Announcement

Kuchi Youth in Zabul Learn Motorbike Repair

22 youth receive vocational training and 3 open motorbike repair shops.

Qalat, Afghanistan  | Sunday, March 15, 2009

Photo: USAID/LGCD

Recently trained Kuchi youth are equipped to work as mechanics.

Afghanistan’s traditionally nomadic Kuchi population is underserved throughout the country, often lacking access to government services, healthcare, and education.  In particular, its young people are in need of vocational training.  To provide Kuchi youth with useful job skills and economic opportunities, USAID and the local government conducted a 10-week motorbike repair course for 22 students in Zabul.  On March 3, all participants graduated and are equipped to work as mechanics.  

The Kuchi Department Director distributed tool kits to participants at the graduation ceremony and said, “Before implementation of this course and other recent community development projects for Kuchi youth, this population was entirely deprived of government services. Now that they have been given training through the government, they have gained access to work opportunities and developed positive attitudes towards the government in return."

The impact of the course is already visible, as a number of graduates are putting their training to practical use.  Three graduates have already opened their own repair shops and are employing fellow graduates, creating needed jobs in the insecure province of Zabul.  Several others have found employment in existing repair shops in the city of Qalat and are able to support themselves and their families.