Khane-Mehr: A Community-Led Initiative for Vulnerable Children in Herat, Afghanistan

Afghanistan, plagued by poverty and the long-lasting consequences of war, faces a tragic reality—thousands of vulnerable children are forced into the harshest forms of labor. These innocent lives endure humiliation, exploitation, and systemic neglect, often deprived of basic educational, healthcare, and developmental opportunities. Left unsupported, they risk falling into dangerous paths of social deviation.

To address this urgent need, we founded Khane-Mehr (House of Kindness)—a community-driven initiative dedicated to supporting, educating, and empowering vulnerable children. Our mission is rooted in sustainable service delivery, focusing on providing educational, medical, and nutritional assistance to street-working children and child laborers.

We believe in the power of local support. From the outset, Khane-ye-Mehr has operated independently of foreign aid, relying instead on the generosity of friends, fellow citizens, and community members who trust our vision. Thanks to this approach, we began with just 30 children. Today, that number has grown to 150 children—a testament to the strength of community-driven change. With God’s grace and continued public support, this growth continues steadily.

Our aim is not only to support these children but to transform them into capable, empowered, and productive members of society. We do this by offering consistent access to food, healthcare, and high-quality education in safe, inclusive environments.

Current Educational Centers

1. Shalbafan Educational Center

Located in western Herat, Shalbafan is part of District 7 and is among the most impoverished and underserved neighborhoods in the city. At present, 30 girls and 30 boys are enrolled at the Khane-ye-Mehr Educational Center here. Alongside structured educational and developmental programs, children receive:

  • Free educational materials

  • School bags, shoes, and uniforms

  • Regular medical check-ups and treatment

  • Daily nutritious meals

This initiative directly addresses the urgent needs of children in one of Herat’s most vulnerable communities.

2. Badmurghan Educational Center

Badmurghan, one of the oldest central neighborhoods in Herat, belongs to District 4. The community here consists largely of honorable, low-income families engaged in daily labor and small-scale occupations. Understanding the needs of their children, Khane-ye-Mehr now supports 70 girls and boys in this area through:

  • Quality educational and life skills programs

  • Provision of learning supplies, bags, shoes, and clothing

  • Comprehensive medical and nutritional support

This center serves as a beacon of hope for families striving to uplift their children from cycles of poverty.

Upcoming Center (Planned)

Qosnan Village – Injil District

Qosnan is a remote village in the Injil district, located north of Herat city. Despite being home to over 1,000 needy and deprived families, it currently lacks any formal school facilities. In response, Khane-ye-Mehr has registered 80 eligible boys and girls for enrollment. However, the launch of this center depends on securing financial support for:

  • Classroom setup

  • Teaching materials

  • Staffing and administration

  • Nutritional and medical assistance

Should these resources be made available by generous donors, the children of Qosnan will finally have access to the fundamental right of education, as well as essential healthcare and nutrition.

Our Vision for the Future

At Khane-ye-Mehr, we are committed to long-term, people-powered solutions. Our success is proof that impactful social change can come from within communities, without dependency on foreign aid. Through continued local support, we envision expanding our reach across Herat and beyond—building a future where no child is left behind.

Together, we can break the cycle of poverty and give every child the tools they need to thrive.