KABUL - ISAF members from the Paktika PRT were on hand to honor 66 graduates from carpentry, masonry and welding vocational training programs in Kabul, Aug. 8.
Throughout the training, students were held to strict standards of attendance, dress, appearance, conduct and performance. The school also follows up on work progress and performance for 2 months after graduation.
All graduates received basic tool kits, a set of new clothes and certificates upon graduation. The top 4 graduates of the class received machinery to help them succeed in business. The top honor graduate is returning as an instructor for the next course, and all other graduates receive job placement assistance in their hometowns.
KABUL - The Tenn NG Agricultural Development Team meet with Niaz Zadron, Afghan Dir. of Agriculture, and the U.S. Agency for Int'l Development leaders for a tour of the Badam Bagh demo farm in Kabul, Aug. 11. The group discussed many projects that are planned for the Paktya province. Grapes, strawberries and tomatoes are some of the fruits grown at the demo farm.
While it may seem like one small step for the citizens of Panjshir, the Women's Poultry Project is one giant leap for the women who call the valley their home. Mr. Greg Schlenz, the U.S. Dept of Agriculture agricultural advisor to the Panjshir PRT, said the project currently includes more than 1200 Panjshir families.
The 3 months of training involve 4 phases. "The 1st phase is the initial training where the women learn how to properly care for the chickens," he said. "This includes feeding, watering, managing and how to vaccinate against diseases."
During the 2nd phase the women receive materials to build their own chicken coops. In the 3rd phase the women receive 13 hens and 2 roosters each with frequent follow-ups to insure the chickens are being cared for properly. The final phase teaches the women how to market and sell the eggs.
