The number of Afghan children who do not attend school but are employed in hazardous jobs has increased across the country.

Talking with TOLOnews, most of the children said they are severely disappointed about their future. 

Many Afghan children must work to help their families financially.

Mohammad is one of the children who says he has lost hope for his future. He searches in trash cans on the street to find firewood or cans to resell. 

“I collect cans of cola and energy drinks and firewood. In this cold weather, we have nothing at home, God bless you, if you can help me,” said Mohammad.

The extreme poverty of Afghan families drives many children into various hazardous jobs to find food for their families.

The poverty induces many children to leave school.

“I sit at the side of this street to polish the shoes of people. I feel so cold, not many people come,” said Basko, a girl sitting at the side of the road.

The condition of Afghan children has not improved despite the flow of billions of dollars from many agencies in Afghanistan.

“The problems of children increase every day and it is a source of concern. It is expected that the Taliban works on plans to avert a humaniterian and economic crisis at such a critical time,” said Maryam Maarouf, Women and Children Activist.

In the meantime, the Islamic Emirate officials said the government has plans to improve children’s conditions.

“In the economy and education sectors, the Islamic Emirate has many plans to provide good education opportunities for a new generation, specifically for children,” said Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate.

Afghanistan is considered the worst place to be a child, as 4 million children are out of school and 2 million are working as child laborers, according to estimates by international organizations.