Reference :
V-P-AF-E-03014
Date :
12/02/2024
Caption :
Balkh province. Thanks to a grant from the ICRC for economic security (ECOSEC), Sayed (not pictured), 37, has set up a welding business and hired workers, which is enabling him to earn a sustainable income.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
“Life-disrupting injuries because of unexploded ordnance, death of a loved one, financial strain, psychological trauma and fear of the future – Sayed Reza, Muzhda Ahmadi and Abdullah Amiri have experienced the sharp sting of armed conflict and violence that has affected so many people in Afghanistan. But their lives have not remained paralysed by the tragedies that struck their families.
Instead, they share stories of being able to find their ground, setting up successful small businesses with the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), providing for their families, paying off debt, reinvesting in their businesses for sustainability and even creating employment opportunities for others suffering from the impact of conflict.
The three are among a group of 29 families from the Balkh and Kunduz provinces selected to be part of a microeconomic initiative programme of the ICRC in the region. The project has positively impacted 232 people between October and December 2023. According to statistics, women who were part of the programme could earn an average of AFN 7,867 (USD 110) a month, while men have been able to earn about AFN 10,282 (USD 143).
Sayed Reza
The 37-year-old resident of Balkh Province, a father of four, has a success story that began with a tragic event. "About a year-and-a-half ago, my son was injured in an explosion. The ICRC gave us a cash grant to cope with the immediate financial consequences of the incident. Later we learned of the microeconomic initiatives programme to help victims regain a sustainable income. Through the programme I was trained in starting and managing a small business and then given a grant of 1,700 US dollars (AFN 121,550) to establish my own welding business," he says.
Reza knows that his journey from hardship to financial stability is inspiring and he is eager to help others around him. "Providing for my family was a constant struggle before I started the business. Now, I earn an average income of AFN 15,000 (USD 210) a month. I have also been able to create job opportunities for eight workers in Kunduz and Balkh provinces, helping them support their families too," he says proudly. But financial stability is only one measure of success for Reza. "I am able to send my children to a reputable private school. That fills me with immense joy. Also, securing four sizeable projects has given me a sense of accomplishment and security about the future," he says.
[…]
A project to facilitate sustainable income
A comprehensive economic assessment was conducted in Kunduz Province and Mazar-i-Sharif city, Chimtal, Dehdadi, Charbolak districts of Balkh Province between May and June 2023 before identifying 29 vulnerable families, including six households led by women. The evaluation gauged various socio-economic factors such as existing skills, market knowledge, level of enthusiasm, educational background, potential risks and viability of proposed business ideas. The financial assistance was disbursed in two phases – 60% in the first phase and then 40% – to ensure the successful execution of each business plan and prevent misuse.
Talking about the wider impact of the initiative, ICRC staff member in Mazar-i-Sharif subdelegation Ekramuddin Amiri says, "While our core aim was to facilitate a sustainable income source for those who have suffered from violence and incidents of weapon contamination, we witnessed a ripple effect as many became catalysts for job creation within their communities. This has increased the visibility of their businesses and strengthened the value chain, particularly for those involved in the dairy sector. Additionally, it has promoted adaptive work models, like shift scheduling, especially for those in the service industry including transportation. Above all, the families who were among the most vulnerable because of the consequences of conflict have been able to regain their dignity."
ICRC website, article 04-04-2024
Original material :
digital
Resolution :
4000x2252
Orientation :
landscape
Colour/B&W :
colour
