Since the Soviet invasion in 1979, the people of Afghanistan have endured lives filled with deprivation, brutality and anguish. An entire generation has lost their childhood. Over 1.5 million have lost one or both parents, and over 700,000 orphans are living in sub-poverty conditions. Further conflict in the 1990s exacerbated the suffering and despair of the populace, especially women and children.
International Orphan Care (IOC) provides education, healthcare, nutrition and vocational training so that these children will be healthy and productive members of their community. The mission of IOC is to provide the orphans of Afghanistan with HOPE (Help the Orphans be Productive and Educated). IOC also serves children of the poor, disabled, landless, dispossessed and marginalized.