A detergents factory run by persons with disabilities
With financial support from SCA, the Afghan Disabled and Vulnerable Society (AVDS) established dish and hand washer liquid products producing factory in eastern Jalalabad city.
Sayed Hasan Sadat of AVDS says “SCA granted 1.2 million AFS while AVDS has 0.9 million AFS shares for establishment of Tor Ghar Hasan Sadat factory, which has benefited persons with disabilities by acquiring employment opportunities. A number of 18 persons with disabilities have been employed here and production of dish and hand washer liquids and stain remover bleach have been started.”
Tor Ghar Hasan Sadat factory is located in Cheno village Surkh Road district. Persons with disabilities and needy people from nearby villages are employed in the factory. He says each employee is paid 3000 to 10,000 AFS.
3000 and 10,000 is equal to 43 and 144 US Dollars respectively in Afghan currency exchange markets.
According to Mr. Sadat, three items which includes dish washer, hand washer and stain remover bleach are being produced here, adding “we are focusing on marketing of our products. Keeping in view market demand and response from buyers and venders we will start producing 21 items including fruit juice, mineral water and hina packaging in future.
Qadri Gul, a widow, who is employed in the factory says “I am lone breadwinner of my family. She appreciated SCA for supporting persons with disabilities and underprivileged people. Qadri Gul says “SCA has taken an effective step in provision of employment to deserving people.”
She says her grandchildren and sons were daily wage labours, all day they were working in the market but it was difficult to earn food for ten person family, with my employment, now we are able to support our family better.
Rahmat, a person with disability says “I am contracted after receiving technical and self-security trainings. Prior employment, I considered myself being disable but I acquired professional and vocational training and started my job. Now my feelings about myself are changed, I am sure I will not be a burden for others in the society.”
Rasool Khan, an elder of Chino village hails SCA activities for the physical and socio-economical rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. “Establishment of dish and hand washing producing factory is an effective step towards rehabilitation of persons with disabilities and underprivileged people. This will also promote home productions of Afghanistan.
Officials of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled and economy departments along with SCA representatives participated in the inauguration ceremony.