ASCHIANA (meaning “the nest”) is an Afghan Non-Government Organization that provides services, support and vocational training to street working children in Kabul. In addition to practical employment skills ASCHIANA provides programs in art, music, drama and storytelling.

Most of the kids have never been outside of their neighborhood let alone Kabul. Students in the art program create work by copying images from postcards and photographs. When questioned about this, volunteer English teacher Elinor Edmunds, decided to do something about it. She got on the phone and rented two somewhat dilapidated Pakistani buses for the bargain price of $50 which included the drivers. A new supply of pencils, sharpeners, brushes, paper and Russian watercolors were purchased from the local stationary store. Two days later, 44 boys and girls from ASCHIANA’s art program set off on a hastily organized field trip to Band-e Qargha.

In the Field Trip to Band-e Qargha Lake photo essay.