The film that you are about to watch is a 7-minute educational documentary meant to examine and explain the PRT-based model for redevelopment.
Afghanistan is a culturally diverse land that is situated at the heart of Asia, where the silk roads converged, and connected the three great civilizations of the Asiatic world. Kandahar - where the Canadian PRT is based - is home to roughly one million men, women and children trying to rebuild their lives against a backdrop of conflict.
In response to the changing nature of conflict and at the request of the Government of Afghanistan, the international community introduced Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) into the Afghan environment. The PRTs in Afghanistan, led by NATO countries, are designed to assist in extending the authority of the Government of Afghanistan throughout the country.
This short film will introduce you to the PRTs in the northern and western regions of the country. It is not meant to paint a definitive picture of Afghanistan, but rather, to provide viewers with a general sense of what a PRT is meant to accomplish.
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More about Provincial Reconstruction Teams
A combination of civilian, military and police specialists make up the PRTs, including government workers, judicial, police and civilian advisors. With the objective of providing security, humanitarian assistance and reconstruction, PRTs can be found assisting in the construction of schools, basic health clinics and roads, as well as providing a secure space for men, women and children to learn and develop skills necessary for a sustainable and peaceful future.
With security and development needs varying across the country, no PRT has the same experience. For instance, Kandahar in Southern Afghanistan, where the Canadian PRT is working, is a hot bed for insurgents. Security remains a top priority, without which reconstruction and development would not be possible. On the other hand, PRTs in Northern Afghanistan are relatively secure from violent attacks.
PRTs, such as the Hungarian PRT located in the Northern Province of Baghlan have worked successfully with local Afghans to complete activities, such as building a bridge connecting villages to main roads, as well as repairing the roof of a mosque.
The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre's country profile of Afghanistan (PDF, 659.49 KB)
Interested in doing your own research on Afghanistan?
These resources will help you get started.