WHO WE ARE
We are an American family, with roots in Afghanistan, with extensive experience in healthcare, agriculture, and humanitarian aid.
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Nasrat Wassimi, Ph.D has worked on the rehabilitation of the people of Afghanistan through agricultural programs for more than three decades. He has a history of non-government related work and international aid with previous important roles with the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas. In the current Afghan environment, his vast connections with people and the farming community will help us reach rural Afghanistan and provide hope where little seems available. Dr. Wassimi plays an active role as a director in the Wassimi Foundation, with a focus on rural outreach and farmer grain packages.
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Atal Wassimi, PharmD is a clinical pharmacist in the Shenandoah region of Virginia. He was raised among the Afghan refugee community in Pakistan during his childhood in the 1990s, and has experience in professional organization leadership from his roles within the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. Dr. Atal Wasimi is the acting president of the Wassimi Foundation.
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Maira Wassimi, PharmD is a clinical pharmacist and wife of Dr. Atal Wassimi. Her passion for caring for people in difficult political and economic environments stems from her own family history in Brazil. Dr. Maira Wassimi has also supported nonprofits caring for orphans and children in low income areas for decades. She is the acting secretary, treasurer and director of communications with the Wassimi Foundation.
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OUR STRATEGY
Low overhead and fast delivery.
Through our network of people on the ground in Afghanistan, we focus on expediting low-dollar contributions into immediate aid that can be executed within a week’s time. The void, created by changes in international support, and changing scene requires fast action to support the Afghan people during the current political and economic climate.
HOSPITAL MEALS
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WHY
Multiple media outlets have highlighted the effects of child malnutrition due the mother's own starvation and inability to produce milk. These reports, combined with the knowledge that women and children are likely to be disproportionately negatively impacted in these situations, have made maternity and children's hospitals a high priority at the Wassimi Foundation.
HOW
We have contracted with two Kabul Restaurants to create meal packages that include bottled water, fruit, rice, chicken, and bread. Each package feeds about 2-3 people. Trusted medical providers have inspected the meal preparation site for appropriate hygiene and safety, and we submit to a health inspection at hospital distribution locations.
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LOCAL AGRICULTURE
WHY
Our headquarters in Staunton Virginia is nestled in the heart of rich agricultural land in the Shenandoah Valley. Our US community understands the value of purchasing produce and grain from local farmers to stimulate economy, reduce transportation and fulfill nutritious goals.
HOW
We maintain these values within our relief efforts by purchasing rice or flour and beans from local Afghan farmers in rural areas. Our volunteers prepare these in packages, combined with imported cooking oil, and distribute to local families in need. These food packages provide each family meals for one to two weeks. Local surveys are done by our volunteers to determine families most in need and assign a pickup time when packages are ready for distribution.
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FAMILY ECONOMIC STABALIZATION
WHY
All of our volunteers in Afghanistan are working professionals, including former relief aid works and physicians. During these trying times, their resources are also extremely limited due to the current financial vacuum. That is why we aim to provide financial support for their efforts on the ground, and relieve some of the financial burden during their charitable efforts.
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HOW
We provide multiple weekly stipends of $25-100 per distribution event for executing our mission on the ground in Afghanistan.
