Kardan University’s Office of Strategic Partnerships hosted Turquoise Mountain (TM) for a MoU signing ceremony at the Parwan-e-du campus. TM is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works on the regeneration of the old city of Kabul and on spurring the sustainable development of the Afghan arts and crafts industry.

The objective of the signed MoU is for both parties to benefit from the expertise, experience and facilities of each other in order to benefit Afghan youth and deliver highly effective academic and cultural programs and services. Utilizing TM’s strategy aimed at reviving Afghan traditional arts and architecture, creating jobs and skills, this MoU intends to sanction a collaboration that will benefit students and alumni of both institutions as well as young crafts entrepreneurs.

Depending on resource availability, activities will include:

a. Creating an arts club within Kardan University’s success center
b. Potentially offering short term courses (Ceramics, Calligraphy, Miniature Painting, Design) for a nominal price
c. Creating awareness and developing artistic skills of Afghan men and women
d. Promoting and giving visibility to Afghan arts and crafts.

Both parties expressed their desire to engage in a relationship where they can achieve common goals related to improving arts, entrepreneurship and innovation while contributing to the wider socioeconomic development of Afghanistan.