The Enabled Children Initiative (ECI) is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of children with disabilities in Afghanistan. Registered in the United States as a 501(c)(3) and locally registered in Afghanistan as a NGO by the name Enabled Children Initiative Afghanistan Organization (ECIAO) (registration number 5995), ECI strives to create a more inclusive society where individuals with disabilities are valued, empowered, and provided with equal opportunities.

Founded in 2010 by its founder Lael Mohib, and later joined by fellow board members Siavash Rahbari, Karen Dahlgren, and Laila Nazarali, ECI began by volunteering with orphans and abandoned children with disabilities in Kabul. ECI has expanded its activities over the years, currently running six programs in six provinces of Afghanistan, with a dedicated team of over 50 Afghan staff.

Our Mission

ECI is committed to:

• Providing safe places for children and youth with disabilities to access education, health, and basic services.
• Raising awareness and creating appreciation of disabilities in Afghanistan.
• Advocating for inclusion and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities.
• Enabling dignified and independent living for individuals with disabilities.

Our Vision

ECI envisages an integrated Afghanistan where individuals with disabilities are accepted by their families and societies, have equal opportunities for education, health care, and employment, and are able to reach their full potential as valued members of society.

What We Do

ECI provides direct support to children and youth with disabilities in education, care, vocational training, social integration, and emergency response. The organization fulfills its mission through the following main programs:

• Window of Hope – A private home care center with an in-home school for orphans and abandoned disabled children.
• Enabled Children School – A school that provides one-to-one education to the disabled children.
• Community-Based Disability Awareness & Support Program – Helping poor families care for their disabled children while raising awareness within local communities.
• Mirza Gul Family Fund – Providing home schooling to children who have lost limbs due to landmines.
• Social Integration Program – Providing youths with disabilities vocational training and promoting their social integration.
• Emergency Relief Fund – Assisting poor or disaster-stricken families, particularly those with a disabled family member.
• Additionally, ECI also campaigns vigorously on behalf of disability rights in Afghanistan and helps the family in obtaining education, healthcare, and social services for their child.

Job Opportunities and Employment

ECI not only speaks up for disabled children but also helps in job creation. Through the employment of over 50 Afghan professionals, including teachers, caregivers, medical practitioners, and vocational trainers, ECI promotes employment opportunities for the local population.

The organization also helps in economic empowerment by:

• Vocational training of young persons with disabilities to help them get jobs or start businesses.
• Employing Afghan professionals in various fields, offering significant career prospects in education, healthcare, social work, and administration.
• Partnering with local and international organizations to enhance job opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Through these initiatives, ECI is actively working towards economic empowerment and independence for people with disabilities.

Guiding Values

ECI operates on guiding values that drive its mission and impact:

• Disability is not inability – Everyone has potential and should be given the opportunity to succeed.
• Inclusion and integration – Children with disabilities need to be included within families and communities.
• Dignity and equal opportunities – People with disabilities are entitled to education, work, and equality of rights.
• Empowerment over charity – Providing tools, training, and support rather than ad hoc relief in order to effect lasting change.
• Efficiency and transparency – Ensure 90% of funds raised are directed towards programs.
• Collaboration and partnerships – Collaboration with others to achieve greatest effectiveness and widest reach.
  Why ECI Matters
• The work of ECI is changing lives by providing assistance to vulnerable children and youth to help them succeed. Through education, employment, and empowerment, ECI is building a future where individuals with disabilities are valued, respected, and given opportunities to live independently.

For those looking for jobs, volunteers, and donors interested in giving back and making an impact, ECI offers ways to become a part of a noble cause that directly improves lives and helps communities.