ABOUT our foundation
Honaré Afghanistan was established in the spring of 2025 with a dual mission: to share Afghanistan’s unique traditional crafts with people around the world and to support, encourage, and empower Afghan girls, women, and male artisans. Every product is handmade in Afghanistan. The initiative began with just one artisan creating beautiful handbags and hair clips. Thanks to the enthusiasm and support from people in the Netherlands and many other countries, Honaré Afghanistan has been able to grow. Today, a diverse group of male and female artisans contribute to the products, earning a sustainable income for themselves and their families.
all proceeds of the items you buy go towards the education of girls and young women in afghanistan
Key Focus
Honaré Afghanistan is committed to working with individuals who have faced significant challenges in life, prioritizing support for those most vulnerable. This includes people with disabilities such as blind and deaf youth, men and women recovering from drug addiction, and young people who have lost one or both parents.
People with disabilities:
In Afghanistan, people with disabilities often face significant additional challenges. When families must choose which children can attend school, they frequently prioritize those without disabilities. Many individuals with disabilities also experience stigma within their families, communities, and public life.
Honaré Afghanistan believes deeply that people with disabilities can thrive when given the right tools and opportunities. We have trained several young women with hearing impairments who, for the first time in their lives, have been able to earn an income, support their families, and invest in their education.
In addition to training and employing people with disabilities, a portion of Honaré Afghanistan’s profits is dedicated to funding educational courses for blind and deaf students.
Recovered drug addicts:
Drug addiction is a widespread challenge in Afghanistan, affecting people across all segments of society. Men, women, and even children struggle with addiction—often driven by poverty, unemployment, and limited awareness of the harmful effects of drug use.
Many young men who seek work abroad face harsh conditions and are sometimes given drugs to help them work longer hours, leading to dependency. Families without the means to afford medical care may unknowingly give drugs to sick relatives, unaware of the long-term consequences. Honaré Afghanistan has even encountered cases where desperate parents, unable to provide regular meals, give their children drugs so they can sleep without feeling hungry.
Honaré Afghanistan collaborates with former addicts—some of whom also train others in treatment facilities—to provide employment and help reduce the risk of relapse. We also offer
educational scholarships to girls and women aged 14 to 35 who have recently been discharged from treatment centers. These scholarships aim to support their recovery while strengthening their personal and professional skills.
where do the profits go?
Honaré Afghanistan is a not-for-profit foundation. Our artisans are paid market prices for the products they produce. They are provided material, such as high-quality beads, as well as training. Additional costs include shipping, material (within Afghanistan and from Afghanistan to the Netherlands), and taxes.
Profits of the products sold across the world go to different projects, including educational scholarships and education courses for blind and deaf youth, mainly girls.
The board and other non-Afghans advisors do their work voluntarily and work for free.
Educational Scholarships for girls and women:
Due to current restrictions in Afghanistan, girls are only permitted to attend school up to grade 6, and both girls and women are barred from attending universities. Although private educational courses exist across the country, poverty prevents many families from enrolling their daughters in these programs. Honaré Afghanistan, grounded in the belief that education is the backbone of a thriving society, has committed all profits from its products to supporting girls, women, and other vulnerable individuals in accessing learning opportunities.
To expand access to education – especially for those most at risk – Honaré Afghanistan has established an education scholarship program for girls, women, and vulnerable boys and young men. Some artisans and their relatives also benefit from these scholarships, reflecting our belief in investing in the personal and professional development of our artisans and their families.
Through this initiative, beneficiaries have been able to study literacy, English, computer science, painting, and a range of other academic subjects. Honaré Afghanistan covers monthly tuition fees as well as essential supplies, including stationery, books, and modest transportation costs.
Course for deaf and blind students:
In the winter of 2025–2026, Honaré Afghanistan partnered with a local organization to support a three-month winter course for blind and deaf students. Honaré Afghanistan contributed by covering the salaries of teachers and the course facilitator, as well as the costs of stationery, books, heaters, heating materials, and transportation to ensure students could attend classes six days a week.
Currently, 19 deaf girls, 8 blind girls, and 9 blind boys are participating in the program.
