Afghanistan
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›More than 130,000 people benefit from UMCOR-constructed or refurbished schools and health clinics. |
Background
UMCOR established its work in Afghanistan in May 2002. The main office is located in Kabul. UMCOR Afghanistan actively engages in helping the people of Afghanistan recover from decades of conflict and years of drought. To accomplish this, UMCOR Afghanistan implements programs in reconstruction; income generation; health and education; emergency response and intervention; and demobilization, disarmament, rehabilitation and reintegration of former combatants.
RECONSTRUCTION
Integrated Returns
UMCOR Afghanistan helps returning refugees rebuild their homes and communities through holistic reintegration programs that include reconstruction, income generation, and health education. UMCOR's initial returns programs took place in Parawan as well as Paktya Provinces. Since 2004, UMCOR has implemented integrated returns programs benefiting nearly 2,000 families in Central and Southeastern provinces. Through a 2007 program, UMCOR constructed 540 shelters and latrines in Kabul and Paktya Provinces, and dug eight wells. These reconstruction programs use a self-help methodology that involves beneficiaries in their own recovery. UMCOR supplies the materials and engineering assistance while the beneficiaries supply the labor. In the case of families without enough able-bodied members to do the construction, UMCOR Afghanistan provides additional assistance, ensuring that the most vulnerable people receive the help they need.
INCOME GENERATION
UMCOR provides inputs like livestock and tool kits to returning refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to help them secure a dependable source of income. This is a key part of the reintegration process that enables beneficiaries to have a sustainable livelihood. In 2007, UMCOR distributed livestock to 751 families in three provinces.
HEALTH
UMCOR Afghanistan's holistic approach to the reintegration of returning refugee and IDP families includes health and sanitation training in an effort to improve their health and wellbeing. Provision of hygienic latrines and water points is also an important aspect of UMCOR's approach to health promotion.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND INTERVENTION
UMCOR regularly distributes emergency humanitarian supplies including winterization materials such as blankets, wood burning stoves, and firewood. This support for basic needs enables many families to survive the winter in temporary accommodations or newly built shelters.
PARTNERS IN OUR WORK
UMCOR Afghanistan works with a variety of partners to make our work possible. At this stage in our work in Afghanistan our main support comes from private funds through The United Methodist Church.
US Department of State, Bureau of Population, Migration and Refugees
