Vocational Training for Afghan Women Project (VTAWP)

The VTAWP, which started in April 2007, aims to increase the self sufficiency of vulnerable women and their families in Kabul through an integrated approach of skills development, employment and income generation support, increased community acceptance of women working in technical trades and by strengthening the capacity of Afghan vocational training providers to deliver quality skills development training in fields where there is the potential for long-term growth and employment demand. The diversity of the training approach working with government, NGO and private sector skills training providers will ensure that women with different skill levels and different interests are provided training that is suitable for their needs. This project is being implemented through a consortium led by World University Services of Canada (WUSC). CARE/WUSC will add value to ongoing initiatives in Afghanistan by building partnerships with agencies, businesses and NGOs already involved in vocational training, and with Ministry of Labour and Social Affair (MoLSA) and other key ministries. The main target group of this 3 year project is the widows who were involved in the Kabul Widows Humanitarian Assistance project up to the end of March 2007. The project is being funded by CIDA with an approximate budget of USD 5 million. 

During 2nd quarter 2008, 150 beneficiaries have been trained in six vocational training centers of VTAWP partner NGOs in district 6 & 13. 38 have graduated in Bakery and embroidery from Afghan Development Association’s (ADA) vocational training center and 9 from food processing trades of BEST organization. In the same period, two new organizations Agency for Rehabilitation and Energy Conservation in Afghanistan (AREA) and Afghan Rehabilitation and Education Program (AREP) joined VTAWP project as vocational training implementing partners. 8 proposals were approved for activities in district 7 and 225 trainees were selected to attend trainings in different trades.