The Marja district of Helmand province lies amidst lands that were once lush with poppy fields. Mahboob's story unfolds here as a tale of resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of hope.
Mahboob earned a living through poppy cultivation until his work devastatingly came to a standstill when the De facto Authorities (DfA) banned it. With his only source of income taken away, he had only one option for survival. He did what many young men like him are compelled to do: illegally cross the border to Iran to find work as a labourer.
Little did he know that his desperate attempt to give his family a better life would be dashed by a tragic accident that left his legs disabled.
Mahboob was forced to return to Helmand after the accident. But the condition in his hometown had not changed. There were still no jobs. The situation was all the more daunting for Mahboob, who was coming to terms with living with a disability.
That is when he was introduced to UNODC’s Alternative Development programme being implemented by DACAAR with funding from Special Trust Fund For Afghanistan . The project gave Mahboob a chance to rebuild his life through vocational training in motorcycle repair. The training consisted of both technical and practical sessions to ensure that Mahboob could turn a skill into an income source. A professional trainer led the course and Mahboob was able to envisage himself as an entrepreneur.
"The project has given me a second chance at life," says Mahboob, a changed man. "It's not just about repairing motorcycles; it's about rebuilding my dignity and feeding my family. I am forever grateful."
Mahboob's journey is a beacon of hope, not just for himself, but for the other poppy farmers in Helmand who lost their source of livelihood when the ban came into effect.
The Alternative Development programme has been pivotal in empowering people like Mahboob who were at a dead end without a sustainable source of income. The highlight of the programme is not just its success in providing vocational skills and livelihood options to vulnerable groups. It has also given these groups confidence in their skills and an opportunity to live a life of dignity, safety, and self-reliance.