Bringing Hope to Hijrat Mina
In the quiet village of Hijrat Mina, nestled within the Bagrami district of Kabul province, Khair Mohammad and his family once faced daily struggles due to the lack of safe drinking water. The village’s story took a transformative turn thanks to the collaborative efforts of KSrelief, AHTF, IsDB, OIC, and the dedicated implementer, DACAAR.
Before this intervention, Khair Mohammad’s family, including his six children, endured harsh conditions. The search for water consumed their days as they marched long distances to fetch it. This burden often fell on the children, preventing them from attending school and madrassa regularly. For the women, including Khair Mohammad's wife, the task of fetching water was both exhausting and dangerous.
The lack of clean water led to severe health issues, with diarrhea becoming alarmingly common among the villagers. Their well-being was compromised, and the community faced constant health challenges.
The turning point came with the construction of a solar-powered pipe scheme by DACAAR. From May 12th, 2023, to May 11th, 2024. This life-changing project, supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, through the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund #AHTF, facilitated by The Islamic Development Bank Group and The Organization of Islamic Cooperation provided a sustainable solution to the village's water crisis. In addition to this, hygiene practices were introduced to ensure the long-term health of the community.
For Khair Mohammad, the impact has been profound. His children now attend school and madrassa regularly, freed from the daily routine of fetching water. The women, too, are relieved from the backbreaking task, allowing them to focus on other productive activities. The overall health of the community has significantly improved, with a noticeable reduction in waterborne diseases.
Reflecting on the transformation, Khair Mohammad shared, “I am happy that my children are now healthier, and they regularly attend the school and madrassa.” His words capture the essence of the project's success, illustrating the deep, personal impact it has had on his family and the village at large.
Khair Mohammad’s story is just one of many in Hijrat Mina, demonstrating how the solar-powered pipe scheme has brought hope, health, and a brighter future to this once-struggling village.
Written by: Israrullah Sahil