Tribune News Network
Doha
With funding from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is carrying out the project to enhance resilience among the families most affected by conflicts and natural disasters in Afghanistan, by enhancing food security and livelihoods.
Co-implemented by QRCS’s representation office in Afghanistan and the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), the project aims to make the communities most affected by conflicts and natural disasters in Faryab, Farah and Helmand provinces more resilient, by distributing basic food supplies to 800 families or about 5,600 people, from the most vulnerable families in the target provinces, as well as helping them start productive, income-generating enterprises.
The first component of the project has recently been initiated at the Afghan-Korean Vocational Training Institute (AKVTI) in Kabul, with five-month vocational and technical training workshops for 150 trainees.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by HE Dr Mirdef Al Qashouti, advisor to the Embassy of Qatar in Kabul; Sheikh Hafiz Aziz Rahman, vice-president of ARCS; Sheikh Abdul-Bar, undersecretary of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, ARCS officials, and QRCS team in Afghanistan, as well as representatives of AKVTI, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and concerned organisations.
The areas of training offered include electricity, carpentry, auto/engine mechanics, A/C and refrigeration and others. After completing the training programme, the trainees will receive technical certification from AKVTI.
Generally, the project comprises five components, as follows:
1. Distribution of food parcels,each containing 90 kg of food staples like flour, rice, beans, sugar, vegetable oil and green tea for the benefit of 800 poor and affected families at three distribution hubs.
2. Three-month sewing training for 250 women and girls from poor and affected families, as well as provision of sewing machines and supplies to start income-generating businessesthat help themselves and their families.
3. Three-month embroidery training for 250 women and girls from poor and affected families, as well as provision of tools and supplies to start income-generating businesses that help themselves and their families.
4. Distribution of livestock for the benefit of 150 poor and affected families, with each family receiving one cow or four heads of sheep, as well as educational and informative programmes to ensure the best outcomes for animal husbandry/production.
5. Five-month diverse vocational training for 150 people from poor and affected families at AKVTI in Kabul to help them practice handicrafts and secure the basic needs for themselves and their families.