Gul Tab’s Story: from tragedy to a life reborn

The story of Gul Tab is commonplace in Afghanistan. Having lost her husband due to sudden illness, Gul was left to support her family anyway she could. Her circumstances were dire. “When he died I borrowed the money for his funeral, and I am still paying it back."

Having also lost her eldest son when a storm struck her small village, Gul lived with her three remaining children – her eldest, a daughter, and two younger sons who went to school. Tragically, her teenage daughter died in the May/June 2007 floods which killed and injured many others and destroyed an estimated 600 houses. As well as the loss of her only daughter, this also meant her family’s only source of income – her daughter’s tailoring business – was also gone.

Though living with her brother-in-law, the house provides little protection from the elements and is cold in winter and unprotected in summer.

A resilient woman, Gul got on with her life and educated herself in tailoring though found it difficult to maintain an adequate income to support herself and her two boys.

In 2008, Mahboba’s Promise was able to provide Gul with an Australian sponsor. The $50 a month sponsorship has provided Gul and her family with essential food and clothing.

On her last visit to Afghanistan, Mahboba Rawi visited Gul and met a changed woman. “It was two years since I last met Gul Tab, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. The change in her was amazing. She appeared to have overcome her grief and she was very happy”, says Mahboba.

Gul is now working in the Kabul office of Mahboba’s Promise where she helps in general office duties including sending out sponsor letters for orphans. She has also recently been assisting in the Hope House Medical and Dental centre working as a doctor’s assistant.   

“I want to thank Mahboba’s Promise for supporting me and my family. Mother Mahboba has saved us from poverty and hunger. Thanks a lot.”

Through its Sponsorship Program, Mahboba’s Promise supports widows towards financial independence for themselves and their families by providing vocational training as well as providing assistance for basic living and health needs. For only $1.65 per day ($50 per month) you can also help a widow and her family find a new life of hope and dignity. 

To read about our widows sponsorship, click here...