Afghanistan construction center graduates third class

AFGHANISTAN

01.27.2009

Story by Lt.j.g. James Dietle 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

By Lt j.g James Dietle
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

KONAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan — The Konar Construction Center graduated 116 local workers in the eastern region of Afghanistan recently, to include several from nearby provinces such as Laghman and Nuristan.

The center, which is locally owned and operated, teaches Afghans construction techniques including masonry, electrical work, rebar tying, painting and carpentry.

Officials from United States Agriculture Aid and Development and Provisional Reconstruction Team Konar attended the event.

"The graduates today have completed great work during their course of study," Navy Cmdr. Murray Tynch, PRT Konar commanding officer, and an Edenton, N.C native said during the graduation. "I know they are ready to go to work and do their parts in bringing a brighter future to their children and the people of Afghanistan."

In an area where money, jobs and experience are scarce, the construction center offers a way for fighting age males to learn a valuable skill so that they can provide for their families.

"I know those who roam the earth after us will experience the benefit of the hard work from these KCC graduates. Their children will see the safety of Konar roads and bridges and enjoy the benefits of new schools and hospitals," said Tynch.

Workers who graduate are highly sought after in the local economy, with a 100 percent placement success rate. In fact, the second graduating class had 136 graduates and 172 available jobs to choose from.

"Before we were going to Pakistan for goods, like furniture, now we have more skilled and educated workers that can do it here in Konar," Sayed Fazlullah Wahidi, governor of Konar province, stated. "We can only hope that one day we can do the same thing for business and agriculture."

PRT Konar has high hopes for the upcoming development of the KCC. Already, it has received a shipment of equipment to conduct material testing. Currently, material testing has to be done in more developed regions of Afghanistan or taken to Pakistan. Soon, qualified personnel will be able to do this work for a competitive fee.

Also, teachers are preparing to teach advanced courses. Tuition will be paid by the construction company employing the individual. All proceeds will help maintain the costs of the facility, allowing it to be self sufficient.

The center has also started implementing English classes, its first teacher arriving within the past month. Local construction companies also use the KCC structures to provide foreman or business classes to their employees.

The initial costs, provided by PRT Konar, total $200,000 to rehabilitate and refurbish an abandoned construction site with a barracks for students and two instruction bays for classes. USAID continues to provide monthly funding to the school for classes.

This site is located in the Shigal District of Konar, allowing a close proximity to Asadabad and road access for students.

Through hard work and dedication, Afghan locals have created more than 350 skilled construction workers to help rebuild Konar province. In future years, the KCC should be able to train many more. Governor Wahidi explained the graduates' new responsibility "You are the new generation. You are future of this country. You will build this country."

• Date Taken: 01.27.2009
• Date Posted: 01.27.2009 03:26
• Story ID: 29308
• Location: AF