Zainab’s childhood has been marked by loss, poverty, and the constant struggle to be seen in a crowded world. She grew up in a household where two wives — her mother and stepmother — lived under the same roof, raising a large number of children together. Her father, burdened by a serious illness, could barely manage the challenges of providing for such a large family, let alone the tensions and hardships of a polygamous home.
Her mother had been married off at a young age to a man 25 years older — a marriage born not of choice, but of survival in the grip of extreme poverty. Life was already hard for Zainab, but tragedy struck again when her eldest sister — the one who had taken on the role of a loving mother to the younger children — passed away. The loss left a wound in the family that still hasn’t healed, and for Zainab, it meant losing the one person who made her feel truly safe.
Today, Zainab and her two sisters live in one of Shokofa’s caring homes in Islamabad. They share the house with 20 other girls, where they are safe, surrounded by kindness, and able to attend school.
You have the opportunity to sponsor one or multiple Afghan girls from our orphanages. Your sponsorship provides vital financial support for their education, including tuition fees, and essential living expenses such as rent, food, healthcare, clothing, utilities, and more. To ensure continuous education and care, we kindly encourage sponsors to consider annual contributions.
As a sponsor, you can build a meaningful connection with your sponsored child through letters and video calls. You also have the option to visit the orphanage and meet her in person. We will keep you updated on her progress, education, daily life, and activities, ensuring you play an ongoing role in her journey toward a brighter and successful future.
If writing a check, please make it payable to “THE ZAANHA FUND”, and mail it to:
530E 76th St, Apt 27E, New York, NY 10221