Poverty Forces Ghor Children into Hard Labor Instead of School

FEROZKOH, Ghor (Afghan Verified) -- Poor and orphaned children in Ghor province say poverty has compelled them to engage in hard labor rather than attend school, as they appeal for educational opportunities.

Hazrat Mir, a 15-year-old boy in the provincial capital Ferozkoh, polishes shoes on the streets to support his paralyzed father and four-member family. "I wanted to go to school like other children, have books and become a doctor, but my father is ill and I am forced to work," he said. He added that harsh winter weather often leaves him returning home empty-handed or with minimal earnings like bread.

His mother expressed concern over his future, stating poverty and her husband's illness forced them to send him to work instead of school.

Ramazan, a 12-year-old orphan, collects scrap iron and wood daily, earning 50 to 60 afghanis to buy bread and tea for his mother and sister. "I want to go to school, but if I do not work, there is no bread in our house," he said.

Amir Hamza, 14, gathers plastic waste, bottles and coal residue for fuel to warm his five-member family during winter. Previously attending school mornings and working afternoons, he now labors full mornings. "When schools were open, I went to school in the morning and worked in the afternoon," he explained. His mother Zainab, 37, worries daily, saying, "No mother is happy to see her child doing hard labour; I want my children to study."

Dozens of such children work in Ferozkoh to ease family financial burdens amid widespread poverty and unemployment, legacies of nearly four decades of conflict. Experts warn that without economic and educational support, children will remain deprived of schooling, perpetuating the poverty cycle. They urge attention from authorities and aid groups.

The children appeal to Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan officials, charities and philanthropists for family support and education access. Officials note ongoing assistance programs.