Managing Director Betina Gollander-Jensen met Maria in the Tajik city of Kulob, where Mission East supports a rehabilitation center for children with disabilities. Maria suffers from muscular dystrophy, but has still been able to complete the high school exam with top grades and must now study law at university.
Mission East's local partner Zarshedabonu has received a "gold medal" from Tajikistan's Ministry of Social Protection. Managing Director Betina Gollander-Jensen inaugurates newly renovated children's center.
Evacuation from Kabul airport is nearing completion, but Mission East will remain in Afghanistan to provide emergency relief and continue climate projects to alleviate droughts and floods.
Extreme droughts and water shortages are plunging the population of Kurdistan and Nineveh into a food and health crisis. Mission East is making a massive relief effort in both Syria and Iraq.
Rising temperatures, failing rainfall and extreme drought are now having serious consequences for as many as 12 million people in Syria and Iraq.
The Taliban is asking Mission East to continue development work in Afghanistan. "We will do so within the next few days if the Taliban guarantees our security," says Managing Director Betina Gollander-Jensen.
Afghanistan is in great uncertainty since the Taliban took over the country. Western powers withdraw, but Mission East remains in the country to support the vulnerable population.
Mission East's more than 100 local staff in Afghanistan are staying at home while guards look after the organization's four offices. The programs are on hold but resume as soon as the Taliban can guarantee security.
