Vocational
Training in
Afghanistan
Skills. Opportunity. Sustainable Livelihoods.
BEYOND TAILORING
Our vocational work in Afghanistan is not limited to tailoring.
The Mission
We are continuing to research and identify skills gaps, areas of local demand and vocational opportunities that could form future training programmes.
Our Research
This means listening to communities, understanding what participants are interested in learning and considering how different skills could translate into practical livelihood opportunities.
Upskill Central
As our work develops, we aim to expand into additional vocational areas where there is a clear need, practical application and potential for longer-term benefit.
The new Upskill Central
Beyond Borders UK delivers practical, community-focused vocational training in Afghanistan, supporting women to develop skills, confidence and pathways towards sustainable livelihoods.
We are currently delivering a women-focused tailoring and sewing vocational training programme in Kabul, while continuing to identify other skills gaps and areas where practical vocational training can create meaningful opportunities.
Our approach is simple: understand what skills are needed, listen to the communities we work with and develop training that can be put into practical use.
We believe practical skills can create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Vocational training can give participants knowledge and abilities they can continue developing and potentially use through home-based work, self-employment, small enterprise or other locally appropriate opportunities. Our aim is not simply to deliver short-term training. We want participants to leave with practical skills they can continue to use, develop and build upon.
Why Vocational Training?
Our Current Tailoring Programme in Kabul
Our current programme provides women with structured, hands-on training in tailoring and sewing.
Before developing the programme, we engaged with women in Kabul to better understand their interests, circumstances and the types of vocational skills they wanted to develop.
Tailoring received strong interest and was identified as a practical skill with potential for continued use and income generation.
Participants progress from learning the foundations of sewing and using equipment to developing garment-making skills and producing practical pieces independently.
Alongside technical training, participants are introduced to basic business and financial skills, customer awareness and ways of exploring home-based and self-employment opportunities.
Our programme is designed to provide a comfortable, supportive and culturally appropriate learning environment.
Training is delivered by female instructors in a dedicated women-focused training setting, giving participants the opportunity to learn together, practise their skills and support one another throughout the programme. We also recognise that access to training depends on practical considerations. Transportation arrangements are incorporated into our current programme to support regular and consistent attendance.
For Women, By Women
Locally Led & Responsible Delivery
Our work in Afghanistan is delivered with local knowledge and understanding at its centre. Beyond Borders UK works through an Afghan-led delivery structure with appropriate oversight and established local arrangements. Our programmes are designed to be culturally appropriate and delivered in accordance with applicable local requirements and permissions.
We continually learn from participants, trainers and local communities to help shape and improve future programmes
Help Us Grow This Work
We want to build on what we are learning in Kabul and create more opportunities through vocational training.
There are different ways to get involved. If you are a funder interested in supporting or sponsoring vocational training, an organisation interested in collaborating with us, a business or professional able to contribute specialist knowledge or opportunities, or someone interested in volunteering your skills and expertise, we would be pleased to hear from you.
We are particularly interested in partnerships that can help us develop new vocational programmes, strengthen training, provide technical expertise, support equipment and resources, or create longer-term livelihood opportunities for participants.
Together, we can turn practical skills into lasting opportunities.