They’re not living — they’re fighting to survive.

They’re not living — they’re fighting to survive.
Being a child in Afghanistan means something very different.
Here, childhood is not about toys, joy, or peaceful school days.
For millions of Afghan children, life starts with poverty, fear, and the constant fight to survive.

Many families in Afghanistan live in extreme poverty. Children are often forced to work from a very young age — on the streets, in markets, in small workshops, or even in dangerous mines. Not because they want to, but because they must. For many, working is the only way to eat.

Education is a distant dream for millions. Schools are destroyed or lack teachers, books, and basic safety. In many areas, there are no schools at all. And even when schools exist, girls are often not allowed to attend. These children are not only losing their childhood — they are losing their future.

Malnutrition is everywhere. Nearly half of Afghan children under five suffer from stunted growth. Hunger weakens them. Basic medical care is out of reach, so diseases that are easily curable in other countries can be deadly here.

Years of war have left deep emotional scars. Many children have seen violence, lost their homes, or watched loved ones die. They live in constant stress, with trauma becoming a part of their everyday life.

In some families, young girls are forced into marriage in exchange for money, food, or to settle debts. Boys are sometimes used by armed groups or made to work in dangerous conditions. These children are not protected. They are not free.

But even in these dark conditions, there is light. Afghan children are strong. They smile through pain. They work hard. They keep hope alive — even when the world forgets them.

This is not just a crisis. It is a human tragedy. And the world needs to pay attention. Every child deserves safety, love, and a chance to grow.