Vocational Education in Afghanistan: Skilling the Nation for Future Opportunities
In the heart of Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan, a transformation is underway. Amidst the challenges posed by the influx of returnees from Iran and Pakistan, and the struggles faced by Internally Displaced People (IDPs), innovative vocational training programs are making a significant impact, particularly for women.
One such success story belongs to Shahnoz, a 33-year-old journalist residing in Kabul. Born in a family where opportunities for education were limited, Shahnoz was married off against her will to an illiterate cousin while harbouring dreams of studying medicine. However, fate had other plans.
Shahnoz found hope in the Welthungerhilfe's vocational training program, which is currently training 600 young Afghans. The program provided Shahnoz with the skills to become a tailor, enabling her to start her own business. Two months ago, she, along with five other graduates, opened a tailoring shop in Kabul.
The program also offers business trainings to 200 individuals, with at least 50 receiving start-up loans. Shahnoz and her fellow graduates were among the recipients, and their business is already thriving.
Shahnoz's story is not unique. Over 6,300 family members have benefited from improved household incomes due to such training programs. Moreover, Shahnoz's children will be given opportunities for education that she did not have.
The city of Kabul faces difficulties in handling the influx of immigrants, but these vocational training programs are proving to be a beacon of hope. They are not just teaching skills but also instilling confidence and offering economic opportunities, particularly for women, who have been severely restricted under the Taliban regime.
Online education initiatives, like Afghan Geeks, are playing a crucial role in this transformation. Founded by an Afghan refugee in Greece, this organisation offers free coding courses in Dari, helping women gain computer programming and website development skills despite the Taliban's ban on women's education beyond primary school.
Similarly, The Blossom Hill Foundation runs programs offering rigorous training for young Afghan girls in computer science, business entrepreneurship, and languages. Such programs provide vocational training that equips participants with skills relevant to the job market.
These programs offer more than just skills. They provide support beyond training, helping women find online internships and jobs, creating pathways to economic independence.
In addition, initiatives like the Japan-Afghanistan Language School Pathways (JALP) support Afghan students—including refugees—with language training, educational consultations, and job support.
In conclusion, while traditional vocational training centers in Kabul face challenges under current political conditions, online and NGO-led vocational programs have become crucial success stories in empowering Afghan refugee women through education and employment opportunities. These programs are restoring educational access, empowering women, and offering economic opportunities in a city where hope is often in short supply.
- In addition to tailoring, the vocational training program offered Shahnoz business training, which helped her start her own small business.
- The business skills Shahnoz learned through the training program enabled her and five other graduates to open a thriving tailoring shop in Kabul.
- Over 6,300 family members have benefited from improved household incomes thanks to such vocational training programs, offering hope and opportunities.
- Despite the Taliban's ban on women's education, organizations like Afghan Geeks and The Blossom Hill Foundation offer coding courses and training in computer science, business entrepreneurship, and languages.
- In an effort to provide economic opportunities for women, these programs also offer support, such as help finding online internships and jobs.
- Beyond skills and employment, these programs aim at empowering women and restoring educational access.
- Alongside online education initiatives, language training programs like Japan-Afghanistan Language School Pathways (JALP) provide Afghan students with educational guidance, language training, and job support.
