A young Afghan girl wearing a white head scarf black outfit and a leg brace writes on a chalkboard
Afghanistan

Children conquer war wounds with rehabilitation, psychosocial support

More than a year after U.S. troops withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban seized control, Humanity & Inclusion's teams continue to work with civilians injured in conflict.

These photos show three children who are thriving with rehabilitation care and psychosocial support.

c_E.-Blanchard_HI__Afghan_girls_wearing_white_head_scarves_sit_at_school_desks.jpg

Sosan, 13, from Naw Badam

One day, when Sosan and her father were out for a walk, she was hit in the leg by a bullet. Her father rushed her to hospital, but she lost the use of her leg.

Sosan was given rehabilitation sessions to learn to walk again using a walker. She talked to Marzia, a psychologist with Humanity & Inclusion, who helped her cope with the sadness she was feeling. Today, Sosan is back at school.

"Whenever I have any free time, I draw, sew or read. I love reading books in English. After my studies, I want to become an English teacher.” 


c_E.-Blanchard_HI__A_young_Afghan_boy_wearing_a_coral_outfit_and_an_artificial_limb_walks_down_a_sidewalk_with_elbow_crutches.jpg

Asef, 10, from Herat

One day, on their way to school, Asef and his friends approached an unfamiliar object. It was a mine. It exploded, killing his sister and cousins. Asef lost his right leg in the accident. With the support of Humanity & Inclusion, Asef received an artificial limb and crutches. He is now having rehabilitation sessions to learn to walk again.

"Thanks to the help of Dr Hashimi, I can walk again. In the day, I go to the mosque and draw at home. My school is too far away, so I can't go back there yet. But as soon as I’m better, I want to go back to school. Then I can become a doctor myself and help other people.” 


c_E.-Blanchard_HI__An_Afghan_girl_wearing_a_green_outfit_lies_on_her_stomach_on_a_cushion__pushing_her_upper_body_off_the_floor._A_rehabilitation_specialist_wearing_a_head_scarf_and_mask_supports_her_chest.jpg

Yasamin, 8, from Herat

Yasamin was injured by shelling as her family attempted to flee their village. Strengthening her muscles with physical therapy and using a leg brace, she's able to walk again and has returned to school.