KUNAR PROVINCE – In his remarks to the crowd, Ted Wittenberger, U.S. Agency for Int'l Development rep for Kunar prov., said that since the opening of KCC, nearly 700 young men have graduated and found work in the construction trade in Kunar, Nuristan and Laghman provs.
“All of them are making significant contributions to the development of their country,” said Wittenberger. “Since Pashtun culture is based on family ties, clans and villages, they’re also making contributions to the betterment of their families. Now you'll enter the economy and become part of the workforce. You'll produce roads, bridges, schools and clinics. You’ll add to the development of your country.”
Since its opening in March 2008, with the help of USAID and the Kunar PRT, the KCC has helped create jobs and build a skilled work force for one of the fastest growing economies in Kunar, the construction industry.
More than 90% of the 700 students have graduated in one of the traits offered, a significant accomplishment for any institution priding itself on its graduation rates.
Navy Cmdr. Leonard Remias, Kunar PRT cmdr, said all the int'l partners are committed to improving this war-torn country. “The int'l community and CF are helping the Afghan community with heartfelt generosity to construct schools, clinics, roads, bridges and district centers,” Remias said. “We want to see Afghanistan stand on its own feet. We want to eliminate the fighting and bring peace and prosperity to Afghanistan. Go out and use what you've learned to make Kunar and Afghanistan better than it's ever been before.”
Once the speeches concluded, the graduates lined up and received their diplomas, as well as gifts of tool kits and radios. After the graduation ceremony, the KCC held a job fair with local construction contractors looking to hire people. Contractors requested a number of graduates from each group of study and hired them immediately.
The KCC is a joint effort between the provincial and local govts, elders of the community, USAID and the Kunar PRT. The govt and the local community donated the land, the PRT provided the buildings and testing lab, and USAID provided the program with trainers, materials and equipment, internet connection and funding for the op.
