There are serious security risks in Afghanistan, potentially affecting buildings, local contractors, SCA, health and education staff, pupils, and the charity’s visiting management. The risks arise from tensions between reformers and traditionalists. However, the charity is concentrating on Northern and Eastern Afghanistan where security is somewhat better. Security forces are still in place throughout most of the country to maintain order. When risks are at their height, Dr. Fane takes appropriate expert advice and postpones the more dangerous journeys until a future visit. The local school consultants can visit schools more easily than a foreigner can when the security situation is particularly poor. Communities wanting their children educated are negotiating with traditionalists to increase religious education teaching in exchange for them not attacking school buildings or pupils.

The unheated schools close when it gets too cold in mid to late-November and reopen in March. The severe weather undermines the construction work progress and the durability of the schools and clinics, as well as increasing future maintenance costs. This is unavoidable.

There is a financial risk as Afghan Connection does not have a high profile and has low levels of reserves. However, project funds are not paid out until fully raised.