New employment programme kicks off in Logar

PUL-I-ALAM (Pajhwok): A new employment generation programme has been launched in various districts and the capital of central Logar province, an official announced on Tuesday.

Deputy Commerce and Industry Director Mohammad Javid Masoud told Pajhwok Afghan News the programme was being implemented by the Organisation for Research and Community Development (ORCD) with financial support from the United Nations.

He said the initiative, officially launched today, would continue for seven months and aims to support dozens of unemployed individuals through cash grants to start small businesses.

Asadullah Samim, ORCD’s regional head for the southeast, said this was the first time such a programme has been launched with UN funding to promote employment and entrepreneurship.

Each small business will receive $2,000, while larger ventures will be granted $20,000, he said. Technical support will also be provided throughout the seven-month period. If successful, the programme may expand to other regions.

Mansoor Ahmad, a resident of Pul-i-Alam, welcomed the initiative, saying the financial support would help reduce unemployment and boost local business activity.

However, officials did not disclose the exact number of beneficiaries. Similar initiatives have been carried out in the province by other organisations in the past.

kk/ma