Organizational Background and Experience

Window of Hope for Afghans Social Organization (WHASO) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization established to contribute to the social development and well-being of communities in Afghanistan. WHASO was registered with the Ministry of Justice in 2021 as a Social Society Organization under registration number 5158. In 2022, WHASO was subsequently registered with the Ministry of Economy as a National Non-Governmental Organization (NNGO) under registration number 5552.

Since its establishment, WHASO has developed significant experience in community-based monitoring, community participation, social accountability, and capacity building of local community structures, particularly in Kapisa Province.

In 2021, WHASO received funding from Integrity Watch Afghanistan (IWA) to implement a Community-Based Monitoring of Health (CBM-H) program covering 20 health facilities. Through this initiative, WHASO worked closely with communities and local stakeholders to strengthen community participation and accountability within the health sector.

In March 2022, WHASO received further funding from IWA to implement Community-Based Monitoring of Health (CBM-H), Community-Based Monitoring of Schools (CBM-S), and Social Audit activities in Kapisa Province. These programs focused on strengthening community engagement, promoting transparency and accountability, and increasing the participation of local communities in monitoring essential public services.

In 2023, WHASO continued its partnership with IWA as an Integrity Partner, implementing CBM-H, CBM-S, and Social Audit projects in Kapisa Province from April to December 2023.

In 2024, WHASO received funding from Integrity Watch Afghanistan and UN Women to implement CBM-H, CBM-S, and Social Audit activities. In addition, through its partnership with UN Women, WHASO supported women-headed households, contributing to improved social and economic support for vulnerable women and their families.

In 2025, WHASO was funded by Integrity Watch Afghanistan to implement a School and Health Shuras Capacity-Building Program, which was implemented from 15 May 2025 to 15 February 2026. The program focused on strengthening the capacity of local Shuras to effectively participate in the planning, monitoring, and oversight of education and health services.

In 2026, WHASO received funding from Integrity Watch Afghanistan to implement a Local Shuras Capacity-Building Project in Kapisa Province. The project was implemented from 1 May to 31 August 2026 and covered 20 schools and 20 health facilities. The project aimed to strengthen the capacity of local Shuras and enhance community participation in monitoring and improving the delivery of essential public services.

Through its continued implementation of community-based monitoring and social accountability programs, WHASO has demonstrated strong performance and developed a stable and trusted relationship with communities, local Shuras, and other relevant stakeholders in Kapisa Province. Over the years, WHASO has strengthened its institutional experience, community networks, and technical capacity in community engagement, social accountability, monitoring of public services, and capacity building.

WHASO remains committed to working closely with communities and relevant stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, participation, and improved access to quality public services for vulnerable and underserved communities in Afghanistan.

Future Needs and Priority Areas

Although WHASO has successfully implemented Community-Based Monitoring (CBM) programs across 160 facilities in Kapisa Province, including facilities in Kapisa Center, Kohistan First Part, and Kohistan Second Part, significant needs remain in other districts of the province.

Due to limitations in transportation, financial resources, and operational capacity, WHASO has not yet been able to extend its community-based programs to approximately 100 facilities located in Tagab, Alasay, and Kohband districts. To date, these areas have received very limited or no community-based monitoring interventions, despite the significant challenges and vulnerabilities faced by communities in these districts.

WHASO considers these districts a high-priority area for future interventions, as communities continue to face considerable challenges in accessing and monitoring essential public services, particularly in the health and education sectors. The need for community-based programs in these areas has also been highlighted and recommended on several occasions by government representatives, local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders.

Building on its experience, established community relationships, and successful implementation of CBM programs in other parts of Kapisa Province, WHASO is committed to expanding its activities to Tagab, Alasay, and Kohband districts. The organization aims to reach these underserved and vulnerable communities, strengthen the capacity of local Shuras, promote community participation, and improve accountability and the quality of essential public services.

WHASO believes that extending community-based monitoring and capacity-building initiatives to these areas will help address existing gaps, provide communities with greater opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their lives, and contribute to more transparent, accountable, and responsive health and education services.

Governance and Board Meetings

WHASO maintains an established governance structure through its Board of Directors, which provides strategic oversight and guidance to the organization. The Board of Directors meets quarterly to review organizational performance, discuss key operational and programmatic matters, and identify and prioritize the needs and concerns of communities in the areas where WHASO operates.

The Board also reviews the organization’s policies, strategic priorities, and overall direction to ensure that WHASO’s activities remain aligned with its mission, organizational objectives, and the needs of the communities it serves.

WHASO has a written organizational statute, which provides the framework for the organization’s governance, structure, responsibilities, and decision-making processes. The statute is reviewed and updated every three years by the Board of Directors, or when necessary, to ensure that it remains relevant and responsive to the organization’s evolving needs and applicable requirements.