EDUCATION & VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROJECTS

H4AH aim is to give assistance to the officers, non-commissioned officers, graduates who have been injured in service and to the orphans of the enlisted men. It is a program to assist veterans in obtaining skills for the workforce.

The mission of this H4AH Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Its purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured men and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

This project will help injured servicemen and women develop new skills for a successful transition to the civilian workforce and pursue opportunities to become professionals for their country.

Because to function and compete in today’s workplace, individuals need a number of skills and abilities, this project offers services to improve the ability to live as independently as possible to veterans with service-connected disabilities.

The objective of the project, which is the first step of a complete program, is a training to assist veterans to prepare for jobs, focusing on strengthening capacity to develop school-to-work programs (employability training and credentials to job seekers). The main focus of the project will be on teaching the skills needed to:

• Sewing, to learn how to use sewing machine and sewing techniques. The second step of the program will be to use the sewing techniques to sew uniforms and other items of equipment for ANSF;

• Information-technology (IT) courses. Learning opportunities through the computer lab is helping to prepare the people for success in the computer-enabled and connected society. Technology is playing a huge role in educating and empowering people, helping to build more secure and stable futures through increased knowledge, communication and access to information. A technology-proficient person is more likely to have more secure, healthy families and contribute to the overall well-being of her home and community.

The project will be also conducted through apprenticeship with a combination of on-the-job training and related instruction in which students learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a skilled occupation.

The trainings will be conducted in Kabul, as a first instance. If the final assessment will be favorable it might be repeated and extend in others Afghanistan locations. In this case new projects will be launched.

 

1. Project Outcomes

• beneficiaries empowered with relevant skills;
• knowledge base increased;
• job opportunities created through acquired skills and reduced unemployment among community.

2. Eligibility

The first step in the process, consequently, will be to evaluate the eligibility of the veterans for the training. The eligibility should be in accordance with H4AH criteria. Eligible, in principle, will be the one who has a service-connected disability rating, yet not be entitled to services.

To receive an evaluation for training, a veteran must meet the following “eligibility” criteria:

• have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable.
• have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%.

3. The Training Team

   Project Manager: from H4AH team. He should have the lead of the course and verify that it is in line with H4AH mission;tutors: should be recruited or from the donors parties with a background on sewing techniques and taken responsibilities on planning and monitoring courses:teachers: volunteers or recruited.

4. Assessment and Testing

Classroom-based, teacher-led assessment is the cornerstone of effective instruction. Teachers should have clear expectations for student learning and the tools to track achievement. Classroom coaches and supervisors should assess students during their regular coaching and mentoring.

 

5. Training Programs

   • Sewing courses

Operators typically work in factories, using industrial sewing machines to stitch together, embellish or repair clothing and other textiles. The operator begins by learning to do simple tasks and may progress to more difficult challenges

The training program comprises the following:

• vocational assessment;
• evaluation of functional capacity;
• assessment of daily living activities;
• a work site assessment;
• short-term vocationally-based training;
• work training.

 

1. Sewing basic training

Sewing training prepares candidates to construct, mend and alter garments and other textile items. Those seeking a professional career in the sewing industry may pursue a career as a tailor, dressmaker or mender. Most sewing training courses emphasize the use of a sewing machine, although some handwork techniques are also taught.

1. Sewing Machine Mechanics Training

Coursework may include classroom lectures, hands-on instruction and demonstrations of installation and repair methods, electrical operation and maintenance skills. Classes may cover multiple appliances and brands or focus on a particular skill, such as installation.

• Possible topics of study include:
• repair methods
• sewing machine repair and maintenance
• motor-powered appliances
• cleaning

 6.2. IT courses 

• To provide IT facilities for target beneficiaries (computer fundamentals, key applications, living online);
• to equip the target beneficiaries with IT skills to gain competitive edge in the labor market;
• to facilitate access to quality and current information in order to enhance knowledge and communication;

 Introduction to Computer Technology (ICT)

This introductory course covers computers and society, hardware / software, computer productivity, networking, the internet, mobile computing, and security. The ICT course covers a broad range of computing, knowledge and skills that prove competency in the following areas:

 Introduction to Computer Repair (ICR)

This is an active learning, hands-on course that prepares students to build, install, maintain, and repair computers in small Office / home and corporate environments. Students learn the basics of computer network design and installation, and this course also introduces computer security measures through course materials, and activities which will help them learn to protect computers against internet attacks.

6. Contribution requested

Donors should be reminded of the need to continue supporting the operating costs of the education programs. There will a share real-time updates with their cluster coordinator on progress to date towards output targets.

Since H4AH is at its starting point and taking into account the size and the complexity of the project it will be more comfortable to receive in-kind contributions. Instead of receiving cash it will be preferable to have in-kind support with the direct financing of all running costs concerning the organization of the courses.  

7. Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring should be continuous and real-time.

Monitoring is the responsibility of the project manager and may will be carried through weekly meetings and formally through written reports. Regular monitoring will enable the project coordinator to identify actual or potential problems as early as possible in order to facilitate timely adjustments in project.

 

HEALTH SUPPORT

We believe that any Serviceman or woman who suffers life changing injuries in the line of duty deserves the very best support for life. Help for Afghan Heroes offers short-term and lifelong support and opportunities to those men and women who serve the Nation and to their families.

Who can apply?

If you are, or were, a member of the ANSF and have become wounded, injured or sick as a result of your service in current conflicts (in action or in training), then, Help for Afghan Heroes can help you and your family.

What can I apply for?

We can help you by giving financial support to alleviate the distress caused by injury and to aid you on your “road to recovery”. For example, funds to buy prosthesis, to provide rehabilitation, to purchase equipment to make a home more accessible, a grant to support travel costs for a family needing to spend time by their loved ones bedside in the recovery centres,to supply sporting equipment to develop skills training or to give literacy training support.

1. Financial Support

Help for Afghan Heroes collects funds from donors to support all the wounded, injured or sick men and women who served Afghanistan. Different helps are given according to the kind of injury and its consequences on the person’s life.

PROGRESSIVE CATEGOTIES OF WOUNDS AND DISABILITIES

A)A)1) Alterazioni organiche e irreparabili di ambo gli occhi che abbiano prodotto cecità bilaterale assoluta e permanente.1) Irreparable damage to both eyes that have produced absolute and permanent blindness.2) Perdita anatomica o funzionale di quattro arti.2) Anatomical or functional loss of all four limbs.3) Lesioni del sistema nervoso centrale (encefalo e midollo spinale) che abbiano prodotto paralisi totale dei due arti inferiori e paralisi della vescica e del retto.3) Lesions of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) that have produced severe TBI or total paralysis of both lower limbs and paralysis of the bladder and rectum.4) Alterazioni delle facoltà mentali tali da richiedere trattamenti sanitari obbligatori in condizioni di degenza nelle strutture ospedaliere.4) Alterations of mental health that would require mandatory condition of stay in hospitals.

B)B)1) La perdita di ambo gli arti superiori.1) The loss of both upper limbs.2) La disarticolazione di ambo le cosce o l’amputazione di esse con la impossibilità assoluta e permanente dell’applicazione di protesi.2) The disarticulation of both thighs and amputation of them with the absolute impossibility of applying permanent prosthesis.

C)C)1) Lesioni del sistema nervoso centrale, con conseguenze gravi e permanenti di grado tale da apportare profondi ed irreparabili perturbamenti alla vita organica sociale.1) Lesions of the central nervous system, resulting in irreparable social life problems.2) Tubercolosi o altre infermità gravi al punto da determinare una assoluta e permanente2) Tuberculosis or other serious illnesses that cause an absolute and permanent inability the whole body that causes relationship problems.

D)D)1) Perdita di un arto superiore e di un arto inferiore dello stesso lato con impossibilità dell’applicazione di protesi.1) Loss of one upper limb and one lower limb on the same side with impossibility of applying prosthesis.

E)E)1) Amputazione di ambo gli arti inferiori a qualsiasi altezza.1) Amputation of both lower limbs at any level.

E)F)1) Alterazioni organiche ed irreparabili di ambo gli occhi tali da ridurre l’acutezza visiva binoculare da 1/100 a meno di 1/50 della normale.1) Organic and irreparable alterations of both eyes, such as to reduce the binocular visual acuity from 1/100 to less than 1/50.2) Perdita di un arto superiore e di uno inferiore2) Loss of one upper limb and one lower.                                                                                                                    3) Perdita di dieci oppure di nove dita delle mani compresi i pollici.3) Loss of nine or ten fingers including thumbs.4) Perdita di ambo gli arti inferiori di cui uno sopra il terzo inferiore della coscia e l’altro sopra il terzo inferiore della gamba.4) Loss of both lower limbs of which one is above the lower third of the thigh and the other is on the lower third of the leg.5) Alterazioni delle facoltà mentali che richiedono trattamenti sanitari obbligatori non in condizioni di degenza nelle strutture ospedaliere5) Changes in mental ability that does not require medical treatment neither stays in hospitals.

F)G)1) Perdita totale di una mano e dei due piedi insieme.1) Total loss of one hand and two feet together.2) Perdita di due arti, uno superiore e l’altro inferiore, amputati rispettivamente al terzo inferiore del braccio e al terzo inferiore della gamba.2) Loss of two limbs, one upper and one lower, respectively amputated at the lower third of the arm and the lower third of the leg.3) Perdita di due arti, uno superiore e l’altro inferiore, amputati rispettivamente al terzo inferiore dell’avambraccio e al terzo inferiore della coscia.3) Loss of two limbs, one upper and one lower, respectively amputated at the lower third of the forearm and the lower third of the thigh.4) Perdita di ambo gli arti inferiori di cui uno sopra al terzo inferiore della coscia e l’altro al terzo inferiore della gamba.4) Alterations of mental disturbances that result in deep organic life andsociale.social.8) Tubercolosi o altre infermità gravi al punto da determinare una assoluta e permanente8) Tuberculosis or other serious illnesses that cause an absolute and permanent inability to any physical activity, but not such as to require the continuous confinement to bed.

G)H)1) Perdita dei due piedi o di un piede e di una mano insieme.1) Loss of two feet or one foot and one hand together. 2) La disarticolazione di un’anca.2) Any alterations of mental disorders (schizophrenia and schizophrenic syndromes, traumatic dementia, epilepsy, etc… which would render the individual incapable of any activity.4) Tubercolosi grave al punto da determinare una assoluta incapacità a proficuo lavoro.4) Tuberculosis severe enough to lead to a complete inability to work.

H)I)1) Castrazione e perdita pressoché totale del pene.1) Castration and the almost total loss of the penis.2) La fistola gastrica, intestinale, epatica, pancreatica, splenica, retto vescicale ribelle ad ogni cura e l’ano preternaturale.2) Gastric, intestinal, liver, pancreas, spleen, bladder fistula that cannot be treated and preternatural anus.3) Sordità bilaterale organica assoluta e permanente quando si accompagni alla perdita oa3) Bilateral absolute and permanent deafness when it causes the loss or severe and permanent disorders of speech or disturbances of balance. 4) Cardiac diseases with permanent and severe coronary insufficiency or severe enough to require the use of pacemakers, treatment with bypass or valve replacement.5) Anchilosi completa di un’anca se unita a grave alterazione funzionale del ginocchio5) Complete alkalosis of hip if combined with severe functional impairment of the corresponding kneecorrispondente..

Tabella FNOTE: the presence of two or more disabilities will correspond to more support.

2. Mental Health

Help for Afghan Heroes understands that wounds sustained on the battlefield or in training are not only physical. The most common deployment-related psychological problem is the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

It may occur after being exposed to a traumatic event, like combat or other operational stressors. In PTSD, the event must have involved actual or threatened death or serious injury and caused an emotional reaction involving intense fear, hopelessness, or horror. Symptoms last for a month or longer and cause significant distress or impair a person’s ability to function. Symptoms can star to show immediately following the event or can show up weeks or even months later. Roughly 1 out of every 10 soldiers has PTSD symptoms; about 50% of PTSD cases get better on their own within 3 months, but PTSD is the most common and severe form of deployment-related mental problem. The more important symptoms are the following.

Dissociative Symptoms:

-being unaware of your surroundings;
-feeling like you are “outside your body”;
-feeling like things are happening to “you”;
-not being able to remember important things about the traumatic event;
-feeling detached, like you “can’t feel”.

The Traumatic Event is Re-Experienced:
-unwanted thoughts, images, memories or nightmares about the event;
-feeling or acting like the event is happening again (flashbacks);
-intense distress or stress reaction in the face of reminders of the event.

Things that remind a person of the event are Avoided and reactions are “numbed”:
-trying to avoid thoughts, conversations, activities, people or places associated with the event;
-trouble remembering things about the event;
-feeling emotionally “numb”;
-feeling disconnected or distant from other people.

The person feels “keyed up” all the time:
-having a hard time falling or staying asleep;
-feeling irritable most of the time;
-having a hard time concentrating;
-being “too aware” of what’s going on around you;
-feeling “jumpy”.

3. Physical Rehabilitation

What is a Recovery Centre?

Recovery Centers are a nationwide support network to offer that next stage after clinical treatment. Focusing on what can be achieved, instead of what can’t, the centres are a place of opportunities providing physical rehabilitation, education, training and support for employment. We are here to ensure you can reach your full potential left. Our on-site team ensures you have access to specialist long-term clinical physical and psychological treatments in order to recover both mental and body disabilities.

In the recovery centres, Help for Afghan Heroes uses training and sports rehabilitation to help seriously wounded service personnel gain independence and confidence to focus on what they can still achieve to get better their physical situation. Hearing aids and prosthetic limbs are provided, sign language for deaf people and Morse alphabet for blind ones are taught. These are long-term cares which help disabled people to recover as much as possible in order to improve their quality of life.

 

4. Providing support for the families of those recovering

When an individual suffers a life-changing injury or illness, we know that their loved ones want to be by their sideband their proximity is also essential for their healing. Families do not need the added stresses of where to stay or how they will fund accommodation, they need support and reassurance. The recovery centres have structures which include family rooms, living facilities including kitchen, dining areas, laundry room and space for children. Moreover, the families of deceased ANSF personnel will receive bonus salary and the possibility to make the children study.

Rehabilitation and development activities are regarded important instruments in the peace-building process.

 

QUALIFIED PERSONNEL REQUIRED
At least, physiotherapists, orthopedics, speech-language pathologists, nurses and volunteers in each Afghan region.

FACILITIES REQUIRED

• Affiliated hospitals and clinics throughout the Afghanistan or in the donor countries, in which the qualified personnel can treat and evaluate the wounded people to decide what kind of rehabilitation program they need.
• Recovery centres throughout the Afghanistan in which physical and psychological problems can be treated for long period of time, and in which families can stay close to their loved ones. People suffering from PTSD must be treated in their own country with the close support of their families.