CEI is a human-centered, impact-driven non-governmental organization committed to empowering all communities in Afghanistan, with a strong focus on promoting gender equality.
Operating in some of the most vulnerable areas of Afghanistan, we address urgent needs while fostering long-term transformation. Guided by the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, CEI works alongside local communities to strength en their capacity to overcome crises, promote inclusive sustainable development, and create a future of hope and self-sufficiency for all.
Our Evolution
From grassroots beginnings to a nationally recognized organization, CEI has grown through trust, impact, and community-driven innovation.
Founding and Early Vision
OPS empowers rural Afghan communities through sustainable development in food security, livelihoods, education, and health.
Emergency Food Recovery
Relief and recovery to flood-affected communities, strengthening household resilience.
Strengthening Partnerships
Joined forces with leading NGOs to deliver impactful, scalable solutions.
Scaling Up Impact
Expanded into rural regions with a focus on governance and resilience.
Establishment of CEI
OPS evolves into CEI, a people-powered NGO rethinking aid and impact across Afghanistan.
Future Vision & Goals
Scaling CEI’s inclusive model to all provinces with long-term, community-owned solutions.
The Change We Seek
CEI envisions Afghan communities that are empowered, inclusive, and resilient—capable of overcoming adversity, recovering from crisis, and building a dignified future. We support locally-led efforts to reduce vulnerability, foster social cohesion, and create sustainable pathways to recovery.
Making it Happen
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Message from Leadership
At CEI, we lead with compassion, conviction, and an unwavering belief in the strength of communities. Our leadership team is committed to ensuring that every program is people-centered, practical, and sustainable driving real change on the ground.
Mohammad Afzal Masood
Country Director
At CEI, we believe that real change begins in the heart of every community. Our mission is rooted in the simple yet powerful idea that when people are supported with the right tools and opportunities, they can shape brighter futures for themselves and those around them.
Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with communities across all provinces of Afghanistan. In every corner of the country, I’ve witnessed the same remarkable strength: families striving to move forward, young people eager to learn and grow, and neighbors coming together to overcome everyday challenges. These experiences continue to inspire and guide the work we do at CEI.
Our programs are designed to respond to real needs in real time—focusing on practical support, inclusion, and active community participation. Whether it’s helping a child return to school, supporting women to gain new skills, or engaging youth in building leadership and resilience, we approach every initiative with care, respect, and a deep sense of responsibility.
We are confident that by working hand in hand with communities—listening carefully, learning continuously, and building solutions together—we can achieve lasting and meaningful change that improves lives and helps create a stronger future for all.
Gul Zaman Ahmadi
Country Deputy Director
As an Afghan-led organization born from the heart of our communities, CEI was founded not just as an NGO—but as a movement of hope, resilience, and determination..
We are living through one of the most complex humanitarian crises of our time. Millions of Afghans continue to face staggering levels of poverty, food insecurity, displacement, and barriers to basic services like education, health, and livelihoods. These are not statistics for us. These are our families, our neighbors, our future.
At CEI, we are not outsiders responding to a distant crisis. We are from these communities. We have walked the same roads, faced the same challenges, and dreamed the same dreams of a better tomorrow. Our work is guided by the lived realities of Afghan people—from remote mountain villages to the crowded urban districts—because we believe that real, lasting change must come from within.
Through our grassroots approach, we work hand in hand with local leaders, women, youth, and vulnerable groups to design and deliver practical, people-centered solutions. Whether it's helping a young girl return to school, supporting farmers adapt to climate shocks, or strengthening local governance systems—we do this not just as professionals, but as fellow Afghans who care deeply about the dignity and future of our nation.
In a time when Afghanistan risks being forgotten, CEI is here to remind that hope still lives here. And with collective commitment and genuine partnerships, we can turn that hope into action.
We welcome collaboration with those who share our values and vision, and we are ready to work tirelessly—because for us, this is more than a mission. It is our responsibility. It is our home.