Success Story: Farid and Parisa – A Life Changed Through Humanitarian Assistance

(Names ‘Farid’ and ‘Parisa’ are pseudonyms)

Background

Farid and Parisa, a brother and sister recently returned to Afghanistan from Iran, are among thousands of Afghans who face immense uncertainty upon return. According to recent data, more than 1 million Afghans have returned from neighboring countries in the past year alone, many without housing, jobs, or access to basic services.

When DOHA’s field team met Farid and Parisa during a routine assessment in Kabul, the siblings had gone nearly three days without food and were sleeping in unsafe conditions. Their parents, themselves struggling with poverty, were unable to provide even the most basic support.

The Challenge

Like many returnee families, Farid and Parisa faced acute food insecurity, lack of shelter, and health risks. Without urgent intervention, their situation would likely have worsened.

“We didn’t have anything to eat. My little brother cried from hunger at night. I was afraid he might not wake up.”

— Parisa (pseudonym), 11 years old

The Intervention

The DOHA team immediately flagged the family as a high-priority case under its emergency returnee response program. With support from generous donors, the children were provided with ready-to-eat food and then enrolled in the hot meal distribution program at Saraie Shamali Camp.

In coordination with partner agencies, the family was also referred for:

– Psychosocial support

– Protection case management

– Livelihoods assistance

The Impact

Today, Farid and Parisa are no longer food insecure. They have access to warm, nutritious meals and are living in safer conditions. More importantly, their family is now connected to longer-term recovery services.

Their story is one of many, but it reflects the profound impact that coordinated, timely humanitarian assistance can make in a child’s life.

“Now we eat every day. My brother is smiling again.”

— Parisa

Conclusion & Call to Action

Farid and Parisa’s journey from hunger to hope was made possible through rapid action and sustained support. But many more children are still waiting.

With your help, DOHA can reach more vulnerable families, provide life-saving assistance, and help returnees rebuild with dignity.

Support our mission today, because no child should go to sleep hungry.