Afghanistan’s turbulent modern history has been shaped by decades of internal conflict and extreme natural disasters, especially drought. With an estimated population of 30 million, this landlocked country at the historical crossroads of Central Asia is extremely poor and highly dependent on foreign aid as it struggles to rebuild. After years of war and severe poverty, combined with poor security, the country is considered to be among the most dangerous places for children to be born.

The challenges are daunting, 72% of the population over age 15 are illiterate, only 50% of all Afghan children between the ages of 7 and 13 attend school. Even though political and economic uncertainty and personal and community insecurity still exist in much of Afghanistan, Learning for Life is committed to helping Afghan families and communities.

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Surrounded by India except for a small border with Myanmar in the Southeast, Bangladesh is a low-lying country traversed by the many branches and tributaries of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. With a population of over 150 million, Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with nearly 1,000 people per square kilometre. Tropical monsoons, frequent floods, and cyclones inflict heavy damage annually to this impoverished nation. Over a third of the population is under the age of 18 and almost seven million children between 5 and 14 have to work to help their families to survive. 

While Bangladesh has made significant progress in addressing national health and education challenges over the four decades since its independence, the country remains one of the world’s poorest; 45% of the population live below the poverty line, 53% of the population over the age of 15 is illiterate, 41% of children under 5 are malnourished.

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Nepal boasts 8 of the world’s 10 highest mountains, including Mount Everest, yet it also has the flat river plain of the Ganges on its southern border with India. 

Nepal’s population of 29 million includes ethnic and caste groups with distinct cultures and languages, making this small land locked country remarkably diverse. 

51% of the population aged 15 and over are illiterate and 24.7% of the population live below the poverty line. Entrenched poverty and a decade of violent political instability have taken a toll on the Nepalese people, although a lasting peace is gaining momentum, creating real hope for long-term political reconciliation.

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Pakistan was created by the 1947 partitioning of British India and has since fought three wars with neighboring India over the disputed territory of Kashmir. To the west, years of unrest and hardship in Afghanistan have led to an influx of refugees to Pakistan. A disaster prone area, Pakistan was recently hit by the massive October 2005 earthquake, the worst in its modern history. 

Access to healthcare and education is a challenge in rural areas and many families simply cannot afford basic health care or education. Learning for Life has worked with Pakistani women and children as well as Afghan refugees through relief and long-term development programs.

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