Here is one client’s story …

When Nasreen talks, she looks very confident and you do not realize the hardships and difficulties she has previously experienced. Before the war, she says she and her family had a good life. “When war came, our life became terrible and my children grew up knowing only war, bombs, rockets, smokes and fire. They all grew up in the culture of war.

During the Taliban regime, like many Afghans, Nasreen and her family were displaced. “When the Taliban lost power, we decided to go back to our home and start again from nothing. We tried very hard to rebuild everything but it was extremely difficult. We could only harvest enough so we could have something to eat and survive. We could not buy medicine, meat, fruits or buy any new dresses. I felt so helpless and I just cried.

“But one day, MEDA staff came to our village and invited us to join the horticulture program. When I heard the benefits, I didn’t sleep the whole night as I was just thinking about our future.

“Now, I have achieved my dreams. My husband and I, with our six children, work on our land using the techniques I have learned from MEDA. In three years, I have learned how to prepare our land, how to water our plants, how to cultivate and control the weeds, and how to harvest and store our produce. I can make jam, pickles, and dried vegetables for the winter. By selling my excess produce, I am able to buy the things that I need.

“Now, I have a very organized life. I manage my time to work on my land and attend MEDA trainings. I have time for my family and relatives. I am not only a farmer but also a business woman. When I see my children go to school, I feel very proud as a mother because I have fulfilled my responsibilities to give them an education. MEDA gave me strength. I will forever be indebted to MEDA. We will all keep these memories and experiences as an inspiration. Thanks to MEDA.

Nasreen with her children and the cow purchased from her increased income