The National Solidarity Programme (NSP) was created in 2003 by the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development to develop the ability of Afghan communities to identify, plan, manage and monitor their own development projects. Through the promotion of good local governance, the NSP works to empower rural communities to make decision affecting their own lives and livelihoods. Empowered rural communities collectively contribute to increased human security. The programme is inclusive, supporting entire communities including the poorest and vulnerable people.
Quotes from Beneficiaries
Afghan community residents speak out about the positive impact the National Solidarity Programme has had on their lives.
Najibullah, head of the CDC of Khawja Sabz posh Samangan province, considers Community Development Councils a gateway to development:
Indeed, it is a positive step to rapid rehabilitation and reconstruction across the country. Since its onset, the NSP boosted reconstruction in our village. We are witness to NSP achievements in all regions.
Zabiullah, resident of Sansiz village, Faiz Adab District of Jozjan province and a Grade 12 student, points to the positive impact of a school project financed by NSP:
Before we had a school in the village, we hadto go 3 Km on foot to study in a tented school under the hot and burning sun. We had great difficulties in our daily commuting. As we felt tired so we did not give enough attention to our studies. Fortunately, through NSP we constructed a school for ourselves. We really appreciate it that NSP is providing assistance for the people and we are so happy with its efforts.
Badruddin, head of the CDC of Hassan Abad village in Jozjan province, talks about his community’s drinking water shortage:
Lack of water was a major problem for our village. The women used to have to go 3-4 Km to bring drinking water. But then all the villagers got together and decided to give the priority to the drinking water project. Now, two water ponds have been constructed in the village, and we have access to clean and drinkable water.
Miss Sara, resident of Nawabad Shashpul village in Bamyan province, talks about capacity building:
The National Solidarity Programme has helped us to generate a livelihood source for our family by helping us train to establish a carpet weaving project in our village. Since we are not blessed with farming land or husbandry, carpet weaving is the only source of income to cover our expenditures.
Visit here to watch and listen to interviews with more beneficiaries of NSP
Success Stories
1.
CDCs Overcome Numerous Catastrophes in Herat (read more English, Dari, Pashto)
2.
CDCs Promote literacy in Rural Communities in Ghor (read more English, Dari, Pashto)
3.
NSP Empowers Rural Women in Faryab (read more English, Dari, Pashto)
4.
Water Supply Project and Its Spin-offs in Kabul (read more English, Dari, Pashto)
5.
Water Supply Project and Its Spin-offs in Kabul (read more English)
Did you know?
As of 21st May,2009 NSP has covered 359 districts across all 34 provinces
# of Communities which have been mobilized by the FPs
# of Community Development Councils (CDCs) elected
# of Community Development Plans (CDPs) completed
# of Community sub-project proposals submitted to the NSP
# of Community sub-project proposals approved by the NSP
# of Community sub-projects completed