Current Programs

February Update from Kabul (PDF file)

March Update from Kabul (PDF file)
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Background

ARISE/Afghan Center (Afghanistan Retraining Initiative for Self-Employment)

ARISE/Afghan Center is a project of the Afghan Center in Fremont, in collaboration with the Foundation for Global Community.

Mission

To provide humanitarian assistance, vocational training and other services to women, returning refugees, former combatants, and others seeking marketable skills to support their families and contribute to the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Target Population

· Refugees, returnees, former combatants, internally displaced persons
· Widows
· People with disabities
· Other unemployed and underemployed people

Scope

While initially focused on vocational training, the program has expanded to include literacy, social studies and health education, since so many are lacking this basic knowledge. In its first nine months of operation since its inception in spring 2003, ARISE has served over 2000 people whose ages range from 16 to 60. Many more Afghans are requesting training and services.

Hundreds of women showed up at the main center recently after hearing about new classes being offered. ARISE currently (early 2004) employs 39 local staff and two from the U.S., and operates at three sites in Kabul. There are plans to expand to other parts of Kabul and the surrounding area as funding and staffing permit.

ARISE is a high impact program. Students completing the furniture repair training course, for example, have the potential to earn up to $100 per month working from home, an amount far higher than the average income of about $16 per month. Young people who have never been able to read a book are now introduced to a whole new world of information. Women taking health education often are learning for the first time about the benefits of good nutrition, immunizations and clean drinking water.

Furthermore, the local staff gain skills and confidence that allow them to make greater contributions to the rebuilding of the economy. Trainers learn new subjects and techniques during cross-training programs and special classes provided by the Center. Some of the administrative help develop new skills and take on training and management responsibilities