J.B. Russell Images

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the New York and Washington, DC, Afghan refugees streamed across the border into Pakistan fleeing the imminent military reprisals by the United States against Al-Qaeda and their Taliban hosts - the beginning of the U.S.‘s longest war. After decades of conflict as well as severe drought, the UNHCR estimates that more than 2 million Afghan refugees already reside in Pakistan. Life is difficult for the refugees and a significant new influx onluy exacerbated an already fragile situation. Among the most effected are children who must often forego an education to work and help support their families. For many, the only opportunity for learning is the local Madrasa religious schools.