KCC graduates 103 young men trained to rebuild Afghanistan

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The Kunar Construction Center, in Kunar province’s Shingal District, held its seventh graduation ceremony and job fair for more than 100 Afghan students trained in masonry, rebar-bending, carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring and painting May 25.

Among those in attendance were Ted Wittenberger, U.S. Agency for International Development representative for Kunar province; Fazlullah Wahidi, Kunar provincial governor; most of the Kunar district sub-governors; area tribal elders and Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team members.

As Wittenberger addressed the crowd of more than 300, he praised the teachers and administration of the school for their work in training those who would one day rebuild Afghanistan after decades of war.

“The demand for skilled workers to rebuild Afghanistan is high,” said Wittenberger. “I really believe this school can make a difference.”

The school has trained more than 800 students since its opening in March 2008 and touts a graduation rate of more than 90 percent.
According to a survey conducted by Afghan Civil Society Forum Organization in November 2009 for USAID, students who have graduated from the school enjoy a 47.5-percent increase in employment after completion of the three-month course, and those previously employed saw their wages triple on average.
 

“The KCC is making better programs for our kids, our youth, and for that I’m very happy,” said Haji Meya Hassan, Kunar provincial council chair. “We have a lot of people trying to make Afghanistan better and stand on its own feet, but there are people who are also trying to destroy our hard work. We all have a responsibility to make this country better.”

Following the remarks of Hassan, Wahidi spoke of the need for jobs in the private sector and how the school has helped to create them.
“I’m once again glad to see the results of the KCC,” Wahidi said. “We should be thankful to Allah for this program that helps young men provide for their families and rebuild the country rather than destroy it. “

After the speeches were complete, the top three percent of each trade were called to receive their diplomas.

“I am here to help my country,” shouted one of the top students, as he waved his diploma in the air.

After the graduation, students attended a job fair where they met with contractors looking to hire skilled laborers.

The KCC is an USAID implemented project to assist the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to extend its reach into unstable areas and engage at-risk populations; create an environment that encourages local communities to take an active role in their own stability and development, while addressing the underlying causes of instability and support for the insurgency.