I was greeted with an impressive presentation upon my arrival. I was very surprised to see all the things the children were able to do. They read poems, made jokes and demonstrated their English skills. I was so impressed!

 

The children in this orphanage are well disciplined. They think like adults and they have political minds. They were serious as well as very funny. I can see the difference between the Hope House children and Uncle’s children. I understand they will be future politicians and ‘serious’ people. I think the difference is that Hope House kids have more freedom and sometimes they do look like Aussie kids. It is interesting to see the two orphanages run by the same organisation and see how the children are different and have their own way. I think Uncle’s orphanage children will be more accepted in Afghanistan society with the Hope House children maybe needing a bit more discipline!

 

I am not sure the difference between the children is good or bad. In Hope House, we let children be themselves. They have their own voice and we provide for them so they haven’t got too much to worry about. In Uncle’s orphanage, children learn to behave well and be more serious – but they are also encouraged to have some fun.

 

At the moment there are 17 children living in Uncle’s orphanage. The rest of the children have gone back to their relatives because of Uncle’s absence.

 

One of the widows has a full time position as the cook and there is another widow staying with the children at night, as well as a young office manager by the  name of Tamanna.

 

 

Khaled and Mukhtar, older children at the orphanage, manage the grounds and do the shopping. Every month Hope House releases funds and Obaidullah, our accountant, takes it to Uncle’s office manager. Uncle Haji is always concerned for the children and he calls them from Australia every day, however, Obaidullah is always available if there is any emergency.