Arzu

The mission of Arzu, a nonprofit organization, is to provide sustainable income to Afghan women by sourcing and selling carpets made by them. Our goal is to give opportunity for economic self-reliance, education and health care to Afghan women and their families. Arzu helps weavers and their families break the cycle of poverty by paying weavers 50% more than the market rate for their labor. In exchange for the cash bonus, families must commit that women will attend literacy classes and children will attend school. Arzu pays for literacy classes and selectively funds school construction within walking distance from the beneficiaries. In addition, Arzu sets up transportation and communication links providing villagers with access to health care services.