Sayed is nine years old—bright, determined, and already dreaming of saving lives as a physician. Yet each day he must balance school with work to support his family.

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• Family income

  • His father earns 1,000 AFN per week (about US $14) as a day labourer.

  • Sayed contributes 200 AFN per week (about US $2.85) by apprenticing in a fruit shop.

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• Additional hardship

  • Sayed’s mother cannot work after being diagnosed with tuberculosis.

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Despite these challenges, Sayed’s commitment to his education never wavers. He attends class in the morning, then heads to the fruit shop in the afternoon, determined to keep learning and one day serve his community as a doctor.

Sayed’s story shows how resilient children can be when they have even a small opportunity to stay in school and pursue their dreams—even under the toughest circumstances.