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In October of 2025, THRIVE Afghanistan welcomed its second cohort of learners. Over the next nine months, 80 participants will embark on an online learning journey designed to strengthen English language skills, digital literacy, and job readiness. The program combines self-paced learning, live sessions, mentorship, and community-building, providing learners with practical skills and professional networks that translate into real, income-generating opportunities. At the end of the program, participants will also have access to job matching, creating tangible pathways to sustainable employment.
Following the success of last year’s pilot program, interest in THRIVE Afghanistan was high. Recruitment over the summer included community outreach, screening, and interviews, drawing over 260 applications. From these, 40 men and 40 women were selected for the new cohort, which began in October.
The group has already hit the ground running, with a total of 76 learners now active on the Kiron Campus. Each participant has received a LinkedIn Premium account, opening new opportunities to showcase skills and access LinkedIn Learning courses tailored to the program. English lessons began in early November, supporting TOEFL preparation and boosting employability. To ensure the learning materials are accessible to all learners, laptops, internet packages, and solar chargers will also be distributed.
Feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants showing high levels of motivation and engagement.
THRIVE Afghanistan key components
The nine-month learning journey is structured around four core modules, combining theory, practice, and real-world projects.
Visual content creation and branding
Learn graphic design, photography, and branding to create compelling, branded visual content for their business or portfolio.
Social media strategy
Develop effective strategies to grow audiences, build trust, and foster engagement across major platforms.
Digital marketing and E-commerce
Understand digital marketing fundamentals and e-commerce principles, from building a customer journey to setting up online stores.
Business management and accounting
Gain practical skills in bookkeeping, operations, and financial management to support sustainable business growth.
The new cohort follows a successful pilot program that ran from November 2023 to October 2024, supporting 50 women. This came in response to Afghanistan’s critical situation, where access to quality education and decent work is extremely limited. Years of instability and disrupted educational systems have left large segments of the population without the skills or opportunities needed to participate fully in the job market, particularly for women. In 2024, the average labor force participation rate in Afghanistan was under 38%. Among women, it was less than 7%.
Despite these barriers, the pilot achieved strong results:
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Many learners continued building their skills and portfolios through Kiron Campus and Coursera, supported by an active alumni network.
While the pilot initially focused exclusively on women, this year’s cohort is comprised of 50% men, reflecting a broader, community-centered approach. As many Afghan men, especially returnees, face economic hardship and limited access to education, supporting their learning is crucial. At the same time, engaging men creates a positive ripple effect for households and communities. When men understand and value digital and educational opportunities, they are often better positioned to encourage and support women in their families to pursue learning and employment.
This new approach ensures that the program not only strengthens women’s access to education and economic agency but also addresses broader socioeconomic challenges in Afghan communities, making the program more locally feasible, socially accepted, and sustainable.
Abdul, one of the male participants, shares his excitement: “I am deeply honored to be among the 40 male candidates chosen. This is more than just a program. It's a significant opportunity for personal and professional growth. I look forward to the valuable training and mentorship it offers, connecting with inspiring individuals, and developing essential new skills.
With the second cohort underway, THRIVE Afghanistan is poised to expand its impact even further. Learners are diving into the modules, mentorship sessions, and language lessons with excitement. Salma, who recently completed a photography course, reflects on her experience. “This was my first academic experience in photography and I’ve learned how thoughtful composition can turn simple moments into meaningful visual stories,” she says. “I’m grateful for this learning journey and excited to keep exploring the world through my lens!”
We can’t wait to see the projects, new skills, friendships, and connections that emerge from this inspiring cohort as the program continues.
Learn more about THRIVE Afghanistan and get involved with the program here.
