32-year-old Mari Gul originally comes from the Khogyani province in eastern Afghanistan, not far from the Pakistani border. She lives together with her 7 children, her husband, and his second wife in the greater Kabul area. Polygamy is not uncommon in Afghanistan. Until recently, the second wife had a job in an NGO and she also owns the house where the extended family lives. Mari Gul’s oldest child, a son, is 14 years old. Her husband is a taxi driver. However, in the current situation, his rides are hardly in demand and therefore the family’s only income is very low. He leaves the house for work early in the morning and still returns in the evening with less than 200 or 300 Afghani (2 to 3 Euros). The income is not even enough to buy bread for the family and nourish them.
Mari Gul is sick, the many births and the associated high blood loss have weakened her significantly and, together with malnutrition, have caused severe anemia. Without additional financial help, she will probably not be able to get back on her feet.
Initially, the family was able to buy some wood for the winter, but when that was used up, Mari Gul sent her two oldest sons out into the streets to collect trash. The trash is burned to at least provide some warmth in the current very frosty temperatures. Mari Gul would be grateful and relieved if a sponsor could be found for her and her family. She sincerely thanks in advance and includes all helpful people in her prayers.