The 20-year invasion and occupation of Afghanistan by the United States has had catastrophic and lasting impacts on the local population. Many Afghan children find themselves having to balance the pursuit of education with the need to earn a living.

Amid the economic downturn, 10-year-old Abdul Rahman in Kabul, the country's capital city, has to shoulder the responsibility of making money at an early age. His cart, loaded with vegetables to sell, also carries his dream of getting education.

Abdul's daily schedule is busy. In the morning, he sells vegetables at streets; in the afternoon, he attends school. In the evening, he helps his father in the vegetable stall, and at night, he goes to night school. His school expenses are covered by the meager income he earns from street vending.

"I get up at 05:00 in the morning and open the shop with my father at 06:00. Then he goes to the market to make purchases while I stay at the shop. After that, my brother arrives, and I go to sell vegetables at streets. I can earn about 30 to 40 afghani (about 0.42 to 0.56 US dollars) a day. I keep 10 afghani for myself and give the rest to my father," he said.

Abdul's family lives in a rented house on a hill in Kabul. Each day, he and his father carry the cart down the hill and load it with fresh vegetables at their rented stall. To some people, Abdul's commitment to his learning may appear to reduce the family's earning potential and increase their burdens.

However, Abdul's ambitions extend far beyond immediate concerns. He hopes to change his destiny and contribute to his country's future through education.

"I want to become a doctor. I long for peace in my country and also wish we have a house and a car," he said.

Ahmad Jan, Abdul's father, wholeheartedly supports his son but carries a sense of guilt for not being able to provide better conditions for him.

He said he hopes his children could receive education and achieve their aspirations, becoming a doctor or an engineer, or securing a good job in the future.

In Afghanistan, the 20-year-long war has ravaged the local economy and hindered social progress.

For many Afghans, education is a luxury, and even securing basic sustenance is a formidable challenge. According to the latest statistics, the adult literacy rate in the country stands at only 37 percent.

SHOTLIST:

Kabul, Afghanistan - May 30, 2024
1. Various of Abdul Rahman, Afghan boy, pushing cart and selling vegetable at street;
2. SOUNDBITE (Dari) Abdul Rahman, Afghan boy (starting with shot 1/ending with shot 3):
"I get up at 05:00 in the morning and open the shop with my father at 06:00. Then he goes to the market to make purchases while I stay at the shop. After that, my brother arrives, and I go to sell vegetables at streets. I can earn about 30 to 40 afghani (about 0.42 to 0.56 US dollars) a day. I keep 10 afghani for myself and give the rest to my father.";
3. Abdul's face;
4. Various of Abdul and his father carrying cart down hill;
5. Various of Abdul and his father Ahmad Jan washing vegetables, loading vegetables onto cart;
6. Various of Abdul picking vegetables at vegetable stall;
UPSOUND (Dari) Abdul Rahman, Afghan boy:
"I want to become a doctor. I long for peace in my country and also wish we have a house and a car.";
7. Various of Ahmad selling vegetables at stall;
8. Various of Abdul studying in bed.

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