Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan: mosque with silver dome, city rooftops and mountains in the background.
Local officials in Balkh province have announced the launch of the Afghanistan Social and Livelihood Support Program in Kishindih district with funding of more than $3 million.
The program aims to support vulnerable families, strengthen livelihoods, and improve economic opportunities for local communities.
Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan: city skyline – traditional adobe houses and modern buildings with the mountains in the background. Mazar-e-Sharif is the fourth largest city in Afghanistan, the name of the city means ‘Tomb of the Exalted’ and refers to the presumed burial place of Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, honored by Sunnis, Shiites and Alevis. Mazar is the most important place of pilgrimage in Afghanistan and a holy city of Islam.
The initiative comes as many families in the district continue to face economic challenges and limited income-generating opportunities.