The future of Sozo’s programs

Sozo has served and loved the people of Afghanistan for over 20 years and tens of thousands of individuals and families have been positively impacted through our programs and staff. Unfortunately, the last few years have brought significant difficulties to our work in education initiatives and family outreach programs.

Due to heightened expenses and ever increasing difficulties stemming from the government takeover, Sozo's programs are no longer capable of fulfilling our core mission in a sustainable way.

After many months of research and with input from key stakeholders and outside voices, Sozo’s Kabul office and programs, in their current iteration, have begun a phased shutdown process and will fully close after the 2024 spring semester.

Primary school students finished their final semester in December and are now transitioning to their new schools. The adult education programs, which includes the plumbing and electrical trade skill programs, will graduate their final class in spring of this year.

Many of you have been to Kabul, spent time with our staff, and given time, finances, and your heart to Afghanistan. As Sozo’s leadership team, we feel the sting of grief, as does the Kabul team. But even as we discuss this difficult news with them, they have expressed gratitude for all we’ve achieved together, and we are all deeply thankful for the long-term friendships that remain. 

The heart of Sozo continues, and through our parent organization we are still bringing hope and change to the people of Afghanistan. In the coming weeks, you will have an opportunity to get connected to that work.

We need your support in order to graduate our final class, provide severance for our staff, and enable our office to close smoothly.

We want Sozo’s presence in Kabul to end well, which includes providing our Kabul team with six months of severance after the office closes. Because expenses will continue through most of 2024, Sozo’s online giving platform will remain open and available. Visit our website for more information, and to learn what your ongoing support will go toward. 

Though we’re sad to see this era end, it is important to understand that even as Sozo’s education programs will end, the heart of Sozo’s mission continues.Thank you for standing with us. The impact Sozo has had is only possible because of the generosity of people like you. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your love for Afghanistan and we’re excited to continue bringing hope and change to this part of the world.