Shoemaking as an alternative livelihood in Kandahar

By Sergeant Alexandre Auclair

Drug addiction and unemployment are two very significant problems in Afghanistan, and they sometimes come hand in hand. It is extremely hard, if not impossible, for an unskilled addict to find someone willing to give him a job. At the same time, lack of jobs brings despair to the community, and many turn to drugs to help relieve their distress. It is a vicious cycle.

In Kandahar City and its outskirts, the Afghan government has launched a vocational training program for unskilled men recovering from addiction. The two-month program, which began on July 25, provides its 25 students with vocational training in shoemaking and knowledge of the dangers of drug addiction. After graduation, these men will have the tools and skills they need to work as cobblers in Kandahar City and neighbouring villages. They will regain hope in achieving a better life for themselves and their families.

An initiative of the Department of Counter Narcotic and Alternative Livelihood, this program is funded by the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team and conducted in facilities provided by the provincial Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Martyrs & Disabled. The shoemaking course is the first of its kind for addicted men, and the Counter-Narcotics Advisory Team is already planning a second shoemaking session along with a course in bicycle repair. A sewing course held some time ago for addicted women also proved to be a huge success.