As the year draws to a close, we at Shelter For Life want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to our mission. Together, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones in 2023, impacting countless lives across Afghanistan and Western Africa (Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau – SeGaBi).
In Afghanistan, our collective efforts have borne fruit through the completion of 18 transformative projects spanning 30 districts. These initiatives have touched the lives of 336,223 households, providing essential support to 2,353,561 individuals (about the population of Utah).
Our commitment to restoring lives and rebuilding communities has manifested in various facets crucial for sustainable development:
Shelter & Infrastructure: Amidst our initiatives, we rehabilitated 23 cashew nut storage warehouses and constructed 4 new warehouses in SeGaBi, enhancing food preservation and storage capacities.
Livelihood and Economic Development: In SeGaBi, our focus on economic empowerment resulted in the creation of 4,640 jobs and the training of 1,777 individuals (including 463 women) in entrepreneurship, loans, and financial management, fostering self-sufficiency and economic resilience.
We take pride in our endeavor to develop a regional and integrated Cashew Value Chain, bolstering cashew production, processing, and trade in both local and international markets. These initiatives aim not only to uplift communities economically but also to fortify them against future adversities.
Education and Training: We’ve made significant strides in capacity building and education, setting up 721 model cashew farms and training an additional 23,268 cashew producers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in SeGaBi. Additionally, 750 farmers received training in organic and food safety certifications, with 500 becoming certified organic producers.
Food Security and Natural Resource Management: Our commitment to food security saw us supporting almost 1.5 million individuals (about the population of West Virginia) through widespread food distribution across various districts in Afghanistan.
Furthermore, the transition from rainfed to irrigated land bolstered crop yields, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
Moreover, the improvement in cashew varieties and the production of over 98,000 seedlings mark a significant step toward sustainable agricultural practices.
Health and Hygiene: Notably, the construction of walls and hillside terraces fortified 200 houses, mitigating the impact of natural disasters, ensuring the safety and security of vulnerable communities.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without your unwavering support. Your generosity has been the cornerstone of our success, enabling us to make tangible differences in the lives of those who need it most.
As we look ahead to the upcoming year, we remain committed to our mission of providing sustainable solutions, restoring hope, and fostering resilience in communities facing adversity. Together, we can continue making a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, peace, and prosperity.
