Exhibition showcases handicrafts of Afghan refugees

PESHAWAR: Secours Islamique France (SIF) organised an exhibition at Serena Hotel here, featuring handicraft products made by Afghan refugees, PoR card holders, under UNHCR-funded Livelihood Improvement and Vocational Skills Training Project for Afghan Refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The exhibition displayed a diverse range of handcrafted items, including embroidered fabrics, intricately woven carpets, gifts, home décors, hand-woven silk fabrics and Afghani suits.

The exhibition served as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Afghan refugees, emphasising the importance of supporting and preserving their artisanal skills while providing them with avenues for sustainable livelihoods.

The event not only provided a platform for these skillful Afghan refugees to showcase their artistry but also aimed to create economic opportunities by connecting them with potential buyers and markets.

A large number of officials including Kofi Ohenenana Dwomo, Head of UNHCR Sub-Office in Peshawar, Ashfaq Hussain, PPA Manager Livelihood UNHCR SOP, Dr Altaf Abro, Head of Mission SIF, Azra Jamshed, President Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Peshawar (WCCIP), Ihsanullah from the Commissionerate of Afghan Refugees and many others from different walks of life attended the event.

During the exhibition, an MoU was signed between SIF and WCCIP to collaborate in respect of Livelihood Improvement and Vocational Skills Trainings Project for ARs for facilitation and support in the context of livelihood enhancement programming, women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and market linkages. The MoU was signed by Dr Altaf Abro and Azra Jamshed.