Jacques and Ariane, a couple from France, founded Le Pélican.  Before coming to Afghanistan, they owned and ran a successful bakery business in their hometown in France.  Tragedy struck when their only child developed leukemia and passed away at age 10.  Devastated, they determined to dedicate the rest of their lives to helping needy children.  After working in Albania, they arrived in Afghanistan in 2000 to work for a humanitarian NGO that served the poor.  As they worked, they observed the desperate plight of children on the streets.  They determined to start their own NGO to more effectively meet the needs of impoverished children.  They returned to France, raised funds, and formed a board of directors for their new NGO, Le Pélican.  They chose the name Le Pélican because the pelican is a bird that brings food for its young in its large beak.  They saw this as a good picture of how they wanted to bring help and food to poor children.  The organization began with just 14 children, but steadily grew to include hundreds.

Sadly, in November 2013, Jacques died of cancer, following a short period of illness.  Ariane returned to Afghanistan to carry on the work of Le Pélican in March 2014.  She has overseen the continued expansion of the work of Le Pélican.

Le Pélican employs many Afghan staff members, including a Country Director, teachers, drivers, cooks, and cleaning personnel.