Paktika PRT helps provide construction skills to local Afghans

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan-- Several high-ranking provincial government officials, including the provincial governor, were in attendance to witness 32 students graduate from the first vertical skills development workshop held at the Orgun Center for Educational Excellence near Forward Operating Base Orgun May 23.

     The ceremony served as the capstone event of a three-month Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team-funded training program that taught students basic vertical construction skills including plumbing, carpentry, electrical and finishing techniques.

     Along with a certificate of completion, which helps students secure employment, the graduates were able to keep safety equipment and tools provided to them at the start of the program.

     The vertical skills workshop helps fill a chronic and acute inadequacy of skilled laborers and construction supervisors for Paktika province, said Aziz Massoud, the training director for the workshop.

     “I heard one man say that 32 people graduated today, but that isn’t right,” said Governor Moheebullah Samim, the governor of Paktika province. “In reality, 32 families graduated today, as these students now have the skills to help provide for their families through capable employment.”

     Samim’s attendance marked the first time a Paktika provincial governor had attended a vertical skills graduation, and the governor took the opportunity to stress his priority of sustainable education for the province. Eight other provincial officials joined Samim at the ceremony.

     “We can use skilled employment in this province,” Samim said, “but beware: it’s not like you’re graduated and now all is done. Now you have the power to help your people rebuild this country. I encourage you to go out and seek work to help your fellow citizens.”

     Future training classes are scheduled to continue at the facility.

     Eventually, the plan is to have two Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan-funded, permanent construction trade schools operating in the province -- one in Orgun and the other in Sharana, the provincial capital, said Massoud.

     “I know I still need to learn and grow a lot, but this class was a good start to life,” said one student of the program following the event. “Hopefully this class gets me a good job to care for my family and help rebuild this country of Afghanistan.”