Press Release

Afghanistan to Revitalize Technical and Vocational Education

USAID helps Afghanistan's Minister of Education to establish the National Institute of Management and Administration (NIMA)

Kabul, Afghanistan  | Wednesday, October 10, 2007

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – On October 10, 2007, the Minister of Education of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Haneef Atmar, Norway’s Minister of International Development Erik Solheim, and USAID Mission Director Robin Phillips, signed an agreement that establishes the National Institute of Management and Administration (NIMA).

According to Minister Atmar, “The National Institute of Management and Administration is good news for the youth of Afghanistan.  It will create many more opportunities for higher education studies and greatly increase access to employment in the public service and private sectors.”

The NIMA is another step towards revitalizing Afghanistan’s technical and vocational education and training sector. It will offer programs on Administration and Management, Accounting, and Information and Communications Technology to prepare graduates for jobs and careers in the public or private sector or for entry into university programs.  The Institute will be established in accordance with best practices in professional education from around the world, aimed to graduate students with important, immediately employable skills.  Classes will begin by the Afghan New Year 1387 (March 21, 2008).

Oversight for this initiative is a combined effort between the Ministries of Education, Higher Education, Economy, and Finance.  The USAID Capacity Development Program will provide the curriculum development, training of teachers, and the management of the Institution.  The Government of Norway and the World Bank are funding the construction and equipping of the NIMA campus. 

This is one of the many projects supported by the American people to assist the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in providing development and reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan.