Hakima*, an 18-year-old from eastern Afghanistan, is on a path to transform her life and secure a brighter future for herself and her family. With dreams of starting her own business, helping her family, and sending her siblings to school, Hakima* has found new hope through the Vocational Training (VT) centre where she is learning embroidery and bag-making.

“I am grateful that I can learn a profession at the VT centre,” Hakima* says. “My biggest hope is to send my sister and brothers to school so they can have a bright future and become educated individuals in society. And it is my dream, after graduating from this course, to start my own profession and earn money so I can provide enough food and new clothes for my family.”

Hakima*’s journey has not been easy. She lives in a rental home with her parents and seven siblings, and her family struggles daily with poverty. Her father’s income from working with a cargo transfer cart, ranging from 100 to 150 AFN (1.44 to 2.16 USD) daily, barely covers the basics. Her mother has been suffering from a nerve disease for 18 months, and the pressing medical needs of her infant brother, who has had a blocked anus since birth, further increase their challenges.

Due to her family's inability to support her younger siblings' education and the financial barriers preventing her from attending school, Hakima* took on household work in her community—cleaning, washing dishes, and caring for children—for 100 to 150 AFN (1.14 to 2.16 USD) a day. Despite these difficulties, her father was distressed by her need to work instead of pursuing education or vocational training.

When Hakima* learned about the Vocational Training (VT) centre from a household where she worked, she felt very happy and asked her father to accompany her for registration. Now, three months into her training, Hakima* is gaining the skills she needs to achieve her dreams.

Save the Children provides essential support to students like Hakima*, including equipment and materials worth 17,000 AFN (about 244 USD) given at the end of the course, and a monthly transportation stipend of 1,500 AFN (21.55 USD).

Hakima’s* trainer, Amina*, says: “Learning here is a great opportunity for these students because they can start their profession and become self-sufficient. Most of our graduate students now run their own businesses and even mentor others.”

With funding support from Save the Children Italy, Save the Children aims to assist vulnerable children and youth in eastern Afghanistan by offering vocational training and related support. In addition to vocational skills, the centre provides basic literacy training and essential life skills, ensuring students like Hakima* are well-equipped for their future endeavors.

The SWC project, part of Save the Children’s broader efforts in Afghanistan, focuses on improving the livelihood resilience of vulnerable families. By providing vocational training and financial support, the project aims to break the cycle of poverty and create pathways for self-employment and economic stability.