan's modest and extremely hospitable culture, greeting Afghan people correctly is important to show both sincerity and respect. Follow our guide to Afghan greetings and discover why they are particularly suitable to our new COVID-19 reality.

  • Jobs

  • Nowruz in Afghanistan: Everything You Need to Know

    Nowruz in Afghanistan: Everything You Need to Know

    300 million people celebrate Nowruz worldwide. In Afghanistan, celebrations usually last around two weeks, culminating on the first day of the Afghan New Year. Find out more about what the festival is, and how it is celebrated.

By Her Side: UK Aid Match Appeal

By Her Side: UK Aid Match Appeal

For every £1 donated to By Her Side before 30th September, the UK government will contribute £1 of UK Aid - doubling your donation. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 14th June, 2022

Updated: 5th July, 2022

Author: Natalia Deane

Afghanaid's Cultural Festival with Elaha Soroor

Afghanaid's Cultural Festival with Elaha Soroor

Join us on 10th August for an exciting celebration of Afghanistan's vibrant and varied culture with Afghan pop musician Elaha Soroor. Read more

Start: 10th August, 2022 at 6:00pm

End: 10th August, 2022 at 11:00pm

Published: 30th June, 2022

Author: Kate Arthur

Location: 897a Old Kent Rd, London, SE15 1NL

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Registered Office

The Busworks
Omnibus Business Centre
39-41 North Road
London
N7 9DP

+44 (0) 207 916 9883

[email protected]

Head Office
Kabul
Afghanistan

+93 (0) 799 309 373

[email protected] 

Charity registration numbers: England and Wales 1045348 and Scotland SC044614, Company number: 3034888

We are working to achieve a peaceful and thriving Afghanistan.

Every day, our dedicated staff are on the ground providing life-saving support and long-term solutions for vulnerable communities. We need committed help to continue this work.

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