The Story of Yousof & Abdullah

In Kabul’s streets, smoke often rises from burning Espand; an ancient tradition believed to protect from misfortune. Among those who practice it daily are two close friends, Abdullah and Yousof. Still so young, their hands are already roughened by work, their childhoods spent not in play but in carrying the weight of survival.

Every day, these boys earn a living by walking through neighborhoods, waving smoking Espandi pots in exchange for a few coins. For many, it is just another sight in Kabul. But for Abdullah and Yousof, it is their livelihood; the only way they can contribute to their families’ survival. Behind their smiles hides a struggle that most children should never have to face.

Yet even in hardship, there is dignity. When BlueBirds OMID, in partnership with Afghan Gustar, organized a special event, Abdullah and Yousof were invited as honored guests. For once, they were not street workers—they were celebrated, welcomed, and given space to feel valued. Holding documents and flags of hope, their faces shone with a pride rarely seen on the streets.

Their story is not just about the daily grind of survival. It is about friendship, about walking side by side through struggle, and about the small sparks of opportunity that can transform how a child sees himself. Abdullah and Yousof remind us that every child deserves not only recognition but also the chance to build a brighter future; away from smoke, dust, and the weight of early labor.

At BlueBirds OMID, we see in them not just two boys doing Espandi, but two souls full of potential, two friends who, if given the chance, can turn resilience into achievement.