Overview

Abdullah Noorzai is a 69-year-old displaced head of a five-member household living in Sharak-e-Mahajirin village, Farah City. Originally from the Qalaika District of Farah Province, he and his family were displaced due to natural disasters and economic hardship. Unable to work because of his age, Abdullah and his family endured severe food insecurity, limited access to healthcare and basic necessities, and risks related to child labor and disrupted education for the children. Without timely support, the family faced an ongoing cycle of vulnerability and hardship

UNHCR Protection Case Management (PCM) Programme

Through the partnership with ARAA in Farah Province, Abdullah was referred by the Child Protection unit and assessed for eligibility within the UNHCR PCM programme. Abdullah was enrolled to receive focused case management and support to address his family’s urgent needs.

Approach

Abdullah received a one-time cash grant of 18,000 AFN via the PCM programme. This funding enabled him to start a small vending business, establishing a source of stable income. The assistance was designed to meet immediate needs—such as food, clothing, and healthcare—and to promote economic independence, thereby reducing reliance on charity. The approach prioritized empowering Abdullah to restore dignity and self-reliance while improving his family’s well-being.

Summary

UNHCR’s PCM intervention transformed Abdullah’s household by breaking the cycle of extreme poverty and vulnerability. The family’s living conditions improved with better access to food and essentials, the children were able to continue their education free from child labor pressures, and Abdullah regained hope and independence. This case highlights how timely, targeted PCM support can create meaningful, lasting positive change for vulnerable families in under-resourced settings.

Provided by

Sultan Mohammad Manzoor