About Our Organization

Working together for lasting change

Two decades of experience

Basic Education and Employable Skill Training (BEST) is a non-profit, non-governmental, non-political, and development-oriented organization established in April 2006. It is officially registered with the Ministry of Economy of Afghanistan under license number #373.

Since its establishment, BEST has been dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities across Afghanistan through education, vocational training, capacity building, health, agriculture, and livelihood support. Over the years, it has evolved into a reputable national NGO with a strong track record of collaboration with international donors, UN agencies, government institutions, and civil society organizations.

Building on over two decades of experience, BEST continues to advance quality education, employable skills, improved health practices, sustainable livelihoods, community resilience, good governance, and social cohesion — with 67 projects successfully implemented across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

Governance & Systems

Organizational Structure and Accountability

Board of Directors

A seven-member Board of Directors serves as the strategic apex — providing policy direction, ensuring accountability and transparency, and overseeing strategic priorities and financial integrity in line with national laws and contractual obligations.

Management Team

Executive management is led by the Country Director, supported by Deputy Directors for Program and Operations, with specialized departments covering Program Development, Finance, Human Resources, M&E, and Administration.

Internal Controls

Annual external audits by certified firms, Standard Operating Procedures for procurement, HR, and finance, dual-level expenditure authorization, and regular reporting to donors and the Ministry of Economy. A history of unqualified audit reports demonstrates sound financial stewardship.

Program Management

A Project Cycle Management framework integrating planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation — with field data collection, baseline/endline surveys, digital reporting, and gender and protection mainstreaming across all programs
Coordination & Networks

Memberships & Humanitarian Coordination

BEST is an active member of the Education Cluster, the Protection Cluster, and the Food Security & Agriculture Cluster (FSAC), as well as ACBAR, AFCAC, and the GEF CSO Network.

Our Mission, Vision and Core Values

Vision

To work for communities in Afghanistan equipped with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to overcome poverty and build better lives.

Mission

To enhance the capacities of individuals and communities in Afghanistan by providing quality education, vocational training, health services, and livelihood opportunities — building self-reliance, social inclusion, and community resilience through participatory, transparent, and sustainable development practices.

Core Values

  • Human Dignity — respect for all individuals
  • Fairness — equality, justice, inclusivity
  • Excellence — quality and professionalism
  • Trustworthiness — transparency and accountability
  • Commitment — community-driven development
Geographic Coverage

Key Operational Regions

A nationwide presence through the Kabul head office and regional offices supported by field offices during project cycles.

Region Provinces Covered Major Projects / Focus Areas
Central Kabul, Logar, Wardak, Bamyan Education, Vocational Training, Access to Justice, Women’s Rights
Eastern Nangarhar, Laghman, Kunar, Nuristan Community-Based Protection Measures (UNHCR), Education & Livelihood Support, Agriculture
Southeastern Paktia, Paktika, Khost Accelerated Learning, Vocational Training, Peacebuilding & Governance
Northern Kunduz, Baghlan, Takhar, Badakhshan Teacher Training, Civil Society Strengthening, Youth Empowerment, Agriculture
Southern Kandahar, Helmand, Zabul Education Support and Returnee Reintegration
Western Herat, Ghor, Badghis Women’s Empowerment and Human Rights Awareness
Northeastern & Central Highlands Parwan, Panjshir, Samangan, Daikundi Civil Society Development, Literacy, Livelihoods