Afghan director provides donated items

KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A Khost Afghan director and his staff distributed approximately $15,000 in donated winter and school related items to more than 100 Afghan disabled, orphaned and deprived locals at an orphanage in downtown Khost, Nov. 21.

Khost Director of Disabled and Social Affairs, Mirzaman Narai, who is an amputee himself, was worried about the upcoming winter season and continuing school terms and approached the Khost Provincial Reconstruction Team several months ago to see if there was anything that could be done for his people. 

Narai and the Khost PRT worked together to find a way to help. U.S. citizens and organizations donate items to servicemembers and locals on a regular basis, so the Khost PRT asked for items to center on assisting those who are less fortunate.  

“Partnering with Narai was an easy decision; he has done so many great things for the needy in Khost Province,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Rob Cooley, commander of Khost PRT Civil Affairs Team and deputy commander. “We are extremely grateful for those at home (U.S. citizens and organizations) who were so willing to provide for those who can’t provide for themselves.”  

Nearly 30 U.S. organizations and individuals sent items that Narai and his staff requested, which included blankets, clothes, hygiene items and a variety of school supplies.

“It wasn’t long before blankets, jackets, notebooks, pens, shoes, and even a wheelchair came flooding in from those at home,” said Eagle Mountain, Utah native, U.S. Army Sgt. Steven Dentone, Khost PRT Civil Affairs Team-Central team sergeant. “There was an overwhelming amount of items that came in, and we can’t thank those enough for their generosity.”

Smiles and laughter filled the air at the orphanage, while Narai and his staff handed out the donated items. The disabled and children could not thank Narai enough for the items they received.

“He (Narai) is a great man,” said a Khost Province disabled local. “We are very happy that he could make this happen, especially since it is so hard to get help most of the time.” 

Narai and his staff of 17 are working diligently to find ways to provide for his people. There is always a need for quality of life items, but one of his main efforts is to keep his prosthetics factory up and running. The director provides amputees with prosthetics, free of charge, but finds it harder to do so lately.  

“There is such difficulty to get help, and I want to thank those from the bottom of my heart for the U.S. and PRT support,” said Narai. “It means so much to everyone that the items were what we needed, and that they went to those who needed them the most.”

The director hopes the Afghan government, and his people can work together to assist in his dilemma to provide continuous support.

“We are continuing our efforts to connect the Afghan government to Afghan organizations and its citizens,” said Cooley. “Those at home wanted to give back, and we greatly appreciate all their support, but now we must continue to coordinate with Khost leadership to find a long term solution.”