Afghan Action is a charity dedicated to supporting regional economic redevelopment in Afghanistan through training and reconstruction programmes aimed at helping to provide a brighter future for young men and women throughout Afghanistan.
In essence, the Kabul-based charity trains young people in the art of carpet making/weaving. They are then encouraged to use these new skills to work in good conditions with fair wages, either at Afghan Action’s carpet factory in Karte Se or in running their own business from home. It’s an enterprise that provides badly needed income to support themselves, their families and their local communities.
Fundraiser at the Anjuman Base
The money was collected at a charity fundraising event held at G4S’s Anjuman Base, which lies on the outskirts of Kabul. 32 bespoke carpets were sold to a wide range of international military and civilian personnel.
G4S also announced that it will be sponsoring 20 weaving students for Afghan Action’s next two trainee intakes.
Abdullah Haiwad – the co-founder of Afghan Action – commented: “This is the first time we’ve ever held such a huge sale of our carpets in Afghanistan, and it would never have been possible without the support of G4S Risk Management. To have raised over GB pound 5,000 is phenomenal, and will enable us to invest in future community projects.”
Commenting on the G4S student sponsorship programme, Abdullah went on to say: “The board of Afghan Training Foundation and Afghan Action would like to thank G4S Risk Management for agreeing to fund and support 20 trainee weavers. The company’s backing in helping us to train young Afghan men and women in the art of carpet weaving will enable these young people to earn a decent living for themselves and their families, providing a sustainable future for all those involved.”
Crucially, Abdullah added: “It’s our belief that this is how hearts and minds are won in Afghanistan, rather than simply handing out food or money.”
Working to rebuild the local community
Nigel Billingham – the group managing director at G4S Risk Management – commented: “The work that Afghan Action does in helping rebuild the local community is tremendous. As one of the largest international businesses operating in Afghanistan, we’re very proud to be able to work closely with this charity in helping it to raise much-needed funds for this sustainable community project.”
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