War leaves children out of school near Pakistan-Iran border

Usama bin Muhammad, a charity worker with Nelson-based Humanity Care Relief who lives near the Pakistan-Iran border, said his son’s future is in jeopardy due to the ongoing conflict in Iran.

The war has severely disrupted education in the region, leaving children out of school for months.

Usama said: "My child’s future is under threat. We have the right to compete in the world, make a better future for our children and let them do what they want to do.

"But when something happens, education stops, and it takes a lot of emotion from us."

He added: "We want our children to have a better education.

"We want them to learn about computers, the internet and everything happening in the world. When I see my child sitting at home and hoping every day, it is very difficult.

"My son wakes up and asks me, 'When can I go back to school? When can I have an education?'

"He is five years old and asks me these questions, but I cannot do anything."

Humanity Care Relief workers visit families in a remote mountain community where many residents rely on charitable support and access to education remains limited. (Image: Humanity Care Relief)

Schools have been disrupted due to fuel shortages and ongoing instability, and children in remote areas face long and costly journeys when schools do reopen.

Usman Dar, also of Humanity Care Relief, said the impact extends far beyond missed lessons.

He said: "It was basically like Covid. Even teenagers were sick of staying at home because their interactions and social connections had massively reduced.

"Here, it had already been half a year without normal schooling."

Humanity Care Relief is working to provide educational opportunities for children in affected areas, many of whom cannot afford even basic school fees.

The charity has built a school and supplies children with weekly meals and milk packs to support their learning.

Families also receive food packs, livestock, and access to clinics as part of the charity’s work to combat extreme poverty in the region.

Usman Dar from Humanity Care Relief (Image: Humanity Care Relief)

Usama said: "There is no development from a business point of view, so the charity comes to provide the basic necessities of life.

"There is a school here made by Humanity Care Relief.

"We arrange healthy food, weekly nutritious meals and milk for the children who come here."

Despite these efforts, ongoing conflict and rising fuel costs are making it increasingly difficult to deliver aid, supplies, and staff to the most remote areas.

Usama said his family is holding onto hope for a peaceful resolution.

He said: "No one wants to live with uncertainty, where you do not know what can happen at any time.

"We are hoping this war will end very soon and that a solution will be found to protect human life."