The Association was founded in 2007 and has carried a dozen of successful projects since then, such as constructions (9 schools in Ghazni and Bamiyan provinces, a toilet block and 1 clinic in Ghazni province) and educational project (teacher training, tutorial classes and early childhood education). All these projects were implemented on the basis of the same methodology: initial assessment carried out by Nai-Qala Association President in person; agreements with local authorities and Department of Education for the land, security and hand-over; agreement with partner construction company and tight oversight by Nai-Qala Association.

The Association deliberately engages the national and provincial ministries to ensure that the schools and clinics become part of the national education and health plans. We thereby seek to make sure that the authorities assume their part of responsibility for the projects, in particular by covering the salaries of the staff employed in the schools and clinics. This is crucial for the sustainability of the projects.

We are prepared to take risks for these projects. The regions we work in are very difficult to reach: no roads, no infrastructure, etc. It takes courage by all involved to travel to the villages concerned and to believe that a school or clinic can actually be built in these regions. The transportation of building materials is hugely challenging and the construction team and staff live for months under difficult conditions.

However, we believe that engagement is necessary precisely because the circumstances of the population are difficult. We are deeply motivated by the strong commitment of the local communities and the families to improved education for their children.

The Association’s statutes established it as a Swiss-based non-for-profit organization, with a board of 10 volunteer members, including experts in humanitarian and development activities. The in-country team is currently made-up of 3 officers, and is completed by consultants, depending on projects. The president carries out regular evaluation and monitoring visits.

The Association is an NGO officially registered with the Afghan Ministry of Economy.