Despite the continuing uncertain situation in Afghanistan, we are launching a training program for men with war injuries and congenital physical disabilities in Kabul to become jewelry makers, who have fewer opportunities in the already difficult job market due to their physical limitations. Thanks to your donations, we were able to secure important pillars of the program in a doubling campaign with the Aurora Borealis Foundation. But we still need your support to completely finance the project!
The Taliban have ruled Afghanistan since August 2021. The takeover marks a dramatic break in the country's political and economic progress. Exacerbated by global inflation and foreign sanctions, the humanitarian situation in the country is worse than ever. With an unemployment rate of 18.5% in 2022, almost one in five people in Afghanistan are not in work - in comparison: in 2020, the unemployment rate was 11.71%. The high unemployment rate also means that there are too few training places.
The program creates realistic & diverse work opportunities in the art of blacksmithing for men with war injuries and congenital physical disabilities. The 9-month training program includes extensive practical training in which the participants learn the various skills of the craft. Theoretical knowledge is also taught, covering various disciplines from English lessons to marketing, design & accounting. The aim is to enable participants to work independently or as employees & to build up network.
The art of blacksmithing is highly respected in Afghanistan. Blacksmiths enjoy a very high social status. Our surveys in Afghanistan revealed that there is a great desire for training in the jewelry trade. In addition to its social status, blacksmithing also offers sustainable job opportunities, as the demand for craftsmanship is very high.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
