The Orphanage Director Zaman's Struggle

Zaman's desperate efforts to keep the orphanage running while being forced to give children to a Talib official.

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The Desperate Director

The Desperate Director The Orphanage Conditions When Amir and Farid visit the orphanage in Karteh-Seh, they find it in terrible condition. There are no mattresses, no blankets, and barely any food. The children share beds and suffer from the cold. Zaman, the director, has not been paid in months. He has spent his life savings to keep the orphanage running. The Terrible Bargain Zaman reveals that a Talib official visits every month or two. He brings cash, but he always takes a child—usually a girl, but sometimes a boy. Zaman feels he has no choice. If he refuses, the official will take ten children. He lets him take one and leaves the judging to Allah. Sohrab was taken a month ago. The Confrontation with Farid Farid is outraged and attacks Zaman, nearly strangling him. Amir stops him, pointing out that the children are watching. Zaman explains his impossible position. He gives them the information they need to find the Talib official. Despite his moral compromise, Zaman is a tragic figure trying to save as many children as he can.

late June 2001