Knutsford bakers raise £1,200 to support 'forgotten' Afghan orphans

A coffee morning has raised a phenomenal £1,200 to help children left without parents following the war in Afghanistan.

A team of Knutsford ladies are raising funds to support an orphanage in Kabul called The Academy, run by the Zamir Foundation, a charity supporting families in Afghanistan.

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Every penny donated at the event in the Lost & Found will go towards helping them to open a second orphanage.

Deputy mayor Cllr James McCulloch and a founder of the Zamir Foundation attended the event.

Children at an orphanage in Kabul supported by Knutsford ladies (Image: Anne Baker)

Fundraiser Anne Baker said: “Many children in Afghanistan became orphaned following the Taliban takeover in 2021.

“This was because either one or more of their parents were killed or their families could no longer provide for them.

“As the economic crisis continues, some have resorted to selling their children.

"As crises deepen throughout the world, Afghanistan has to some extent been forgotten and therefore is not receiving the level of donations they have experienced in the past.

"This is completely understandable yet their plight continues."

The ladies have been overwhelmed with support from the local community.

Anne said: “We wish to thank all the bakers without whom the event wouldn’t have been possible.

“Special thanks to the Tea Room, Detaljer, Gail’s, Costa Coffee and Tatton Perk for their donations and Lost & Found for such generosity.”

The orphanage looks after 70 children and provides three meals a day, health checks and education.

The children have mastered reading and writing in their local languages and are also learning English.

The youngsters have developed strong mathematical skills and vastly improved their social skills and confidence.

However, girls are only allowed to be educated until the age of 12.

Anne added: “The Zamir Foundation is currently in the process of setting up remote learning so that girls can continue their learning beyond 12.

“Many of the children are now expressing their homes and dreams.

“Many want to become teachers, doctors and not surprisingly, footballers.”

A spokesman for the charity said: “The Zamir Foundation does not give handouts. We build self-reliance, empowering people to achieve permanent solutions.

“Our vision is of an Afghanistan free from poverty and fear.

“An Afghanistan where everyone has access to the opportunities they need to live a long and healthy life.

“An Afghanistan where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”