After fleeing Kabul for protest against the Russian invasion, Mahboba Rawi arrived in Australia as an Afghan refugee. In 1992, she lost her son in a tragic drowning accident at Kiama’s blowhole. For refugees who have had to overcome adversity like herself, Mahboba shares how she was able to begin a successful not-for-profit organisation.
RESCU: For any readers who don’t know, can you tell us a little about what Mahboba’s Promise is and what the organisation does both internationally and within Australia?
Mahboba Rawi: Mahboba’s Promise is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to provide aid overseas to disadvantaged Afghan women, widows, children and orphans. We achieve this through sustainable development programs such as the establishment of schools, health clinics and community facilities designed to be operated by local authorities and communities. We also extend support to women in need in the Australian community eg escaping violence and abuse.
RESCU: When did it all begin, and what inspired you to start?
Mahboba Rawi: It all began in 1998 with a letter from a young Afghani doctor Dr Nasrin begging for help to save refugee orphans on the streets of Kabul changed my life and marked the beginning of Mahboba’s Promise. My friends and I were able to raise $120 that day. I told some friends and other women attending English classes and they put they were able to donate then and there. To prove they received the money, the young doctor sent back a letter with the fingerprints of the children who he had helped with the money we raised. That did it! I knew I had to do more. Soon after I became ‘mother’ to 35 children, supporting them single- handedly through my own fundraising.
RESCU: Were there any particular hurdles you had to overcome in getting started up? How did you overcome them?
Mahboba Rawi: I found starting out hard because there are a lot of people who don’t want to help women become independently successful. After my initial struggles, I was lucky to find a fantastic support network of men and women who helped me start out and build Mahboba’s Promise into what it is today.
RESCU: If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice as you were starting the organisation, what would it be?
Mahboba Rawi: The biggest piece of advice I would give my younger self is to plan for the long term and surround yourself with talent. When I started we didn’t realise how much Mahboba’s Promise would grow, so we didn’t have any systems in place – all I knew is that I wanted to help provide disadvantaged women and orphans with food and clothing. It’s crucial to establish the systems which sustain all our activities; helping people move towards self- sufficiency which involves a totally different thought process and skill set.
RESCU: We know the organisation has already achieved an incredible amount – can you tell us a little about this?
Mahboba Rawi: To date, Mahboba’s Promise has set up a school where more than 200 young girls have access to education, a primary health care clinic, an orphanage and a community centre where widows and children can learn life skills, literacy and vocational training. Many of the facilities that have been developed in Afghanistan are run by the local communities.
RESCU: You’ve received an Order of Australia Medal, have published a book, and raised funds and awareness for an incredibly important cause — is there one particular achievement that really stood out for you
Mahboba Rawi: While I’m honored and humbled by these accomplishments, I see these things as a way in which to raise awareness and hopefully funds for Mahboba’s Promise so I can continue to support those in need.
RESCU: What are your hopes for Mahboba’s Promise in the coming years?
Mahboba Rawi: We want to raise the profile of Mahboba’s Promise and encourage donations so we can continue to support those in need. Sometimes we have to turn women away from Hope House because we don’t have the resources to support them which breaks my heart. It’s my dream to be able to support as many women and children as I can. We need more people to get involved and help.
To learn more about Mahboba’s Promise or to show your support for Mahboba’s Promise initiatives, visit www.mahbobaspromise.org
You can sponsor an orphan for $35 per month or a widow for $50 per month. There are many other ways you can transform a life – $10 (school shoes), $15 (school books), $20 (chicken), $50 (winter warmth), $40 (school kits).
