Swedish relief agency to fund Afghan projects for decades

KABUL (SCA) pledged to continue its social development aid to Kabul for the next few decades as the nation continues to grapple with political uncertainties.

The SCA, established about 30 years ago during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, had been assisting Afghans in the sphere of education, rural development and the disabled community.

Andreas Stefansson, SCA country director for Afghanistan, said it was difficult to forecast the country’s future but the non-governmental organization was firm to continue its assistances to the Afghan people in any condition.

“Like other people we are also concerned about the future of Afghanistan, as what would happen? But we are committed to assist Afghanistan for a long term as a good friend.

“We were good friends of Afghans over the past 30 years and jointly worked for the people under different regimes in the country. I can say that assistances would continue for more than 30 years,” Stefansson told Pajhwok Afghan News on the sidelines of SCA’s 30th anniversary celebration.

Even if the country’s situation deteriorates, we would adopt different strategies to assist the people, he said.

“We are very lucky to provide long term and useful assistance to Afghanistan and the people are happy with us,” he added.

SCA’s annual budget for Afghanistan is $40 million but it would be increased by 50 percent for the next decade as the organization plans to expand its development programmes.

The lack of women staff at the SCA is hampering its work in providing services for women and children in remote corners of the country — especially in the sphere of health and education.

myn/vp

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