An exhibition of products made by students from the Ministry of Education's (MoE) technical and vocational institutes around the country opened in Kabul on Wednesday to a massive crowd for the second time.
MoE officials said the exhibition offered a chance for students from different provinces to showcase their abilities and have their work reviewed by experts.
A variety of projects were displayed in the exhibition's 66 booths, including handicrafts, tailoring, painting, water turbines and automobiles. The students who participated were accompanied by their instructors.
"The 66 stalls represent all the provinces of Afghanistan," said Muhammad Asif Nang, Deputy Education Minister for Technical Education. "In 15 stalls, the work of women was displayed, including embroidery, tailoring, and painting...there are participants from in and outside the country."
A student-made car was one of the most popular products at the exhibition.
"We are lacking resources domestically, because we don't have iron melting facilities in the country, but otherwise, we were able to fashion the car well," said a teacher from the technical and vocational institute of Pul-e-Khumri, the capital of northern Baghlan province.
The student participants were happy to be there, and grateful for the platform the conference provided them.
"Holding exhibitions like this is very helpful for students and teachers, people see our capabilities and skills," said Asifa, a student who had work displayed on Wednesday.
Others encouraged the government to provide greater support for technical and vocational institute students.
"If we get support, we can accomplish great things, but we need the government to provide us the necessary support," said Imran Hakimi, another student.
Asif Nang said that a number of MPs were invited to the exhibition, but none attended.