– Our History –
Morning Star Development
We are proud of our consistent presence in Afghanistan and are committed to continuing to prioritize our initiatives in the country.
1997
Initial Visit to Afghan Refugee Camp
Businessman Daniel Batchelder visited an Afghan refugee camp in Pakistan and found the conditions heartrending.
1998
Opened an Orphanage & a School
Daniel and other businessmen received permission to open an orphanage and a school in Northern Afghanistan.
1999
Permission to Serve in Every Province
Daniel met with officials in Kabul and was granted permission to work in every province of Afghanistan through business, medicine, and education.
2000
Opened the “School of Hope.”
2001
Harsh Winter
Harsh winter; hundreds of children died. Hired widows to make 30,000 blankets. Hundreds of families were saved from freezing.
2002
Morning Star Development Founded
Morning Star Development was officially founded as an NGO. Morning Star led and provided access for 17 other organizations to step in and help.
2003
Fed 2000 People
Morning Star fed over 2,000 people living in the caves of Bamyan, Afghanistan.
2004
Founded ILD & First Community Center
The Institute for Leadership Development (ILD) was founded in Herat. First community center established in Tangi Saidan.
2005
Health Clinic
Began operation of a health clinic at the University of Kabul.
2010
Residency Training Program
Established a residency training program for Afghan doctors.
2013
BLiSS Program
Launched the Birth Life Saving Skills (BLiSS) program for rural villages in Western Afghanistan.
2015
Afghan Resettlement Assistance
Launched a volunteer program to support displaced Afghans in Colorado, which transitioned them to U.S. life through English lessons, driving instruction, and hospitality.
2016
Bridges Academy Established
A GED-based high school established for displaced Afghans living in India. “This is the first time I’ve been to school in the last five years.” – Zakia, Bridges Academy Student.
2018
New Life Men Addiction Recovery
Our addiction recovery program was launched in Kabul.
2023
Health Clinic at Kabul
Opened a health clinic at Kabul Education University.
2023
Herat Earthquake Relief
Served 25,000+ hot meals and provided water, shelter, sanitary supplies, and trauma care to survivors.
2020
COVID-19 Treatment
Treated COVID-19 patients in our clinics, provided COVID-19 awareness training, and provided relief to families impacted by the pandemic.
2021
BLiSS Expansion
Launched a new BLiSS team in Central Afghanistan and founded a rural health awareness center.
2022
Afghan Resettlement Support Platform
Launched a national equipping, mobilizing, and networking platform for Afghan resettlement support.
2024
Bridges Academy Turned Over to Local Ownership
Morning Star established this educational institute in India to provide quality, holistic education to thousands of Afghan students who previously had no access to secondary school. In addition to academics, they are also mentored in character building and servant leadership training. It is now operated by an Indian NGO.