1. Former Afghanistan Parliamentary Institute (API) Directors:
Habib Sangar (20081100-20090800)

In September 2014, the API launched a Fellows program which places recent graduates in relevant commissions and directorates within both Houses. In March 2015, the API also initiated training for Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs staff. API has regularly scheduled training plans for National Assembly staff and Fellows.

Background:
The Afghanistan Parliamentary Institute (API) was launched in 2008 in order to meet the needs expressed by Members and staff of the National Assembly to enhance their skills in areas they identified as relevant to their work. API was begun with assistance from the United States Agency for International Development, through the Afghanistan Parliamentary Assistance Project (APAP). Courses are designed specifically for the governance structure in Afghanistan and take into account the issues facing the Afghanistan National Assembly. As well, a comparative perspective is offered, bringing in best practices from Parliaments around the world. Courses are offered at times that are complementary to the work demands of the participants.

Parliament is a vital institution in promoting good governance. Greater accountability, transparency, and participation are directly related to the primary functions of Parliament: representation, lawmaking, and oversight. Relations among the Parliament, Executive, Judiciary, and the wider society provide the overall governance framework. Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent the people of Afghanistan. Staff of Parliament too, need solid qualifications to provide essential services to the MPs.

The courses offered by the API were designed specifically for the needs of Members and staff of Parliament across a broad range of related fields. The API provides tools to help Members and staff to more effectively play their roles in improving the lives of Afghan citizens in a complex and ever changing society and world. Besides teaching the skills that are basic for the efficient operation of all legislatures, the API courses include topics specific to the Afghanistan reality. Special requests from one or more groups of legislators are also considered for approval on a case by case basis by the API Board and APAP staff. The courses and programs are presented by lecturers, professional experts and speakers from prominent local and international universities as well as governmental and non- governmental organizations. With the assistance of the Canadian government, the API will renovate a separate building, located on the premises of the National Assembly’s second annex. Temporarily, the National Assembly has provided the API with an office for the director, classrooms, as well as a conference hall on the second annex. All the training programs will be conducted at hours which are convenient to the participants. Most course take place for an hour, several days a week, for a 6-12 week session. Teachers and trainers come from both Afghanistan and many other countries. All courses are free of charge to Members and staff of the Afghanistan National Assembly. A Certificate of Legislative Studies is planned for the future for the participants who successfully complete a series of core and elective courses. Democracy and learning go together. The Afghanistan National Assembly is proud to contribute to the advancement of democracy and learning.

Courses offered:· Legislative Support Courses * Fundamentals of Legislative Drafting * Legislative Process and Tracking * The Constitution and Rules of Procedure * Report Writing * Legislative Research * The MP’s Role as a Representative * Principles of Oversight * History of Government Systems in Afghanistan * The Structure of Government * Constituency Outreach and Services * Press Relations * Comparative Legislatures and Parliaments Financial Management Courses * Basic Accounting * Accounting and Management * National Budget and Public Accounts * Gender Budgeting and the Economy * Program Budgeting in Afghanistan * Reading Financial Statements * Principles and Instruments of Oversight Other Professional Skills · Legal English · Microsoft Windows · Microsoft Office Word · Microsoft Office Excel · Microsoft Office Access · Microsoft Office Power Point · Adobe · Public Speaking · Business Writing

Leadership initiative:· This program will familiarize leaders within the National Assembly on their roles, the qualities and techniques of a good leader, and principles of team work.

Parliamentary Seminars: Throughout the year seminars of 1 or 2 days duration will be conducted on a variety of topics of interest such as: The Rights and Responsibilities of MPs, The Role of MPs in Promoting Democracy, The Functions of Parliament, Parliament and the Rule of Law, The Role of Parliament in Ensuring Security, MPs and International Relations and Gender in Islam. 7- LUNCH TIME FORUM Throughout the year, lunch time discussions will be held, featuring a prominent speaker, on current affairs. These forums will be informal with time for questions and answers.