Afghanistan has been in a near constant state of conflict and war since the late 1970s. Out of an estimated population of 16 million Afghans, there are at least 4 million who are refugees in neighbouring countries and 6 million internally displaced, vulnerable persons, primarily women, children and the elderly. They have equally compelling demands for basic assistance for their fundamental survival needs food, clothing, shelter and medical attention.
Under these difficult circumstances, disabilities resulting from war or conflict, or endemic poverty, are extremely common. While there is a surging need of appropriate rehabilitation services, the existing facilities and services are inadequate to serve the existing and projected needs. Lack of available infrastructure, facilities, and adequately trained rehabilitation personnel compounds the underserved needs.
MI in collaboration with Handicap International (HI) and Swedish Committee Association (SCA) launched a training program for the teachers (ToT) for the 7 participants from Afghanistan. The training scheduled from 18th May to 14th June, 2016 aimed at strengthening the P & O services as well as capacity building of the participants as trainers for effective implementation and dissemination of the knowledge. The course outline was designed and delivered with effective theoretical aspects, group activities and practice delivery by the participants.
A valedictory ceremony celebrating the journey and successful knowledge gain of the participants was conducted on 14th June, 2016 which was presided by Ms Romola Joseph, Board Member, MI, Ms Albina Shankar, Director, MI and Ms Ritu Ghosh, Deputy Director-Training, MI. Participants shared their experience of the initial challenges, gradual adaptations and successful completion of the training and asserted the positive implementation of the learnings at their respective workplaces.
