PAKTIYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan—Jaji District held two seminars to enhance selected individuals basic knowledge on construction skill sets, April 25.
The seminars taught eight Petlah villagers basic skills in masonry, carpentry and construction techniques in order to generate long term development solutions.
“The students from Petlah were very knowledgeable with some of the basics, so we added some critical skills needed to make their efforts solid,” said a coalition special operations forces soldier. “They were very excited to build on what they knew.”
The next step for the students is to expand on what they initially learned from the construction seminars and apply it with hands on tasks.
Based on skills and experience, the coalition SOF detachment also identified a student who may qualify for a small business grant through the U.S. Agency for International Development. Small construction businesses in the area can aid in the expansion of Jaji’s infrastructure.
The USAID program provides economic, development and humanitarian assistance around the world to support the U.S. foreign policy goals.
Azad Khan, the District Sub-Governor of Jaji, supports all efforts that aid Afghan development and has shown personal interest in the progress of his district as a whole.
“The DSG is enabling the people of Jaji to increase their economic opportunities and infrastructure expansion by coordinating the training of locals in construction related skills,” said the coalition SOF Detachment commander.
Due to the inherent dangers of holding a seminar, Afghan Local Police provided security for the event, ensuring the safety of all attendees. This also instills confidence among villagers in the capabilities and competence of the ALP.