Nine-year-old Beheshta is a second-grade student at a CAI-sponsored community-based school in Badakhshan, Afghanistan. A bright student interested in learning, she quickly excelled in reading. However, Beheshta’s teacher noticed that the child was suffering and seemed to be in constant physical distress. She reported the situation to the local Child Protection (CP) team and a meeting was scheduled with her parents, during which it was discovered that the family had been struggling with Beheshta’s health problems for some time. Ostracized by classmates due to her poor health, Beheshta confessed, “I felt sad and isolated.” A medical appointment was quickly scheduled for her, and she traveled with her family to Fayzabad, the provincial capital, for consultation with Dr. Viktor Naziri, a urologist. His diagnosis revealed that Beheshta suffered from a kidney and bladder disorder. Dr. Naziri prescribed medication and scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor her progress.  

Due to her teacher’s careful attention and intervention, Beheshta’s health and sense of wellbeing improved with her successful treatment. She has transformed into a joyful and enthusiastic little girl, eager to attend school and play with her classmates. Her father, Borhanuddin, expressed his happiness, saying, “We are grateful for the educational and health support provided by the CBE in our community.”  

Beheshta now dreams of becoming a doctor so she can provide free medical care to poor children in her village. These days she is known for her outstanding academic ability and is recognized as one of the brightest students in her class.