Community Development

Under the overall supervision of the Commissioner Afghan Refugees, Punjab, the Community Development Center provide refugees, in particular the youth with vocational trainings and job placement services; increase their chances to acquire new skills, which eventually improve their livelihood prospects both in the country of asylum and in the country of origin when they opt to return to Afghanistan. Self-reliance and livelihoods skills enable the Afghans refugees to carry out safe, secure and dignified livelihoods activities in Pakistan. Refugees who reach some degree of self-reliance quickly are more able to retain assets, access opportunities, and maintain their dignity than those who remain dependent on assistance. 
The Technical Training Center in the Camp provides technical skill trainings in six trades i-e Computer software, Tailoring, Mobile repair, Plumbing, Masonry and Computer hard ware to male and female Afghan refugees residing in Kot Chandna and surrounding areas. The vocational training program aims to:-

  • Provide basic skill training in different trades which are labor market oriented and demand driven
  • Provide competencies in basic literacy/ numeracy to the refugees enabling them to read write and execute simple calculation
  • Provide toolkits and enable the graduates to start economic activities/income generation as employees or home based entrepreneurs
  • Make women active members of their families and society contributing towards women empowerment
The training program is held in two sessions of six months, based on beneficiary selection criteria as below:
  • Vulnerability/disability 
  • Age limit 16-35 years
  • Interested/motivated to learn a vocational skill
  • Physical fitness (for specific trades)
The selection exercise is carried out by CAR Punjab in close collaboration/coordination with SWCs (Social Welfare Committees) of the camp, which are already working closely with the community services staff in Kot Chandna camp.  CAR Punjab also keep close liaison with UNHCR for effective service deliveries. 
The duration of all courses is 6 months. On successful completion of course, the trainees are awarded certificate and toolkit in the relevant fields.