QURBANI AFGHANISTAN

IR-Afghanistan staff discuss their Qurbani programme and how it helps the people of Afghanistan.

How long has IR-Afghanistan been carrying out Qurbani distributions?

Islamic Relief’s Country Office within Afghanistan was established in April 2001. The initial activities through which we could pave the path towards helping the needy people were Qurbani and Ramadhan free food distribution. Distribution of fresh and/or canned meat and Ramadhan packages helped IR Afghanistan to penetrate the target community and asses the real needs of the people. All in all, IR Afghanistan has been carrying out Qurbani distributions for 7 consecutive years.

How many people usually benefit?

IR Afghanistan always puts a lot of time and effort into benefitting as many people as possible. We insist on cost effective intervention. On average 5,000 to 6,000 families are helped through the Qurbani programme.

Will the current food crisis affect the number of people you are able to help?

Surely, the current food crisis has caused huge displacement in the country. Large numbers of families faced with economic burden, lack of employment and lack of adequate food headed to the capital cities and took refuge either in partly demolished government buildings or in tents. Qurbani distributions normally benefit the people who live in the tents or live below the poverty line.

How is the money for the distributions raised?

The money is raised by IR fundraising offices in Europe and the US. Locally, it is not possible because the ones who can afford to celebrate Qurbani usually help the poor people directly rather then giving to an institution or charity organisation.

What are the main challenges you face in carrying out the distributions?

The challenges we normally face are, security and a rise in the price of cattle. Mostly, security issues limit our movement and this means that we cannot reach our target population and we have to shift our intervention to an alternative one. We usually witness a raise in the price of cattle as we are approaching Eid Days. This practice often creates a budget deficit.

How do you decide who should benefit from the distribution?

IR Afghanistan has maintained a very strong network with government officials, NNGO (national non-governmental organisations) and INGOs (international non-governmental organisations). In order to reach the needy we conduct informative meetings and collect the required information from them. Based on collected information the COMT (Country Office Management Team) select the beneficiaries and plan the distribution.

How much of an impact would you say the Qurbani programme has?

Firstly, the Qurbani programme helps IR Afghanistan to be in close contact with its primary stakeholders (beneficiaries) and so asses their needs. This exercise also assists IR Afghanistan to plan new projects and programmes which can best meet the need of the beneficiaries.

Secondly, Qurbani distribution helps the poor to receive a package of meat and/or a certain number of canned meat items to feed their family members and to help their children to celebrate this occasion with a smile on their faces.

Thirdly, it builds a strong image of IR Afghanistan in the region that helps people accept how much we care about those who are often forgotten.