HRF Learning Center in Kabul Takes Shape

HRF is pleased to announce that the recently established Homaira Rahman Library at the Orphans and Widows Association (OWA) in Kabul has evolved into a dynamic center for learning and will henceforth be known as the HRF Learning Center.  The Learning Center now houses a library and an on-site computer lab which gives the children skills that will ultimately allow them to generate income and become self-sufficient.

In a rapidly changing world, Afghan orphans are especially vulnerable. They will need to master an array of skills in order to compete and succeed and contribute to their families and communities in the near future. To meet these diverse needs and with funds provided by HRF, the center in October 2010 hired an expert who will teach computer skills and English for up to 150 children in this warm and safe environment. The instructor will conduct lessons on a full-time basis five days a week, 5-6 hours per day.

We are extremely encouraged by this latest development that helps uplift the most neglected children in Afghanistan and gives them a chance at a hopeful future. A well-rounded education is critically important to a child's social integration and overall well-being. Thanks to the kindness of our supporters, the HRF Learning Center will continue to flourish and offer precious opportunities for children to think and dream of a life beyond the narrow confines of the school/orphanage. HRF will continue to provide resources to help maintain it. 

HRF´s Annual Fact Finding Mission to Kabul, Afghanistan 

HRF President Ms. Roya Rahman embarked on a self-financed trip to Kabul, Afghanistan in May 2011 to review the organization’s current efforts and assess future projects in support of orphans in need. While in Kabul, she visited the children and met the recently hired (OWA) computer instructor, who was eager to contribute to a better future for the children. The proud students likewise were very excited to demonstrate their newly acquired skills at the HRF Learning Center.

On behalf of HRF, Ms. Rahman purchased and donated seven additional computers, a printer, classroom furniture and an assortment of books to the existing facility. To accommodate additional students, build collaboration, and allow hands-on participation for the children, this Learning Center has now relocated to a larger area at the OWA. Ms. Rahman also had an opportunity to share HRF's story and vision in an interview with NBC's Atia Abawi. Stay tuned for an NBC feature on HRF in Afghanistan. 

HRF Donates Funds to Keep School for Orphans Open in Jalalabad

In March 2011, HRF contributed a total of $3,500 to pay for the monthly operational expenses of the Mir Mohammed Yusuf School located in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. The school is part of Project HOPE (Help the Orphans be Productive and Educated), which is a program led by International Orphan Care (IOC).

Over 230 students, including boys and girls ages 5-17, attend the K-12 and vocational classes offered at the school, while a total of 12 teachers teach English, math, computer, carpentry, tailoring, embroidery and bicycle repair courses. Last year, the facilities for the school’s vocational and mathematics courses were completed.

IOC is a non-profit, non-sectarian, non-political, humanitarian organization incorporated in California in 1993 and qualified as a 501(c)3 charitable organization. The mission of IOC is to provide education, healthcare, nutrition and vocational training to the children of Afghanistan so they can be healthy and productive members of their community. In addition to the school in Jalalabad, IOC supports schools in Herat and medical clinics in Deh Sabz and Dogh Abad.

For more information on this worthwhile collaboration, please contact info@hrfcares.org.

Shop at Local Businesses at a Discount and Help HRF Raise Money

HRF is excited to announce our partnership with FundsOn.com, which has developed an innovative way to raise funds. FundsOn works with family-friendly businesses such as local restaurants, entertainment venues, car washes, spas and much more. Registration is free at  www.fundson.com/HomairaRahmanFoundation. By becoming a member of FundsOn.com, while you shop at participating local businesses or on-line where offered, you can get a remarkable 50-70% discount off regular prices. FundsOn.com will donate to HRF through your membership. FundsOn.com will donate $100 for every 100 supporters that sign up. This is yet another way you can help us raise money and support the neediest children. Please sign up today!

HRF Takes Part in “An Evening in Kabul” at George Washington University

“An Evening in Kabul” was a cultural event that took place in February 2011, showcasing the artistic talents of various Afghan organizations, poets, artists, musicians and students. During this memorable evening, hosted by the George Washington University Afghan Students Association (ASA), HRF presented its mission statement, goals and objectives of helping as many deprived Afghan orphans as possible. HRF’s message reminded everyone of the constant suffering endured by the disadvantaged and needy throughout Afghanistan.

In an effort to raise awareness, in addition to an oral presentation, HRF provided an assortment of informational handouts to the audience. During this evening HRF raised funds through the sale of T-shirts, HRF ribbons, and tins of our magnificent assortment of teas, generously provided by Kuval Select.  Thanks to the generous contributions of attendees, HRF received over $2,000 in donations.

Drew Sohn, founder of Kuval Select, and Scott McNary, his business partner, were also in attendance and graciously served tea samples to event-goers. For further information or to purchase the special Homaira Rahman tea line, please visit www.hrfcares.org or www.kuvalselect.com/homaira.php.

Fall Festival at Bull Run Park Manassas, Virginia

In October 2010, HRF delivered smiles on children's faces during the fall festival hosted by Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow (AEBT). HRF hosted a face painting booth filled with volunteers who hand-decorated each child’s face with flowers, hearts, butterflies and dragons. The hundreds of festival attendees were treated to a wide variety of delightful authentic Afghan cuisine, entertained by talented musicians, a fashion show, art shows, and were enlightened by notable speakers and poets. We were thrilled to participate and to have this opportunity to inform the community of our long-term goal of establishing a school for orphans in Afghanistan. 

Winter Campaign at Sana Orphanage

HRF continues its financial support of the Sana Orphanage – A total grant of $2,500 was extended to Sana in the early part of this year. The money allowed Sana to provide the orphanage with essential daily necessities such as clothing, food, and helped improve their quality of life by expanding educational opportunities for over 50 children. Like many orphanages across Afghanistan, Sana is struggling to provide for the most basic needs of children in its care and they work tirelessly to ensure a better future for them. Securing sustainable sources of funding is an enormous challenge. HRF is committed to using its resources to help under-funded and under-staffed orphanages such as Sana provide educational supplies, food, clothing and medicines to its orphans. Through the generous contributions of our supporters, we will to continue to lend a helping when needed.  Please find out how you can help through our website and donation program.

HRF's 2012 Charity Race

HRF will be presenting its first annual 10K run/5K walk charity race in the fall of 2012. We will hold this event along the picturesque George Washington Parkway. Stay tuned for updates on HRF's website,  Facebook and Twitter for information on the race date, registration details, and opportunities to support this worthwhile event. We hope you will join us on what will surely become a memorable event for  all participants. The race proceeds will benefit the establishment of HRF's first school for orphans in Kabul, Afghanistan. For more information, please contact the HRF team at info@hrfcares.org.

HRF's First School for Orphans, a Step Closer to Reality

As we look to the remainder of 2011 and into 2012, HRF hopes to lay the groundwork for the establishment of its first orphans’ school. As the Afghan population continues to grow and civil strife unfortunately remains a reality in Afghan life, the need for such a school could never be more critical. A generous contributor has expressed a strong desire to donate land in Kabul Afghanistan for this ambitious effort and HRF is closely working with them to bring our dream of building this school to fruition. As you can imagine, this challenging multi-phased project will be burdened with significant costs and HRF will launch a yearlong fundraising campaign to ensure the project's long-term success. Please consider donating to HRF, and stay tuned for additional information on upcoming events where you may find opportunities to help our efforts.