The Organization of People in Need (OPN) is a national, non-governmental, non-profit organization established in 2017 in Afghanistan with the purpose of assisting individuals and communities affected by poverty, conflict, natural disasters and social fragmentation. Founded by Afghan professionals, educators, and youth volunteers, OPN was born out of a shared commitment to stand with the people in need – ensuring that those who have suffered hardship are not left behind but are empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity. The establishment of OPN came at a time when Afghanistan faced unprecedented humanitarian challenges – widespread displacement, deteriorating livelihoods, and reduced access to essential services. Recognizing the need for a community-centered and accountable national organization, the founders envisioned OPN as a bridge between local communities and national and international partners. From its inception, OPN has adhered to the fundamental humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or political affiliation.
The organization operates with a firm belief that real change begins from within communities — that people are not passive recipients of aid, but active participants in shaping their own future. OPN’s work is deeply rooted in the Afghan social fabric. Many of its founding members come from the very provinces most affected by conflict and poverty, including Nangarhar, Kunar, and Nuristan, giving the organization a unique understanding of the local context, culture, and challenges. This community-driven approach has helped OPN gain trust, acceptance, and access even in hard-to-reach areas. Through its interventions, OPN has worked to restore hope, promote resilience, and support the recovery of vulnerable families. The interlinked figures in OPN’s logo symbolize unity, compassion, and hope, representing people joining hands to overcome hardship together. Importantly, OPN is led by a Person with Disability (PWD), a distinction that underscores its deep commitment to inclusion, equality, and representation. The leadership’s lived experience of overcoming barriers has profoundly shaped OPN’s vision of a society where every individual — regardless of ability, gender, or background — has the opportunity to participate fully and with dignity. This inclusive leadership ensures that OPN’s programs are not only compassionate but also accessible, people-centered, and rooted in the real challenges faced by vulnerable groups. Today, OPN continues to grow as a credible, responsive, and accountable Afghan NGO, committed to providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance while building pathways for long-term recovery and sustainable development. Guided by community voices and driven by the spirit of solidarity, OPN stands as a symbol of compassion, resilience, and hope for Afghanistan’s most vulnerable populations.