SUSTAINABLE INCOME GENERATION

Orphan Care Afghanistan Welfare Organization OCAWO has started self-sustainability programs for the families of the orphans in the capital and other provinces of Afghanistan in order to help these families generate income and escape poverty so they can pursue their education. These programs consist of milking cow distribution, tailoring machine distribution, mushroom farming and orchard farming.

Small Business (Qarz-e-Hasna)

The Qard Hasan (Interest-Free Loan) Program was launched in July 2024. Under this initiative, orphaned children or their guardians receive small businesses based on their skills and preferences after a thorough assessment and the necessary orientation. The businesses are established through interest-free loans to help families become self-reliant and generate sustainable income.

Each beneficiary repays the loan gradually by depositing a fixed monthly amount into the bank account of Orphan Care Afghanistan Welfare Organization until the full loan amount has been repaid. No additional charges, service fees, or interest are collected.

The average Qard Hasan loan is approximately 20,000 Afghanis, equivalent to about USD 350, for each orphan family. Depending on the loan amount, beneficiaries repay between 1,000 and 2,000 Afghanis per month. The repaid funds are then recycled to establish new small businesses for other eligible orphan families, making the program sustainable.

As of 6 July 2026, the program has created income-generating opportunities for 287 orphan families through small businesses.

To date, a total of 6,000,000 Afghanis, equivalent to approximately USD 94,000, has been distributed as Qard Hasan loans. Of this amount, 2,500,000 Afghanis, equivalent to approximately USD 39,500, has already been repaid and deposited into the organization’s bank account. The program continues to operate successfully.

So far, 16 businesses have been lost due to various natural and unforeseen circumstances. Another 24 businesses are currently operating in weak condition, while the remaining 247 businesses are active and performing well. On average, each active business generates more than 200 Afghanis in daily profit.

According to our latest evaluation, these businesses have generated a combined net profit of more than 15,000,000 Afghanis, equivalent to approximately USD 234,300, for beneficiary families. This program continues to expand, providing sustainable livelihoods and long-term financial stability for orphan families across Afghanistan.