Lives in Danger: Support for Afghan Refugees in Tajikistan
Dushanbe, Tajikistan
12 July 2024
On 13 May, an FBR headquarters team arrived in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, to help local partners on a mission to serve Afghan refugees. The team reunited with several individuals and families previously helped in escaping Kabul after the Taliban takeover, to encourage them, pray for them and to see how we can continue to help.
The team had productive meetings with the Afghan consul. He expressed his commitment to supporting food distributions in Afghanistan, particularly for widows and orphans in Kabul. FBR has been helping with food distributions in Afghanistan and with assisting Afghan refugees in other areas such as Dushanbe. Our local partners are serving to support the influx of refugee families seeking asylum.
Our team organized several trainings that were requested by the local leaders of the area to match their current needs. These included self-defense classes, Kids’ Club programs for kids, medical trainings, one-on-one meetings and women’s therapeutic events. Our FBR headquarter staff taught self-defense classes for both men and women. Johanna led sessions for women, focusing on building confidence and practical defense skills. Sky conducted similar training for men. These sessions were well-received, with participants expressing deep gratitude for the support, skills, and care, in light of what they have been facing. In the last few months, some of the Christians here have been targeted and attacked because of their faith; one teenaged boy was so severely beaten he was left for dead before being taken to the hospital by some local people.
The Kids’ Club, managed by Bailey and Andrew, provided educational and recreational activities for children. This included storytelling, games, and basic English lessons, ensuring a nurturing environment for the young boys and girls. Emily was able to provide several soccer clinics with the children as well, which proved to be the favorite physical activity.
Our team made several house visits in an area outside of Dushanbe where the refugee families are allowed to live, offering support to several families. It was special to eat and fellowship but to also lend a listening ear. The team was able to give financial assistance, prayers, and encouragement.
Evening events for women provided a safe space for sharing experiences and receiving emotional support. These gatherings were marked by profound moments of connection and mutual encouragement.
The team also provided medical training and basic first aid to local students. Sky taught the men and women together and, when they needed to split for practicals, Johanna helped guide the women. Additionally, we addressed several urgent medical needs, including arranging for surgeries and medical treatments for those in dire conditions.
We discussed and planned sustainable support initiatives, including potential business ventures for Afghan refugees. This includes setting up small businesses like beauty salons and sweet shops, providing a means for financial independence. Sara was able to provide guidance to many of the families on sustainability, and community and personal development.
The daily schedule involved a blend of educational sessions, practical training, and community engagement. We ensured that all activities were centered around empowering the local Afghan refugee community and fostering a sense of hope and resilience.
Our FBR team’s efforts in Dushanbe over the past few years have focused on providing practical support, emotional encouragement, and opportunities for empowerment to Afghan refugees. By facilitating self-defense classes, engaging children in educational activities, and addressing urgent medical needs, we continue to do our best to help as God would have our organization to do so.
We pray for more financial provision to be able to help more, as the needs are large.
As we continue our mission of partnership in Tajikistan, we aim to expand our support network, enhance our assistance programs, and help build stronger, self-sustaining communities for Afghan refugees in Tajikistan. Our focus remains on offering compassionate, comprehensive support to those in need. Thank you for caring about those left behind in the wake of America’s departure from Afghanistan in 2021.
Why did FBR go to Afghanistan/Tajikistan? See this report: https://www.freeburmarangers.org/2023/06/01/reaching-afghan-refugees/
God bless you,
Noelle and FBR Central Asia Team