We believe strongly in supporting and protecting the local communities in which we live and work. We are committed to acting in accordance with international best practices for corporate governance, corporate citizenship and sustainable development.
Since Contrack started working in Afghanistan in early 2003, we have established a Construction Training Center and Training Program in Kabul to provide job training and employment opportunities for local skilled labor. Since its launch in April 2004, our Training Center has offered daily classes 6 days per week, 8 hours per day with focus on practical skills such as plumbing, electrical work, painting, masonry, steel fixing, HVAC, welding, and carpentry. All students are also required to learn U.S. safety and quality control methods as part of their training.
The trainees receive a daily stipend in addition to food and transportation and are awarded a certificate of completion once their courses requirements have been met. To date, we have graduated over 1,800 students (including 113 deaf students and 49 mine victims) and our classes continue to be in high demand. More than 80% of the graduates of the program are employed by Contrack on its various construction projects throughout Afghanistan.
The Center is truly a success story on how to work with the local Afghani population, enhance their skills and knowledge and increase their participation in the reconstruction efforts. The Construction Training Center is frequently visited by officials from the United Nations, the Afghan Ministry of Education, USAID and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
