By the
generosity of an anonymous donor a six year old Afghan child was saved from becoming
a child bride. Naghma, who lives in Afghanistan with her parents and siblings
was supposed to marry a seventeen year old boy in exchange for the settlement
of her father’s debt. Naghma’s mother had to have hospital care and some of her
siblings also required medical care which accumulated a hefty bill to be paid
by Taj Mohammad, Naghma’s father. Her father borrowed $2,500 to pay of the
medical bills but was unable to pay back his debt so Naghma was to be married
to settle the outstanding balance. The boy to whom she was supposed to marry
was the son of the man who lent her father money. Not only would Naghma have to
marry she would also have to quit school which is something she enjoys.
Thankfully an anonymous donor came forth with the money and Naghma for now is
free from becoming a child bride and able to continue school.
Although Naghma’s story is touching it does not
guarantee she will not become a child bride later on in her life. She will be
able to remain with her family but there is a good probability that she will
continue to live in poverty which may eventually lead to marriage. In Afghanistan half of all girls are married
before they reach 15 even though the legal age to marry is 16. It is very
common for girls to be married off because of a family debt and unlike Naghma
there is no anonymous donor to intervene.
http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/afghan-girl--6--rescued-from-child-bride-fate--many-others-not-so-lucky-181725317.html
Ashley Lumsden
4/6/13 2:37 PM
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