UNAMA-Kabul, 9 October 2006

UNICEF and the National Humanitarian Youth Organisation in Afghanistan are delivering literacy and vocational skills training to around 350 former child soldiers and other war-affected children in Faryab province, north-western Afghanistan.

Children, including 70 girls from six districts in Faryab will benefit. The districts are: Khuaja Musa, Shrentagab, Qaisar, Khuaja Sabzposh and Pashtonkot.

The students are currently learning a variety of practical skills including literacy skills that will allow them to forge better lives for themselves and their families. Tailoring, carpentry and carpet weaving are just a few examples the skills they will learn.

Over 8 million Afghani or US$163,000 is being spent on this initiative.