Model Development
Food for Thought Afghanistan has developed a model for Afghanistan which we believe provides a scalable, systemic path for the rapid development of educational and economic resources while simultaneously supporting the development of social and national cohesion through shared values and goals in the aftermath of decades of war and foreign involvement. With our extensive connections and networks of support in Afghanistan, we believe that FFTA is uniquely positioned to implement this model by leveraging and building into existing capacity. The diagrams below provide a visual representation of the model in action. Please contact us at the link below if you or your organization would like to discuss our model and ways to support its implementation.
Model Components
Curriculum Development
There is a need for the development quality educational materials specific to the Afghan context addressing the subjects of:
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peace
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critical thinking
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leadership development
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mental wellness
Benefits:
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Develops the capacity of leaders and citizens in tandem with each other.
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Relies on existing, trusted networks for development and execution.
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Contributes to building resiliency against violent extremism.
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Printed materials, along with online and audio versions of the material provide accessibility to the 81% of Afghans who lack internet access and those who do not read.
Proof/Ongoing Development of Concept:
Charitable School
The Model Core revolves around a charitable school. In our model, along with educating children and building futures, the school becomes a hub of community social and economic activity and an access point for valuable resources and support.
Food Support
Providing food support to families enrolled in schools makes it more manageable for families to keep their children enrolled in school even in dire economic circumstances. Food and supplies are ethically sourced and purchased through local merchants.
Sustainable Business
Each school is paired with a self-sustaining business that meets a need of the school and/or community at low risk. Each business will provide employment and entreprenureal training to community members.
Proof of Concept (Proposal):
A tailor training workshop for women. The training would use the sewing of a school uniform as the training project and provide basic entrepreneurial skills training. See proposal here.
Teacher Training/Community Ed
Teacher Training is a valuable entry point for the materials created/obtained through our curriculum development program. Teachers can then use the materials in the schools as well as develop community education programming with them.
College Prep/Scholarships
Starting with ESL classes, adolescent age students are provided with opportunities to develop skills necessary to study overseas. In time, we hope to create a cohort program for Afghan students overseas to provide support for developing plans to return to Afghanistan and apply their educations.
Scalable
The core model can be duplicated to create an interconnected network of schools, support programs, employment and development opportunites that support and feed into one another. This model allows for local conditions to dictate decision making while building unity through shared educational/training materials and interconnected resources.