Afghans learn to build a better future—literally
SSG Barry Loo, CJTF 101: PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghans are working toward building themselves a better future by becoming a skilled labor force in the province.
One-hundred seven students, men and women, young and old, from the local area are currently enrolled at the vocational training school in Gardez.
The courses, ranging from three months to one year, include carpentry, plumbing, tailoring, vehicle maintenance and computer administration.
After graduation, teachers help the students find jobs by placing them in paid internships.
“We have a lot of students who now work in shops fixing computers, cell phones or work as mechanics at the bazaar,” said Abdul Samad Musleh, Paktya director of labor and social affairs.
Musleh said employing the people will steer them away from the insurgency.
“When they have a job, they will be supporting their families, not fighting against the government or coalition forces,” he said.
Musleh is looking to develop the program further, and the Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team has vowed to help.
“We will provide support for expanding vocational training throughout the province,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Marchal Magee, PRT Paktya commander from Issaquah, Wash., adding that he wants to assist the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to implement a solar power maintenance course for the burgeoning energy business in Paktya.
Rahmatullah, a plumbing student there, plans to use his education to educate others.
“When I graduate from this class, I will go out and become a teacher,” Rahmatullah said.
After graduation, teachers help the students find jobs by placing them in paid internships.
“We have a lot of students who now work in shops fixing computers, cell phones or work as mechanics at the bazaar,” said Abdul Samad Musleh, Paktya director of labor and social affairs.
Musleh said employing the people will steer them away from the insurgency.
“When they have a job, they will be supporting their families, not fighting against the government or coalition forces,” he said.
Musleh is looking to develop the program further, and the Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team has vowed to help.
“We will provide support for expanding vocational training throughout the province,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Marchal Magee, PRT Paktya commander from Issaquah, Wash., adding that he wants to assist the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to implement a solar power maintenance course for the burgeoning energy business in Paktya.
Rahmatullah, a plumbing student there, plans to use his education to educate others.
“When I graduate from this class, I will go out and become a teacher,” Rahmatullah said.
Stumble It!
