Humanitarian Organization Proves Peace Is Possible

Solace for the Children promotes peace in providing medical reprieve for children who are victims of war-torn Afghanistan

CHARLOTTE (I-Newswire) September 25, 2012 - As most of the patients return to Afghanistan after participating in Solace for the Children’s annual summer program, a few remain in the US due to extensive injuries or illnesses that require additional care. The typical course of care for a child, age 7-12, visiting the US is six weeks, but some cases are more serious and require further treatment, such as Rahim.

Rahim is a young man from the province of Helmand. At the age of 10, while he, his brother and cousin were traveling down a familiar path in their rural countryside, one of the boys triggered a landmine. While Rahim’s brother survived without critical injury, his cousin was unfortunately killed and Rahim suffered the loss of a leg, mass injury to the other and damage to one of his ears.

After two years of receiving minimal health care from doctors in Afghanistan because it is all that is available, his father begged a US official to somehow assist in finding help for his son. “When we received the call we went to action immediately,” stated Wilson.

Solace for the Children began to gather what few medical records they could locate in Afghanistan and examine photographs of the boys’ injuries in an attempt to gain a clearer understanding about his condition. They then invited Rahim’s father to bring him to their offices in Afghanistan, located in Kabul. “It was clear this young man could be helped by our services,” said Wilson.

Solace for the Children is building peace on a foundation of health by establishing international partnerships providing medical care, education and leadership development for the children of war-torn countries. They began in 1997 serving the children of Belarus. In 2007, they were called upon to assist children in Afghanistan and found a need even greater than they anticipated.

In six years since the first children came for treatment out of Afghanistan, Solace has helped more than 100 children, bringing them to the United States to spend a short time with host families while receiving desperately needed medical care. More than 200 other children have been supported through humanitarian packages of first aid, minor medical treatment within Afghanistan, and educational resources.

“It’s wonderful to watch the children return to their families. They are healed and have more opportunity than they could have imagined. We find they also return to spread a positive message to their family, their village and beyond about Americans, about Afghans outside their own tribes and other traditions. A new breath of hope for the future returns with each child,” said Wilson.

Rahim spent four months in the US receiving treatment, much longer than the typical six week program. A family in Idaho provided accommodations for him. Hospitals and doctors surgically corrected his ear, repaired scar-damaged skin and fitted him with a personalized prosthetic leg.

“Rahim’s father was overjoyed when he and his family came to meet us at the Solace offices in Kabul,” continued Wilson. “He was so impressed with the young man who returned to him.” While in the US, Rahim learned English, manners and kindness. “I think his family was impressed that we were able to help in ways much broader than his health.”

This is a sentiment that we find with many children who return to their families. Through the course of the summer, friendships develop between Afghan children of differing ethnic backgrounds and social classes, Afghans and Americans, and local Christian and Muslim volunteers. Solace for the Children believes that these relationships are the beginning of a foundation for building lasting peace, one person at a time, in Afghanistan.

Volunteer Deborah Young recently returned from a trip where she escorted patients back to Afghanistan. “"Of course I was apprehensive about escorting these children home to Kabul, but with Solace Director for Afghanistan Omar at my side, I felt completely safe. What a gift to see, feel and photograph the joy each parent felt as they welcomed their child home. Their bodies healed, and their spirits and confidence stronger; these children become leaders in their families and communities. Despite a language barrier, I was overwhelmed by their warmth, their gratitude, and humbled by their generous outpouring of appreciation for the gift of health Solace has given to their children.”

Wilson adds, “I’m not sure even we anticipated this outcome of our efforts. When we began, we wanted to heal children. We now find ourselves in a position to be a catalyst for change, promoting peace and understanding through helping these children.”

Solace for the Children also sprung into action after recent suicide bombings in Herat and Farrah. They’ve yet to receive word on whether there are children in need, but expect to know something soon.

If you want more information or are interested in being involved, please go to our website at www.s4tc.org