A Message from the Trustees of the Afghan Training Foundation and Directors of Afghan Action

The global economic recession, depressed consumer spending and the weakness of the British Pound against the US Dollar (in which everything in Afghanistan is denominated) continue to make it very difficult for us. In late 2008 we had to make drastic reductions in the scale of our work in Kabul. We had been employing nearly 180 people but were forced to cut right back until, by April 2009, we had enough funding generated through carpets sales, sponsorship of trainees and donations to begin tentatively to grow again.

Things have steadily grown since then. Our new training programme at our carpet factory and training school is developing and we have implemented a “Stage 2” process, enabling some trainees to move towards establishing their won businesses.

We are also diversifying into clothing and kitemaking and are introducing the very latest ICT “virtual” systems into Afghan schools.

We are convinced that the best hope for Afghanistan lies in the creation of good jobs, honest businesses and fair markets. Without them, no political, military or security solutions will last.

We have major work programmes running in the UK now - London-based work with Afghan groups across the Capital; a national awareness raising programme, working with faith groups, businesses and the media; and growing work with schools.

We - together with you and all people of good will - have a chance to make a real and lasting difference in Afghanistan. Afghan Action’s trustees and staff are most grateful for the generous support and enduring interest in our work which we receive from so many people - and we ask you, please, to join us in doing what we can to make things change.