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Background
Before the fall of the Taliban in 2001, World Vision Australia had only supported a few projects in Afghanistan - mostly de-mining and emergency relief work. Since then, we have initiated a range of longer-term projects including post-conflict rehabilitation work. We do not offer child sponsorship yet due to continuing insecurity in parts of the country. World Vision Australia currently funds seven projects in Afghanistan:
- Three projects funded by AusAID, the Australian Government’s overseas aid agency, two of which are co-funded by Australian donors
- Two projects supported by the Smiles Gift Catalogue
- One project funded by the United Nations Development Programme
- One project funded by Australian donors
A brief description of two of the projects World Vision Australia supports:
SHAPE (STI and HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education)
With limited health services and increased internal population movement, Afghanistan is at risk of a large HIV/AIDS outbreak. SHAPE seeks to reduce this risk in two main ways.
Firstly, the project will train community leaders, health workers, the local media and other groups (such as farmers, women, students and teachers) to spread appropriate information about STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and HIV/AIDS. This will build people’s awareness and equip them to avoid exposure.
Secondly, it will improve the capacity of health professionals to cope effectively with STIs and HIV/AIDS and to minimise the risks for their patients. Health workers will receive training in the means of STI and HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention, in developing culturally appropriate training and in counselling sufferers. They will also be assisted in acquiring appropriate diagnostic equipment and encouraged to adopt voluntary confidential counselling and testing methodologies.
This project is funded under the AusAID-NGO Cooperation Program, in which the Australian Government provides 75% of funds and public donations provide 25%.
New Beginnings
This project, funded by the United Nations Development Programme, offers vocational training, job placement opportunities and career counselling for ex-combatants. It is part of World Vision’s integrated approach to working with the Afghan people to rebuild their country after two decades of war.
Placements will be subject to availability and based on the beneficiaries’ desires, skills and job opportunities. Areas of training include carpentry, plumbing, welding and metalwork, carpet weaving, car mechanics and cooking and catering. Participants also have the opportunity to undergo training in literacy, English and computing.
One of 1,632 participants in the project so far said, "I fought with guns in the mountains, now I want to fight with tools in the workshop."
Note: Other World Vision projects in Afghanistan are funded by World Vision offices in other countries. The above information only relates to projects funded by World Vision Australia.
Updated May 2006
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