Ahmad’s story, unfortunately, repeats itself over and over again in Afghanistan. I have always been a HUGE supporter of our mission in Afghanistan, but we need to wake-up and understand the long-term implications not just on a humanitarian level, but also for our own national security interests if we continue to ignore the plight of kids like Ahmad – most of them will grow up.

And that’s the purpose for producing the documentary for Operation Exceptional Child, to raise awareness. I have applied for several grants with State, USAID, and even sought CERP funding over the past 3 years to provide assistance for these kids, all to no avail. Children with special needs just aren’t on anyone’s radar in a meaningful way that can make a real difference for them.  So I’m trying to put a face and a name on the ever-growing problem of kids like Ahmad hoping that that will do the job.

Ultimately, OpEx Child will be a school for children with disabilities, actually a laboratory school to train teachers. It seems there are schools opening up all over Afghanistan, but there is just not enough teachers to fill those schools. Developing schools is about more than just putting up structures; we need to also develop the human infrastructure in Afghanistan.

Please help make it happen for children like Ahmad, please help support Operation Exceptional Child-Afghanistan: http://igg.me/at/OpExChild/x/2782967