HELMAND - Around 4,500 students, including 2,000 women and girls, graduated from vocational training courses in nine districts of Afghanistan’s southern Helmand province yesterday.

The head of the training programme, Mohammad Ashraf, told a graduation ceremony that the training included a wide range of courses including English language, computer, embroidery and electricity.

Prior to their departure, the trainees also received all necessary equipment in order to pursue their respective profession, said Mr. Ashraf.

“We have implemented vocational training courses in the centre and nine districts of Helmand province. We will expand this programme because on one hand, it provides job opportunities to people and on the other hand it helps improve the security situation,” said General Mohammad Naim, the Governor of Helmand, at the graduation ceremony.

The United Kingdom provided financial assistance for the training programme.

“We have 16 vocational training centres in Lashkar Gah (the capital of Helmand province) and other districts of the province. Five of these centres are for women and the rest are for men,” said Mr. Ashraf.

Source: RTA Kandahar