Bittersweet day for Afghan graduates of the Korean Vocational Training Center

By Sgt. 1st Class David Wheeler, USFOR-A Public AffairsDecember 18, 2014

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BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (December 10, 2014) -- 24 June 2009, a small group of coalition Soldiers gathered around the Korean medical compound on Bagram Airfield, and broke ground on a project that would give the local citizens more than just medical care.

About 10 months later, the final touches were complete, and the doors to the Korean Vocational Training Center (KVTC) were open for classes. This center provides options to the Afghan people, and supports the Afghan government's efforts to reconstruct their country, and builds towards a self-sustained future.

Students are selected by using a competitive entrance exam, and come from Parwan, Kapisa, and other provinces. During their 840 class hours, students train their specific subject with two other skills in order to cultivate them as multi-skilled technicians. English and computer classes are also common subjects for all students.

"I am sure the seeds, which KVTC has sowed for the last five years, will bear good fruits in the future for the prosperity of Afghanistan, and peace of the world," said Dr. Deok-Soo Kong, Director of KVTC.

The first graduating class was a success with all 84 graduates receiving jobs at either Bagram Airfield or Kabul. One year later, the 100% employment of graduates continued with a graduating class of 106 citizens.

Along with their new skills, each graduate is issued a certificate of graduation, confirmed by the Ministry of Labor / Social Affairs, and the course successfully registers all students' record to the Ministry of labor in Afghanistan.

"Life could be tough when you are not ready and especially when your country is about to rise from the ruins of war," said Mr. Myoung-Joon Kim, Representative of Bagram office of the Republic of Korea, while speaking to the latest graduating class. "I believe the skills and craftsmanship you have trained in KVTC will assist you to get on the right track of the road, and the self-discipline you have learned will be your navigation to tell you to slow down and take the right exit on your journey.

With the impressive track record of the program, this graduating class stands out, but for another reason.

"This is also a sad time as well as one of joy," said Brigadier Phillip Bridie, deputy commanding general -- operations, CJTF-3. This graduation is the last course conducted by the Korean Vocational Training Center."

This marks the Korea Forces end of mission, but it is not the end of the program. The KVTC program will merge into the Afghanistan Vocational Training Center in Kabul next June.

There may not be another graduating class from the KVTC, but the impact of the 912 graduates will help shape the future of Afghanistan.

"Afghanistan has made tremendous progress this past decade, and there continues to be positive change every day," said Bridie. "There are still many challenges ahead to further develop your country. You, the graduates here today, represent the hope for a better future."

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