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Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF): US$49 million Grant to support innovative post-conflict projects. Ongoing projects include:

National Emergency Employment Program for Demobilization, Disarmament and Reintegration, and Rural Livelihood Support (NEEP DDR/RLS) (US$19.6 million Grant): The grant was provided to the ongoing NEEP to support its efforts to create employment opportunities for ex-combatants in order to facilitate their re-integration into society and contribute to government’s alternate livelihood program in opium poppy producing areas. The JSDF grant will focus on helping former combatants reintegrate into society as a component of the broader Afghanistan New Beginnings Program (a Japanese-funded government initiative). To date, 2,188 ex-combatants and rural poor from poppy growing areas have received classroom training, and most of them are now on job training as paid employees of the contractors on NEEP road/bridges subprojects. In addition, most of the graduates are now hired either under NEEP projects or others in the market. In addition, out of the total planed length of 372 km of roads, 212 km are completed and the remaining is scheduled to be completed within the project duration.

Creating Future Potential Entrepreneurs: Targeting Youth (US$2.98 million Grant): This grant is improving the economic andsocial status of youth by preparing them for careers and assisting them with developing a means to generate income on a sustained basis. The program will work with boys and girls ages 12 to 28. Construction of the four youth centers in Faryab, Kandahar, Kabul, and Mazar have been completed. Over 2,500 young boys and girls are being trained in vocational skills by the Ministry of Social and Labor Affairs (MOLSA) and contracted NGOs (ASCHIANA, ADA, HAW). Capacity Building—First Microfinance Bank of Afghanistan (US$650,000 Grant): This project is financing the deployment of a microfinance system and provides relevant training to staff of the Microfinance Bank. Providing access to financing for micro and small businesses will stimulate economic growth and incomes in Afghanistan’s post-conflict economy.