Wheelchair Project

Across Afghanistan, thousands of children live with disabilities that limit their ability to move, learn, and take part in everyday life. Conflict, poverty, and lack of medical access mean that for many, something as simple as a wheelchair is out of reach.

For a child with limited mobility, a wheelchair is not just equipment. It is independence, inclusion, and dignity.

The reality for disabled children in Afghanistan

An estimated 280,000 children in Afghanistan live with disabilities. Many are confined to their homes, unable to attend school, play with friends, or move safely outside.

Without mobility support, children can become isolated and dependent, increasing the risk of neglect, exploitation, and long-term physical harm. Families already facing extreme poverty often have no means to access specialised equipment or care.

Last year, almost 75% of disabled children lacked access to basic medical care or mobility aids, leaving thousands trapped indoors and excluded from community life.

Why mobility matters

A suitable wheelchair transforms a child’s life in practical and emotional ways:

Mobility: Safe movement through homes, streets, and local communities
Education: Access to schools and learning spaces
Dignity: Independence, confidence, and inclusion within family and society

With mobility, children are seen not for their disability, but for their potential.

A child’s story: Gul Bibi

Gul Bibi is a young girl from Kabul living with a physical disability that severely restricted her movement from early childhood. Unable to walk independently, she relied entirely on her family for mobility, even within her own home.

Her family faced significant financial hardship and could not afford specialised equipment. As a result, Gul Bibi spent most of her time indoors, isolated from other children and unable to attend school or community activities. Over time, this affected not only her physical wellbeing, but her confidence and sense of self.

After being identified during a community needs assessment, Aryana Aid provided Gul Bibi with a wheelchair tailored to her physical needs. The wheelchair was delivered directly to her family, along with guidance on safe and effective use.

With mobility restored, Gul Bibi can now move independently, participate in daily life, and begin accessing education. Her world has expanded from the walls of her home to the community around her.

What your support has achieved

Last year, your generosity:

Raised £48,000 for the Wheelchair Project
Helped 950 children gain safer mobility and greater dignity
Enabled the delivery of both refurbished and new wheelchairs across Afghanistan

Each wheelchair represents a child no longer confined, and a family given renewed hope.

Giving guided by faith

Removing hardship from the vulnerable is a central teaching of Islam.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Whoever removes a worldly hardship from a believer, Allah will remove one of the hardships of the Day of Resurrection from him.” (Muslim)

Your Zakat and Sadaqah help lift barriers that restrict children’s lives and restore dignity where it has been lost.

Care That Lasts

Each wheelchair is carefully selected or adapted to suit the child’s needs. Local staff are trained to ensure correct fitting and long-term safety, helping prevent further injury and reducing dependence over time.

This approach ensures that your support delivers lasting benefit, not temporary relief.