+ CBR RAINBOW_A National Qualifications Framework for persons with Disabilities Inclusive development Framework

+ Key questions Why should we consider developing a national qualifications framework? What have other countries done about qualifications frameworks? How will the qualifications framework help to strengthen the technical and vocational education and skill training system in South Asia? Why should you do it NOW? What conditions are necessary for successful development and implementation of the framework?

+ What is national qualification framework? A way of classifying qualifications according to specified LEVELS of learning achieved. A national qualifications framework usually aims to: Integrate and co-ordinate different qualifications systems (general education/ VET/ higher education) Make qualifications systems more transparent, more accessible, more user-friendly Improve quality of education and training systems (EU Commission 2006)

+ Why persons with disabilities need a qualification framework? Existing qualification is not providing employment as there are no jobs or where it is available disabled persons have no qualifications Quota system/Reservation system for persons with disabilities had failed as there are no new jobs or jobs for persons with disabilities are not identified A majority of persons live in rural areas and there are no jobs created in rural areas Women with disabilities have no jobs because they have no skills and qualifications Most jobs meant reserved for disabled people are low paying low profile jobs Employment guarantee scheme where exists has failed to create jobs Persons with disabilities with severe disabilities/sensory impairments/intellectual disabilities do not get jobs

+ Right to work Right to work is a policy of many governments in South Asia.However we see many gaps in including persons with disabilities in the livelihood initiatives. The job opportunities in rural and urban areas for persons with disabilities in general and to women with disabilities /persons with sensory and intellectual impairments is appallingly low.The main reason for this is lack of appropriator policies/strategies at national and provincial level. Inclusive National qualification /skill development framework is the need of the hour.

+ Right to work The work opportunities based on national /provincial development meeting the diverse needs of the existing number of employable youth with disabilities is an effective method to move towards inclusive employment opportunities.This needs large scale innovations in the existing vocational skill training in polytechnics,universities and other pre services/Service training programme.This also needs flexible flow of persons from one level to another level with an opportunity to upgrade the skills and qualifications..

+ Right to work Life experiences leading to formal accredited qualifications at different levels) is the need of persons with disabilities in rural areas.For example in micro credit activities the skill acquired by an individual with a disability must lead to a certificate or Diploma level qualification. This needs a radical thinking and a shift from charity based approach to a broad based inclusive rights based CBR approach

+ Courtesy diagram-NQF- Afghanistan

+ NQF Justification A national qualifications framework is an important policy instrument in reforming and improving education and training systems  A “quality label” for ALL education and training (general education, VET, higher education)  Focus on needs of learners, society, economy  A ladder of qualifications to promote lifelong learning and raise skill levels of the workforce  Makes qualifications more easily understood, e.g. by employers

+ Skill training must based on countries needs in diverse development sectors Demand for skills personnel Supply of skilled personnel Certificate levels Diploma level Degrees

+ Need jobs they can do-they can do any job- Need flexible and upgradable qualifications Provided the vocational training leads to decent paying jobs -Training methods are disability friendly-work environment is barrier free Micro credit Salaried Jobs Business Public sector Private sector Village based Jobs

+ Benefits at the system level: Ensures greater coherence in qualifications: general, vocational and higher education and training Promotes continuous quality improvement and better co- ordination in education and training provision Includes qualifications gained in initial and continuing education and training; state-funded and private/independent/voluntary provision; local, regional, national and international development initiatives; formal and non-formal modes of learning

+ Benefits for the economy and society Drives the movement towards a “knowledge society” and lifelong learning Enhances economic competitiveness Strengthens the dialogue between industry and education Ensures the relevance of qualifications to the labour market Raises the skill levels of the workforce Facilitates greater mobility of workers within and across sectors Promotes social cohesion and inclusion by making qualifications accessible to anyone who reaches the required standard of education and training.

+ Awards in the framework

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+ NQF for persons with Disabilities Creates relevant training in Skill development area leading to holistic national development Prevents wasteful expenditure incurred irrelevant and low impact VT Enhances dignity of persons with disabilities in the society Equity to persons with disabilities (inclusion of diverse age groups/disabilities /socio/economic backgrounds) Protects the rights of persons with disabilities –from vision to action

+ National Disability Programme Project Proposal Project: CBR Rainbow Employment Pilot Project Partnership: National Disability Programme, MoPH Project Budget: US $ 193,200 Implementing Partner(s): UNOPS, MoLSAMD, CBR NETWORK(South Asia), Targeted Beneficiaries: MoPH staff in particular Mental Health Department staff, Mental Health and Disability NGOs, and people with disabilities Project Duration: 2 years ANDAP

+ Goal and Objective: Objective To pilot the Rainbow CBR concept with its overarching vision that persons with disability can actively and productively contribute to the national development and service sector using CBR strategy and how these concepts can fit in to an overall strategic framework for Human Resource Development (HRD) and capacity building of the country.

+ Contracted Activities Rainbow CBR consultant, national project officer, and 2 national researchers develop Afghanistan specific Rainbow CBR pilot training programme for discussion within technical and inter-ministerial forums. Disability and Employment technical working group involving disability sector, local employment experts, and PDOs is formed to provide a platform for discussion and insight to the pilot training initiative. Inter-ministerial task forces for disability and employment are briefed on Rainbow CBR pilot activities. Rainbow CBR training pilot project is implemented among CBR operators in 2 provinces. Results of pilot are analyzed, report and recommendations submitted to MoLSAMD for action

+ Expected Outcomes Research is done on employment, xxxxxx,xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx etc. The capacity of the value added training and skill development system to manage and deliver market-driven skills training and linkages to micro- credit and business development support services has increased. A facilitating environment for the planning and delivery of CBR and Training facilities has been created. Unemployed/underemployed Afghan women and men with disabilities will have increased wage and self-employment opportunities through the provision of market driven skills training, business training and linkages to micro-credit and business development support services. The Rainbow CBR has contributed, along with other training facilitation agencies, the capacity development of under-employed and under-skilled individuals with or without disability leading to gainful employment.

+ Way forward Develop Inclusive national qualification/skill Framework Include persons with disabilities in the existing framework Wherever NQF exists)

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