Herat: Cash Assistance Provided to 79 Returnee Families for Small Businesses

Sunday, May 17, 2026

The ARCS, under the Climate Change Project, distributed 1,580,000 AFN in cash assistance to 79 returnee and vulnerable families in the Shindand and Zendeh Jan districts of Herat Province to help them establish and expand small businesses.

The assistance was provided by the IFRC, through which each family received 20,000 AFN.

The program targeted returnee families who had been affected not only by economic hardship, but also by natural disasters and the impacts of climate change. Although they possessed vocational skills, they lacked the financial resources needed to start their own businesses.

The beneficiaries are expected to establish or expand small businesses in areas such as beekeeping, tailoring, welding, plumbing, electrical services, embroidery, refrigerator repair, mobile phone repair, and other skilled trades.

Following the distribution of assistance, the beneficiaries purchased the necessary tools and equipment for their businesses from local markets in the presence of the ARCS delegation.

It is worth noting that this assistance represents the first phase of the program, while a second phase of support is scheduled to be provided in the coming months after the businesses have been launched.

The program is being implemented to strengthen the economic resilience of vulnerable and returnee families, create livelihood opportunities, and promote self-reliance.

Through vocational and livelihood support programs, ARCS strives to provide vulnerable and returnee families with opportunities for employment, income generation, and economic stability.