Afghanistan Past Programs

RECONSTRUCTION

Integrated Returns Programs 2003-Present

UMCOR has implemented numerous programs that facilitate the return of refugees to Afghanistan. These programs provide permanent housing, water and sanitation, and livelihoods assistance. UMCOR continues to facilitate returnee resettlement through integrated returns programs. The programs in the following areas have been completed in recent years:
Charikar 2003-2004
Paktya Province 2004-2005
Khost and Paktya Province 2005-2006
Central Region 2005-2006

INCOME GENERATION

Micro Credit, Income Generation and Agriculture 2004-2005

UMCOR implemented a variety of income generation programs that helped communities in Paktya, Logar, Kabul, Bagram, and Parwan Provinces to increase their income and create more opportunities for work. To fill the gap resulting from the absence of a formal banking system and an insufficient supply of informal credit, UMCOR Afghanistan implemented micro-credit programs based on the solidarity group lending methodology. Through this methodology, small groups of borrowers are responsible for each other's loans.

Two of these programs helped establish poultry farms and create market linkages for farmers. The beneficiaries received training in raising techniques, incubation technology and care of chickens which will enable them to become producers earning a stable income for their families.

UMCOR Afghanistan also provided agricultural inputs to enable local farmers to restore crop production in their region. This assistance, in the form of fruit and nut tree saplings or grape root stock, was distributed to 200 families to enable them to establish orchards and vineyards and increase their income.

Additionally, this program included well construction irrigation system rehabilitation to ensure communities had sufficient water to sustain their lives and their crops. Thirty-five wells in all were built. Pumps and engines were provided for the irrigation wells. Each well has the capacity to irrigate 4 to 6 farms. Villagers were trained in well and engine maintenance, as well as in efficient irrigation practices.

EDUCATION

School Reconstruction and Refurbishment 2004, 2006

UMCOR Afghanistan reconstruction engineers designed earthquake resilient structures that provide suitable facilities so that children can attend school in an appropriate and safe environment. UMCOR Afghanistan renovated a high school for 1,800 students in Rokha, in Pansheer district and school buildings in Charikar and Rokha, including a girls' school. UMCOR Afghanistan distributed thousands of school kits and teacher kits, containing a variety of stationery materials.

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Assistance for Trafficked Children 2003-2005

UMCOR believes that children are among the most vulnerable in the Afghan society. This program assisted extremely vulnerable children, who had been trafficked to Saudi Arabia and were then repatriated to Afghanistan. UMCOR Afghanistan aided their return by providing clothing, psycho-socio care, healthcare, and monitoring of the family reunification process that was carried out by Afghanistan's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. A total of 310 children were served at the project's transit center in Kabul.

DEMOBILIZATION, DISARMAMENT, REHABILITATION & REINTEGRATION

Child Soldier Assistance 2005-2006

As part of the country-wide demobilization effort, UMCOR facilitated and supported the community-based demobilization of 1,500 child soldiers in the Central Region. Demobilization activities included identification, verification and documentation of the former child soldiers, psychological assessment, medical screening, issuance of ID cards, and briefing beneficiaries on civic responsibilities.