Sa’adat, 14, lives with her mum, four sisters and brother, in a village in a very dry area of Afghanistan. Sa'adat's dad died of a lung disease five years ago, and life is tough without him.

 

‘Life was very different when my dad was alive,' says Sa'adat. 'We miss him.’

Her family is very poor. They burn fires to cook their food as they don’t have electricity, unlike most houses in the area.

Sa’adat is doing well at school but her mum, Azadé couldn’t read or write until recently. Now, thanks to a Christian Aid project, she’s learning how.

‘I’m proud of my mother for learning to read and write. She taught me how to embroider as well,’ says Sa’adat. Now Sa’adat can work a needle and thread she can help Azadé with the business that she’s started – making clothes. 

 

This is great news for the family. 'Before, dad supported us,’ explains Sa’adat. Now they’re supporting themselves, which shows that sewing and schooling can go a long way!