I would like to make a regular donation to Afghan Action?

 

A regular donation would be a great contribution to our work in Kabul, Afghanistan. It gives us reliable long-term funds that allow us to extend our commitment and train and employ more young people in Afghanistan. These young adults will  not only be provided  with a better future, but a safe and friendly environment in which to learn the carpet trade and find work - bringing in a vital income for the family. The best way to do this is to Sponsor a Trainee over a fixed one to three year period.

 

How can I raise money for Afghan Action?

 

You can help promote our work and sell our carpets - we are looking for agents around the country.  Or you can give a hand at one of our events. Or you can encourage people to Sponsor a Trainee (see below) or donate to our charity, the Afghan Training Foundation (registered charity no 1111897). Schools and other groups can hold special events and become linked with our project or a school in Afghanistan.

 

How do I buy a handmade Afghan carpet?

 

Simply go online, select the carpet you want and follow the delivery and payment instructions, a secure online payment system is accessible.  Alternatively you are welcome to visit our London office and select and pay for a unique carpet, by credit or debit card, by cheque or cash.

 

How can I buy ethical gifts for use in the Kabul training school and factory?

 

These gifts only go directly to Kabul where the need is greatest - from water and sanitation equipment to sponsoring the services of a teacher and a nurse.  The only exception is the restocking of the Ghazni sheep flock for the nomadic Kuchi people.  Your help really makes a difference.

 

Can I Sponsor a Trainee through Afghan Action?

 

You can sponsor part of the whole trainee community in the Afghan Action training school in Kabul. By donating £360 - £30 a month over one year, £15 a month over two years or £10 a month over three years - to our charity, the Afghan Training Foundation (registered charity no 1111897), you will be funding the education, training, healthcare and midday meal of one of our young adult trainees, who are mainly aged 14 to 25.

 

I would like to donate money to a specific project. How do I do this?

 

We do keep aside a short list of projects for people to donate to on a one-off basis. Please contact us for further details.

 

How do I make my ethical gift or donation tax-efficient through gift aid?

 

You can do this by downloading our gift aid form.  For more information visit the Inland Revenue Gift Aid page.  Please enter in your details and this will ensure that we are able to reclaim the tax that you have paid on any of your donations made now or in the future.  Unfortunately Gift Aid is not available on carpet purchases.

 

How can I volunteer for Afghan Action?

 

If you are interested in volunteering, please call our London office on 020 3201 0049.

 

What is fair trade all about?

 

Afghan Action believes in creating jobs and businesses under fair and ethical employment conditions. We provide young people with an education, training and work for a fair wage, under fair trade conditions and guarantee direct access for their carpets to international markets.

 

How can I get involved in an Afghan Action event?

 

Just come along to one of our forthcoming events or give us a ring on 020 3201 0049. 

 

Can I buy a carpet at the Afghan Action office?

 

You are very welcome to make an appointment at our office and look through our extensive range of unique handmade Afghanistan carpets. Ring us on 020 3201 0049.

 

If I buy an Afghan Action carpet and it is damaged can I get a refund?

 

Yes. In the event that any carpet purchase proves to be unsatisfactory due to defective workmanship or faulty material, you can return it to us for replacement or a full refund. Please view our terms and conditions.

 

Does Afghan Action provide information for schools and other organisations?

 

Yes. We can supply information about Afghanistan, especially our training school and life in Kabul.

 

How do I get information for my homework or dissertation?

 

We are able to provide you with photographs of our training school and life in Kabul via web access.

 

How can I buy a Ghazni sheep through Afghan Action?

 

Every gift you select will be received by our trainees and staff in Kabul and will make a real difference to their working conditions in our school and factory. The exception is buying a Ghazni sheep to restock the flock of the nomadic Kushi people who lost their animals during the wars. A flock of sheep would allow them not only to rediscover their traditional calling, but it means they can also supply Afghan Action with wool for carpets.

 

How does Afghan Action spend its money?

 

Afghan Action is accountable to those who support it and to those whom it benefits in Afghanistan. This obliges us to maintain costs at a reasonable level in proportion to income from either donations, sponsorship, carpet sales and the initial funding from the Department for International Development.  

 

Why does Afghanistan need my support?

 

Reconstruction is painfully slow; large parts of Afghanistan's infrastructure are still in tatters and the vast majority don’t have access to electricity or safe water, a decent home, good health or education facilities. In fact about 75% of the population struggle to exist on USD $1 a day in Afghanistan. Poor education facilities over the last two decades have contributed to poor literacy rates; 71% of Afghans over the age of 15 cannot read or write.  Three out of five girls never get the opportunity to go to school.

 

Thank you for your interest and support in helping overcome poverty and sponsoring fair trade conditions.