KABUL (SW) – A recent survey by Salam Watandar reveals a dramatic dwindling in youths’ participation in social volunteer programs in Afghanistan over the past three years.
Of the 70 young people surveyed across 16 provinces, only one reported involvement in voluntary social activities. The youths cited a lack of awareness, social and cultural restrictions, street harassment, and insufficient support from the community as reasons for their lack of participation.
Youths from the provinces of Kabul, Parwan, Logar, Badakhshan, Kapisa, Ghazni, Nangarhar, Maidan Wardak, Balkh, Laghman, Panjshir, Kunduz, Jowzjan, Herat, Faryab, Ghor, and Bamyan have engaged in conversation with Salam Watandar.
Maliha from Kapisa province, is the only participant who has engaged in social volunteer work during the past three years. She shared her experience: “However women were not allowed to enter public spaces, but despite all the difficulties, we continued our efforts and provided significant aid to those in need. I am very satisfied with our work.”
According to the survey, out of the 70 young respondents, 44 (including 29 girls and 15 boys) stated no involvement in social volunteer activities. Additionally, 25 young individuals indicated that while they had participated in social programs in the past, they have not engaged in such activities over the past three years due to a lack of motivation because of the imposed restrictions.
Ewaz Khan from Badakhshan, one of those who used to participate in volunteer activities during the Afghan Republic government, said that he has stopped his involvement due to social obstacles and decreased interest. “Some even mock these kinds of programs. The current conditions have affected our activities. Previously, social programs were conducted jointly for both genders, and their impact was greater. Now, social activities have diminished significantly,” Ewaz Khan added.
Arezo from Herat, who previously participated in volunteer programs for fundraising and promoting reading culture, also explained, “Other challenges such as street harassment and gender discrimination in working have discouraged women from participating in such activities. The current conditions have personally affected my involvement, and I have not participated in any social programs in the past two years.”
Among those surveyed, 44 young individuals reported no social participation, and 5 claimed they were unfamiliar with such activities.
Ajmal from Panjshir, said, “I was unaware of programs that assist people and the needy. If such programs are made available, it would be beneficial for youths to participate, helping the needy and encouraging our young people.”
Others who have never participated in social activities mentioned reasons such as lack of resources, limited awareness, and family and societal restrictions. These young individuals said they had not received any encouragement from elders or mentors to engage in such activities.
Some youths like Mohammadullah, expressed intentions to participate in social programs but noted challenges. “I haven’t had the opportunity to participate in any volunteer programs so far. Now, I want to join social programs to better understand my community,” said the resident of Kabul.
Similarly, Negin from Nangarhar, added, “My family doesn’t permit me to participate in such programs due to their conservative views and lack of understanding about these programs’ safety and nature. However, I am very interested in participating but find it difficult to convince my family.”
Several social experts emphasize the importance of youths participation in voluntary social programs. They caution that a decrease in engagement and loss of motivation for such programs could lead to serious social consequences.
Rashed Sediqi, a social affairs expert, stresses that youths participation in social programs is vital for societal growth. He remarked, “In our society, tasks are often divided into ‘men’s work’ and ‘women’s work,’ which is a wrong. Such limitations can negatively impact the minds of individuals who work voluntarily; they may divert them from their correct path or diminish their motivation.”
Attempts to obtain the de-facto Ministry of Information and Culture’s perspective on encouraging and facilitating youths participation in social activities were unsuccessful despite three weeks of effort.
Nematullah Barekzai, Kabul Municipality’s spokesperson, noted that the municipality has organized social volunteer programs for city cleaning, with around 2,000 youths participating over the past three years.
He said, “In various sectors, participation in these programs is becoming a cultural norm. Among the youths and the public, social programs aimed at improving city conditions and promoting cultural awareness are supported by young people from all walks of life.”
The initiation and promotion of voluntary social programs are essential for filling gaps and addressing deficiencies in society. By participating in such programs, individuals can contribute to societal improvements.
