560 cured addicts graduate from vocational trainings

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs announced that 560 rehabilitated drug addicts were united with their families after graduating from the Technical and Vocational Education Center in Pul-i-Charkhi, Kabul.

During a ceremony held on Wednesday, Maulvi Mohammad Zahid Ahmadzai, the Deputy Minister of Labor Affairs, said that over 500 individuals received technical and vocational training following their treatment.

He hinted at plans to expand vocational education programs for addicts in various provinces in the future.

Ahmadzai also noted a significant decrease in narcotics levels and smuggling since the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

He called on the international community to assist Afghans in developing alternative crops to narcotics.

Samiullah Ebrahimi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, highlighted that the graduates underwent four months training in tailoring, construction, household electrical appliance repair, and shoe and bag making.

Graduates received tools valued between 30,000 to 60,000 afghanis to help them start their new careers.

To date, the Ministry has provided vocational training to approximately 3,000 drug addicts across several provinces, including Kabul.

One graduate, Abdul Rahman from Panjsher, shared his journey, having struggled with drug addiction for 23 years.

He expressed gratitude for his treatment and the baking skills he acquired at the Technical and Vocational Education Center. "I learned a skill here. Now, I can work and support my family and children," he said.

sa/ma