26 March 2011 – Hundreds of young Afghans this quarter are getting free computer and English training as part of an ICT4Youth, a programme created by the Deputy Ministry of Youth Affairs (DMoYA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In the 2010, around 300 young Afghans were trained under ICT4Youth, nearly 40 per cent of them girls. In the first quarter of 2011, approximately 400 students have signed up.

Students are trained by a qualified teacher for one hour every day in basic computer software and Internet skills. To prepare the students for future employment, the course also assists with resume writing and preparing for job interviews.

The classes are free, timed so as not to conflict with regular school, and flexible enough to allow participants to continue with their activities at home.

“The classroom environment of ICT4Youth programme is safe and comfortable, so my family does not object to my attending these classes,” says Humaira, a high school student.

Another female student, Zarmina, regularly brings her nephew to classes so that she can watch him while continuing the training.

Some young women take the skills they learn back to their jobs.

“I train a group of colleagues in the Ministry of Interior,” said Samira, a woman in her early 20s. This is her first opportunity to attend a course specifically to develop her ICT and English skills.

The programme is part of UNDP’s National Institution Building Project (NIBP) to develop comprehensive and sustainable capacities in government of Afghanistan.

By UNDP