In 2004, Nazifa and Frydoon Shairzay returned to Afghanistan after 25 years of exile to find their country and people devastated by years of war and poverty. However, what broke Nazifa’s heart the most was the number of children she saw begging on the streets. Due to toy mines, lack of sufficient nutrition and medical care, many of these children have sustained some form of physical and/or mental disability. They are left to fend for themselves in a crippled and harsh environment. 

As a mother of three and a former school teacher, Nazifa’s heart and conscience were troubled by what she encountered. From that trip was born an idea, a mission. The idea was simple – take these children off the streets and provide a place where they can receive an education, basic medical care and physical therapy and learn a trade that will enable them to be self-sufficient and productive. Through her brother, Rahim Sekandari, Nazifa became acquainted with Sarah Jurak, a caring woman in Arizona who wanted to help children in Afghanistan. Sarah also felt that these Afghan children were most deserving of better opportunities in life. With the generous donation from Sarah and Rahim, the Sarahim Center was founded.  Nazifa was able to convert a small home located in  Kabul into a center for the special education of children with disabilities.

On July 9, 2005, the Sarahim Center of Special Education for Afghan Children with Disabilities opened its doors to a community in dire need for the services it had to offer, starting with 3 children.  The initial three bedroom home was unable to accomodate the increasing number of children over the first years, so Nazifa moved the  Sarahim Center to its current location, a 10 bedroom house converted into classrooms.  The Center now serves over 70 children and has many more on a waiting list.

Sarah, Nazifa and Rahim