A Life of Dignity is Within Reach

Zahir Shah is a 41-year-old father of five living in extreme poverty in Jalalabad. For the past nine years, he has been living with a severe disability that has left him bedridden and unable to properly move his arms or legs. He relies on a wheelchair and is fully dependent on his family for daily care.

Before his condition, Zahir Shah worked to provide for his family, but his long-term illness has left them without a breadwinner and in a state of ongoing hardship. Despite his condition, there is hope for improvement, as he has been advised that proper medical treatment could help his recovery. With access to proper care, testing, and support, there is a possibility that he could regain some mobility and independence, offering hope for a better future for his family.

Family Situation

Zahir Shah's family is living in extreme poverty and hardship, struggling daily to survive. With no stable income and no assets, the family lacks even the most basic necessities required for a dignified life.

They live in a small, poorly constructed mud room built with their own hands on land that does not belong to them. The shelter is unsafe and incomplete, without even a door or a strong roof, leaving the family exposed to harsh weather conditions and constant insecurity.

With Zahir Shah unable to work, the responsibility of providing for the family has fallen on his young children. His eldest son goes out to collect scrap metal and plastic to sell, earning a very small and inconsistent income which is used to buy basic food such as flour. When this is not enough, the daughters are forced to go door to door in the neighbourhood asking for bread or food, highlighting the severity of their situation.

The family faces constant food insecurity and lacks access to clean water, proper clothing, and basic household items. Their daily life is defined by hardship and uncertainty, with no reliable means of support. Despite these challenges, they remain patient and hopeful that with support, they can rebuild their lives and live with dignity.

Family Needs

Zahir Shah's family urgently requires support to rebuild their lives and move out of extreme poverty.

Their most immediate need is a safe and secure home, as their current shelter is inadequate and exposes them to harsh weather and unsafe living conditions. A proper home would provide protection, stability, and dignity.

The family also requires consistent access to basic necessities including food, clean water, clothing, and essential household items such as bedding and cooking supplies. At present, these needs are not reliably met, leaving them vulnerable to hunger and illness.

Medical care is critical for Zahir Shah. He requires proper medical assessment, treatment, and medication to improve his condition. Further evaluation by qualified doctors could determine whether additional treatment or procedures are needed. Providing him with appropriate mobility support, such as a wheelchair, could also greatly improve his quality of life.

The children need access to education, including school and madrassah, along with essential supplies such as books, uniforms, and stationery. They are currently unable to attend due to financial hardship.

In addition, the family requires a sustainable source of income so they can support themselves and reduce their dependence on aid.

Family Breakdown

Zahir Shah, aged 41, lives in poverty in Jalalabad with his wife Shohla, aged 54, and their five children: Nasratullah, aged 10, Zainab, aged 8, Hamza, aged 6, Asiya, aged 4, and Yahya, aged 1.

Due to Zahir Shah's long-term disability, he is unable to work and requires ongoing care. The family has no stable source of income, and the responsibility of supporting the household has fallen on his eldest son, who earns a small and inconsistent income collecting and selling scrap materials.

The family lives in extremely difficult conditions and struggles to meet even their most basic daily needs. Despite this, they remain hopeful that with the right support, they can improve their situation and secure a better future for their children.

Cost Breakdown

Food Supplies — £1,500

Solar Water Well & Clean Water — £1,500

Clothing — £1,000

Home Construction — £5,000

Household Items — £1,000

Education & School Supplies — £1,000

Medical Treatment & Assessment for Zahir Shah — £2,000

Electric Wheelchair — £1,000

Income-Generating Project (shop, sewing machine, cows, goats, chickens, etc.) — £3,000

TOTAL: £17,000

Join us in transforming this family's desperation into a future of independence and hope.