Summary
Zindagi Now
Zindagi Now is a non-governmental organization working in Afghanistan to expand access to education, strengthen livelihoods, and empower vulnerable communities through skills development and economic opportunity. Building on a foundation of creativity, entrepreneurship, and social impact, the organization supports Afghan women, men, youth, and refugee returnees through education programs, business and management training, vocational skills development, and sustainable employment initiatives.
The organization emerged from a collaboration between Zindagi Trust and internationally renowned British jeweller Pippa Small, which sought to preserve Afghanistan’s rich jewelry-making heritage while creating meaningful income opportunities for Afghan artisans.
Since 2022, Zindagi Now has expanded this vision by providing women and men with practical business skills, entrepreneurship training, and access to livelihood opportunities that promote self-reliance and long-term economic resilience.
In addition to its livelihood programs, Zindagi Now operates community-based school initiatives that support refugee returnee children and underserved students, helping them access quality learning opportunities and build brighter futures. Through its integrated approach to education, skills development, and economic empowerment, the organization is committed to creating pathways for individuals and communities to thrive despite ongoing social and economic challenges.
Since its establishment in April 2022, Zindagi Now has supported more than 300 Afghan women and men through training, mentorship, and income-generation opportunities, while continuing to expand its impact through education and community development programs across Afghanistan.
Since 2022, Zindagi Now has focused on supporting Afghan communities through education, vocational training, and business development programs. Recognizing the barriers faced by women, youth, and returnee populations, the organization has developed practical training initiatives that equip participants with marketable skills, entrepreneurship knowledge, and opportunities for income generation. Today, Zindagi Now operates community-based school programs that provide learning opportunities for refugee returnee children and underserved students who face obstacles to accessing formal education. The organization works closely with communities to establish safe and inclusive learning environments, support school readiness, improve educational outcomes, and promote child well-being. Through these efforts, children are given opportunities to continue their education, develop essential life skills, and build brighter futures. Alongside its educational programming, Zindagi Now delivers business management and entrepreneurship training for Afghan women and men. These programs focus on practical business skills, financial literacy, small enterprise development, leadership, marketing, and income-generation strategies. By strengthening entrepreneurial capacity, the organization helps participants create sustainable livelihoods, increase household income, and contribute to local economic recovery. Through its integrated approach combining education, skills development, and economic empowerment, Zindagi Now seeks to foster resilience, preserve dignity, and create opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive despite ongoing challenges. The organization remains committed to supporting Afghanistan’s next generation while empowering women and men to become active contributors to their families, communities, and the country’s future development.
Zindagi Now
About us
Zindagi Now is an independent non-governmental organization that combines local knowledge and international expertise to deliver education, skills development, and economic empowerment programs for vulnerable communities across Afghanistan. The organization works to support refugee returnees, displaced communities, women, and youth through education, skills development, and entrepreneurship initiatives that create pathways toward self-reliance and long-term economic stability. The roots of Zindagi Now can be traced to initiatives launched in collaboration with internationally recognized jewelry designer Pippa Small and Turquoise Mountain in Kabul. In 2008, efforts were undertaken to revitalize Afghanistan’s rich jewelry-making traditions while creating sustainable income opportunities for local artisans. This collaboration led to the establishment of Zindagi Trust, a self-sustaining workshop that provided training and mentorship in jewelry production, design, and business skills for Afghan men and women. The initiative successfully connected Afghan craftsmanship with international markets, with collections showcased in prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian Museum and the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar, as well as high-end retail outlets worldwide. These activities generated employment and income opportunities for numerous Afghan families while preserving important cultural heritage. Building on this foundation of economic empowerment and skills development, the organization expanded its activities in response to Afghanistan’s evolving humanitarian and development needs.
