Authored by Ariana Siddiqui

We are living in exceptionally distressing times, where the state of the world can leave us overwhelmed and hopeless. Global power structures perpetuate the idea that the problems we face are too vast and disconnected to solve. Yet, communities in the Global South have long understood the power of community and collective action, and the simple fact that the struggles we face are all interconnected.

As the Afghan saying goes, Qatra qatra darya maisha—"Drop by drop, a river is made." Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger, meaningful force of change. This is something that has been long acknowledged by indigenous communities across the world. In the Global North, we have much to learn from these communities, including those in Afghanistan, about how to organise and drive positive change, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

While many of us are facing difficult times in varying ways and degrees, Afghan cultural values offer a powerful reminder that we can still foster positive change and support one another, even when resources are scarce. One of the core values of Afghan culture is Mehmaan Nawazi, the art of hospitality that treats even strangers as people we owe our utmost kindness and generosity to. This value is embodied by Afghans of all backgrounds, even those in the most challenging circumstances who still find ways to extend kindness even when their own resources are limited. This generosity extends to their deep reverence for the land, which they treat with the same respect. These cultural principles remind us that, no matter the external challenges, compassion and mutual support are what sustain communities - that helping one another is not just a moral duty, but essential for survival.

Afghanistan has endured decades of violence and is now grappling with one of the worst climate crises in the world. On top of this, since the Taliban regained power in 2021, the country has faced a severe economic collapse exacerbated by international sanctions, the withdrawal of foreign assistance and the freezing of Afghan central bank reserves by the United States. Already marginalised groups are bearing the brunt of the crises, on top of severe restrictions on their ability to participate in society. 

The situation is dire, and so it is crucial that we seize the opportunity to support trusted organisations with long-established relationships with communities in Afghanistan, as they are among the few effective channels for driving much-needed action and support. Though globally, power and resources are often concentrated in the hands of a few, we can all leverage the tools at our disposal to work toward a more just and compassionate future. We cannot afford inaction. 

Afghanaid is grateful to be one of the organisations that has been able to stay and work in Afghanistan for more than 40 years, offering consistent, long-term support to communities so they can build resilience and self-sufficiency, overcome challenges and barriers that confront them, and work towards a just and peaceful future. 

While many may not have the means to make large donations, there are other meaningful ways to support ordinary men, women and children in Afghanistan right now, which are rooted in the power of community. Our fundraising pages offer a variety of ideas for getting started - whether that's hosting a dinner gathering with family and friends, organising a bake sale at your school or university or taking on a challenge event. 

Apply the Afghan values of generosity and hospitality to your next fundraising project by bringing your community together. There are countless creative ways to collectivise to raise awareness and mobilise funds to those who need it most. 

We cannot afford to wait for a better time—the time to act is now. Let’s not be deterred by the belief that our contributions are too small. Again, as the Dari saying reminds us, Qatra qatra darya maisha or "Drop by drop, a river is made." Every action, no matter how small, adds to a larger movement. Together, we can turn those drops into a powerful force for change.