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Afghanistan orphanage making a difference

Posted: Friday, October 30, 2009 12:34 PM by Sam Singal

Editor's note: Here's more information on Brian Williams' Making a Difference report.

Video: A home for Afghanistan's war orphans

 

Afghan Child Education and Care Organization (AFCECO) is an Afghan non-profit organization based in Kabul, founded by a group of volunteers in 2001. They are working with international partners in the United States, Italy and Australia on projects that benefit Afghan children. The Child Sponsorship Program is one of the successful projects they started in 2004 through a partnership with CharityHelp International (CHI), a U.S.-based organization.

If you would like to make a donation online or sponsor an Afghan child, please visit: https://www.charityhelp.org/afceco

AFCECO
P.O. Box 5820
Kabul, Afghanistan
info@afceco.org

Please note: Many viewers have inquired about the possibility of adopting war orphans from Afghanistan. There is no adoption under Afghan law--but specific questions regarding adoption should be directed to the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan. More information can be found here: http://kabul.usembassy.gov/adoption2.html

 

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These orphanages give the lie to the belief that there is no hope for Afghanistan. AFCECO's educational philosophy is inspiring. They are not merely providing food and shelter for these children, they are raising a generation of young women and men who will be true leaders in their communities.

I'm fortunate enough to be a sponsor of four of the girls in Mehan. We have created a website called Hope for Afghan Children (http://www.hopeforafghanchildren.org), which is devoted to building a network of sponsors. We are working hand in hand with AFCECO (http://www.afceco.org) and Veterans for Afghanistan (http://www.veteransforafghanistan.org) to bring in more sponsors and make sure these orphanages thrive even in hard times.

Rose Vines (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 3:15 PM)

As a long-time sponsor of children in these orphanages, I can say, from my heart, that the experience of getting to know these children personally and to see them learn and grow is as close to pure joy as I have ever known.

These orphanages are funded entirely by donations from sponsors -- not government, foundation, or corporate money --- just regular people like you and me who want to make a real difference in the lives of these children now and in the future.

I very much hope that Brian's "Making a Difference" story this evening will encourage others to consider sponsoring a child.  And thank you, so much, Brian and the NBC crew, for bringing us this story and showing us that some light do shine in Afghanistan.

Doffie Rotter, Storrs, CT (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 3:59 PM)

Thank you for the posting. We see Americans gave to Iraq and now Afghanistan children and as charities continue to help restore the lives of these kids. My daughter had us send Christmas toys to kids who had nothing. As she served in Afghanistan. We see the money given to the Afghanistan Govenment isn't going to the people so the Charities are the one's to help. Many question if their money is being used for what is reported as we witnessed the Red Cross abuse the billions given during the 9/11 attack. With the US looking to Westernize the Afghan people and the Churches looking to teach Christian Religion to reduce the next generation from follow the Muslum religion it might prove to be a problem for Americans to give like they use to. The United States is still in a recession and many are losing their homes, jobs and life savings. We see American children without heath care as even the schools are reducing their hours and supplies. We see children in the United States of America living in cars and bagging for food. We see our soldiers return from service and are homeless and there is lack of medical treatment. When we invaded Iraq while not going of Bin Laden in Afghanistan we gave over 1 Trillion dollars to Iraq and charities were gave to the people. We have free medical care for the injured and even built roads for people to travel. We have almost everything we had as our President said it was to win the heart and minds. We now see the Iraq Govenment with a budget surplus but the Govenment is corrupt.  President Karzai is following the Iraq plan as with the billions the US gives Afghanistan nothing goes to the people. This isn't the first time the US has used taxpayers money and charities to convince a country to follow our lead. Give the people of Afghanistan help not a hand out. Success was seen when countries were given seeds and animals to grow crops and live stock. Watching the children of both Iraq and Afhanistan is heartbreaking but so is watching the children in as much need right hear in the United States of America.

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 6:34 PM)

I would like to know if it is possible to adopt a child from this orphanage, as my wife and I would love to do that.

danny odom, lubbock, tx. (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 6:57 PM)

My gosh--I couldn't get to the computer fast enough.
TV CAN make such a positive difference.  Thank you for this story.

Julia Roberts, St. Albans VT (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 7:00 PM)

The links are not working for me right now.  I am looking forward to sponsoring at least 2 kids.  I have 4 kids of my own and If I could I would sponsor more.  Instead of selling my girls cloths, I normally donate them but Id rather give them to an organization that will give the cloths away for free.  I hope I can do that here as well.  

Priscilla Resendez, Laredo,TX (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 7:01 PM)

We're going to sponsor a child as soon as we can access the website - it's already crahsed or has too many connections. What a great way to help others and to connect my five year old twin daughters to the world beyond Atlanta, GA. Thank you Brian Williams for your moving story!

Sabina C (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 7:05 PM)

I cannot make an one-time donation.  Cannot not donate after click the one-time donation button.  The link doesn't work.

Jone Chen, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 7:10 PM)

Thank you, NBC, and Brian Williams, for stories like this one from Afghanistan.  The nature of war is that it de-humanizes the "other," and it is so important for folks here to see stories like this to be reminded that we're ALL human.  There are "bad" and "good" Afghans, just as there are "bad" and "good" Americans.  We need to see more of the "good" individuals.  I cannot afford to sponsor a child at one of these orphanages, but wonder if the organization accepts donations of clothes?  

Vickie J., Frankfort, KY (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 7:13 PM)

Trying to donate.  Hope it is because so many people are donating that I just can't connect to the website

marj, NJ (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 7:15 PM)

I wish to donate, but do not want to establish an "account".

Brian Kirk, Willard, Missouri (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 7:28 PM)

Orphan Sponsorship International has been helping impoverished children for over 10 years.  A Cedar Rapids, Iowa native, Nick Hindman started OSI to help children in Russia.   There are now three orphanages in war torn Sri Lanka, one in Pune, India, two in Russia and one in Bulgaria.  

His programs are unique in that every dime donated for the sponsored child goes to the child.

http://www.orphansponsorship.org/about.html

Connie Johnson (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 7:38 PM)

My wife and I just made a small one time payment.  We would love to adopt a an afghan girl and get her out of that war zone.  Thank you for that report.  

Orlando Perez, Houston, TX (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 7:40 PM)

I will be joining the many others who will be signing up tonight to sponsor a child. To those who might argue we should sponsor children in the US first, I say - What better way to help end this and other wars than to ensure that the world's children are healthy, happy and most critically, educated.  Education leads to self sufficency, a way out of poverty and away from the powerful influences of the groups that feed on ignorance and poverty.  Thank you NBC for highlighting AFCECO.

B. Walker Herndon, VA (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 7:53 PM)

Great story.  I was moved and just became a sponsor

Dave Tomfohrde,Hinsdale,Illinois (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 8:04 PM)

Thank you Brian Williams for the encouraging report on the Afghan orphanage. I recently read "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini and I know the desparate plight of young orphaned girls. Your report inspired me to donate to this orphanage. I hope you will repeat the segment to inspire others. Susan Clanton

Susan Clanton, Kalispell, MT (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 8:12 PM)

What a truly wonderful news story. Great job Mr. Williams.  Have been trying for twenty minutes to spnsor a child, can't get in. All photos are being viewed.  A very proud Mexican American, who loves his country. Jg El Paso, Texas

John Guerrero El Paso, Texas (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 8:12 PM)

Is it possible to adopt one of the children in the orphanage?? Please contact me @ angel7Lc@aol.com
THANKS!!

L. Courtney --Palmetto, Fl (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 8:17 PM)

What are the possibilities of adopting a child from there?

wais- wilington, nc (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 8:49 PM)

It takes a great deal to move me to tears these days because there are so many horror stories.  Brian's report is trully uplifting.  Like others, I wish I could reach out an adopt one of those children.  In the meantime, I'll wait until the site is less busy, and then make a donation.

If ever there was a group of children, especially girls, who need help, this is the group.  I only wish I could do more than donate money.

Marie Rosland, Portola Valley, California (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 9:02 PM)

Such a wonderful story that brought both me and my wife to tears. We just ran to our computer but the site is already so busy..Thanks Mr. Williams..For one bad guy there are thousands good guys and that's how the we will overcome this mess..God bless you and may god bless those wonderful girls and boys and their truly divine teacher

Nirupam, Rosemount, MN (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 9:03 PM)

I would like to know if any of these children are available for adoption.

Jill, St. George, UT (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 9:06 PM)

As others before me, "Thank You".  I too was moved by this story and find that maybe it will be possible to have peace when we have peaceful children.  These children are learning that someone cares and that Americans aren't not the enemy.  What better way for future generations to live without war and fear, when they are taught that the world has a heart and wants them to have a chance for a happy life.

Liz, Antioch CA (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 9:19 PM)

On behalf of CharityHelp International (CHI) and Afceco, I wanted to say thank you to Brian Williams, NBC, and all of the viewers.  We're greatful for your support as we try and make a difference in the lives of these children and the people of Afghanistan.  Thank you.

Jeffrey Neu (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 9:28 PM)

I think of "Half the Sky" and "Three Cups of Tea".  thanks Brian Williams and NBC.  I give gladly for such courage.  Peggy Poore, Sarasota, FL

Peggy Poore, Sarasota Fl (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 9:33 PM)

Thank you so much for such a positive report.  Having just visited Afghanistan this month, I heartily agree that the people are some of warmest and most engaging I have met anywhere. I would love to use my influence to help with child sponsorships in my area of the US.  How can I help?  Please put me in touch with the right people.  Bob Stone, Seattle, WA.

Bob Stone, Seattle, WA (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 9:38 PM)

I too,would like to know if it is possible to adopt children from the orphanage. Please contact me at free2beam@yahoo.com,
THANKS!!

Debra (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 9:39 PM)

My Husband and I would love to adopt a male or female if possible! We both can offer a wonderful life for a child of most any age to help. We have a beautiful home and can afford another child. We would love to share the love we have! please email how to adopt to: dreamersinn@yahoo.com

Julian Chilton. Soldotna, Alaska (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 10:06 PM)

If you are having trouble getting access to the sponsorship site, please keep trying. Or, if you simply can't get through, feel free to send a message to me, rose@hopeforafghanchildren.org. I am keeping a list of names and email addresses of potential AFCECO sponsors, and I can notify you directly about becoming a sponsor.

Rose Vines (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 10:14 PM)

I was very moved by the orphanage story. To see such smiles where smiling is not expected was heart warming. And the lady you interviewed was an inspiration.  My wife and I are retired but I am making a small donation to their cause. Kudos to Brian WEilliams and NBC for the story.

Robert Anderson, Vista, CA (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 11:12 PM)

Great report. We were moved and have made a donation to help the Afghanistan Children.

Bob, Seattle, WA (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 11:18 PM)

We would love to adopt one of these girls if that is possible.  The website seems impossible to get to so I hope we hear back.

E. van der Zee (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 11:25 PM)

We would love to have the opportunity to adopt one of the girls.  The website seems impossible to reach.  Thank you

E. van der Zee, Pleasanton, CA (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 11:27 PM)

what would be involved in the process of adopting one of these children? B. Idaho

B. Moon (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 11:36 PM)

What a wonderful story; such beautiful hearts in this Afghanistan orphanage, it is very touching.

I hope many children will be sponsored and possibly adopted from this orphanage. This need is present around the globe;  For photolistings of children available for adoption around the world, please consider:
         
   www.comeunity.com   (click on photolistings)

(I have no affiliation with this website).
May all of our children find their way home!

P.James----Ann Arbor, Mich. (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 11:41 PM)

I am 84 and a retired RN.  How I wish I were 40 years younger and I would be there to help those beautiful children.

Mary Fladness, Tucson, Az. (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 11:44 PM)

Brian. Thank you for such a heart felt report, it bought tears and joy to see those children smile. I hope and pray for love,peace, and unity for all of us in this messed-up world. How could we adopt a child from the orphanage? Brian be safe, and thank you NBC.

Zaida Marion (Sent Friday, October 30, 2009 11:45 PM)

I would like to find out about adopting a girl from this orphanage. As soon as I saw the news story, I knew it was what I wanted to do. Thank you.

A. Stein, Santa Monica, CA. (Sent Saturday, October 31, 2009 12:06 AM)

Once again Brian Williams connects with the less fortunate in the world in such a direct, important and practical way.  While we were thinking, "What can we do?" Brian reads our collective minds and offers ways for us to help.  We now are privileged to be able to sponsor Laila, a lovely nine year old girl.  I hope by Monday, Brian will be able to report on the generosity of his loyal viewers.  Thanks for the opportunity.  It's a start.

Joan and Harold Tyndall (Sent Saturday, October 31, 2009 12:25 AM)

This story really moved me as well.  I too would like to know if it is possible to adopt any of these children.  

T. Bennett, Astoria, Oregon (Sent Saturday, October 31, 2009 12:35 AM)

I just made a small donation. It is all I can afford at this time.  As the son of Holocaust survivors, I feel a special affinity for children affected by wars, and wish I could do more. I also hope that somehow this world can figure out how to overcome all the hate and live in peace.  There is only 1 Earth in our universe.

Jeff B, San Ramon, CA (Sent Saturday, October 31, 2009 12:42 AM)

As an adoptive parent myself, I am curious if any of these are currently adoptable?

Brad McCain, DuPont, WA (Sent Saturday, October 31, 2009 12:52 AM)

Ladies and gentlemen:  These children are Afghan and almost surely they are Muslim and as such cannot be adopted.  There is a process in Islam whereby guardianship can be transferred to a Muslim couple willing and able to raise orphans in Islam.  I don't know if this even exists in Afghanistan.  They cannot be adopted by non-Muslims. I know that Afghanistan is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on Adoption so the best thing you can do is sponsor the children (or if you are Muslim look into the possibility of 'adoption' but it would be an arduous process even for an Afghan couple living abroad).  

Thank you for understanding.

Don (Sent Saturday, October 31, 2009 1:42 AM)

My husband and I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to adopt one or more of the children in the orphanage, is this possible? Please let us know.
lesley_anya_smith@live.com

Lesley Smith, Shepherdsville, KY (Sent Saturday, October 31, 2009 3:09 AM)

This "Making a difference" story inspired me, as I see children with bright smiles in Afganistan, a country I used to feel no close connection. As some reader says in the comments, these are the children who will become the future leaders of women and men. It feels a thread is connected as a citizen who shares the same air and time, and all resources.

Yoshimi Yoshida (Sent Saturday, October 31, 2009 3:10 AM)

Thank you for this wonderful story. I wish I had the money to sponsor a child but I did make a donation and hopefully I can make another one next month. Keep up the good work Mr. Williams.

Jared F. Penn Valley PA (Sent Saturday, October 31, 2009 3:31 AM)

We have just heard news from Andeisha and Jamshid in Kabul. So far, this news story has brought them thousands of dollars in one-time donations and, more importantly, 61 new sponsors.

Thank you to NBC and Brian Williams for letting the American public know about AFCECO's work.

We welcome any new sponsors - and anyone thinking about becoming a sponsor - to join the AFCECO sponsors' community at http://www.hopeforafghanchildren.org. If you are a veteran, make sure you check out the great work being done for AFCECO by veteransforafghanistan.org.

Rose Vines (Sent Saturday, October 31, 2009 7:22 AM)

After seeing the show on Afgan orphans late tonight, it moved me deeply. I am looking forward to introducing my 3 children to there 2 new friends we have sponsored a half a world away, when they awake. I just wish there was more we could do for those kids.

mike salmon (Sent Saturday, October 31, 2009 8:03 AM)

GreAT TO HEAR ALLL THIS AND SEE THE GOOD RESPONSE FORM THE US.
I am very involved with www.sawa-australia.org here in Victoria Australia and we also support AFCECO. Afghan childern have such great potential-we must help financially.  Money is best as they can buy cheap clothing.

Grace McCaughey (Sent Saturday, October 31, 2009 8:23 AM)


Thank You NBC News for presenting this feature on the Afghan Orphanage and its courageous, inspirational founder. Continue these types of stories so we all see the devastating effects of war. Please continue these types of stories on these kinds of effects after our troops leave. Generations of Afghans will pay a heavy price due to many U.S. and Asian leaders misguided ideas related to economic power,greed, religion and nonreligious ideas about dominating other people.

Mike Galbreath, Peotone, Illinois (Sent Saturday, October 31, 2009 9:32 AM)



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