Day of Families Celebrated in Kabul

Kabul, Afghanistan - UPF celebrated the International Day of Families in Kabul on May 14 by reaching out to ten poor families in one of the many slums of the city. The purpose was to spread the culture of celebrating such important day and articulate the central role of the family in establishing a peaceful and harmonious society.

Parental love and family bonds are still very much alive in this country, and they play a significant role in bonding among individuals. This is fortunate in a country like ours that has been hit by wars and crawls on the outskirts of a sustainable peace. The fact that Afghanistan has strong families should be highlighted and strengthened, considering the notorious situations in which Afghanistan’s name is placed in the headlines of the world media.

After a week of discussion and preparation, Afghan and international members raised funds and collected second-hand clothing to provide some aid for a handful of many who desperately need it. On May 14, a day before the occasion, some of the softhearted and bright-minded Afghan youths gathered in the UPF office in Kabul. After a brief discussion about the philosophy and history behind the International Day of Families, at around 9:00, the volunteers headed towards the Tang-e Logar, a place not far from the city center. After distributing aid packages consisting of food and garments, they shared words and feelings with the families who have been living in tents. The rice, oil, tea, soap, candy, and used clothing helped over 100 displaced people in the tent camp.

We saw a life that is miserable and nasty, where ten families dwell close to a garbage dump in tents and dusty, half-ruined walls along with their animals. Hygiene, schooling, and even clean water are the most scarce resources for the children and elders of this camp. They live by collecting garbage and doing physically hard work, in a situation that challenges both one’s mind and conscience.

We felt the unspoken love and hope that tie the family members together. If asked about their life, the answer is, “God is merciful, we breathe by His hope.” For them, a moment of our time and a bit of our effort bring a big change.