Vocational Training Programs Launched for Addicts in Balkh

Local authorities in Balkh province say that vocational training opportunities have been provided for 250 drug addicts in the province. These trainings include tailoring, embroidery, shoemaking, electrical wiring, and appliance repair.

According to officials, nearly 1,000 individuals are currently undergoing treatment at the drug rehabilitation camp in Balkh.

Mohammad Yaseen, a 45-year-old father of two who had been addicted to drugs for 12 years, has now been in treatment at the rehab center for three months and is currently learning tailoring.

He expressed satisfaction with the provision of vocational training and described it as a significant step toward returning to a healthy life.

Mohammad Yaseen said: “Since we started tailoring classes, we’ve realized we can own a business again. We were tired of our old life, but now we’re happy that we’ve been taught a skill, so we don’t return to the paths we had once taken.”

Meanwhile, several other trainees welcomed the launch of such programs, considering them vital for rehabilitation, empowerment, and the reintegration of addicts into healthy life and the job market.

Mirwais, one of the trainees, said: “This is a very good initiative, and we can make good use of it. We don’t want to go down paths that ruin our reputation and make us lose our credibility. We thank those who created this opportunity and hope to return to a normal life.”

Hashmatullah, another trainee, said: “We’ve learned to make embroidery and handbags with the help of our instructors. We are thankful and very happy. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan should support us, we need tools and work licenses so we can start a decent life.”

On the other hand, officials at the Balkh rehabilitation center say that this training program has been organized for 250 addicts.

They added that in the first nine months of the current year, more than 2,000 individuals completed their treatment and returned to their families. Currently, nearly 1,000 people are still undergoing treatment at the camp.

Najibullah Afif Karimi, head of the vocational training department, said: “We have enrolled 250 individuals in the training program. The active sections include tailoring, shoemaking, embroidery, electrical wiring, and appliance repair, five vocational trades in total.”

Adam Khan Mohammad, head of the Balkh rehab center, added: “From the beginning of this year to the solar month of Qaws, we have collected 2,138 individuals, released 2,316, and currently 995 people are receiving treatment at this center.”

It is worth mentioning that this is the first round of vocational training programs for addicts in Balkh, and starting from now, 500 individuals are expected to be trained annually in these fields.