YaganKar

YaganKar aims to address the specific problem of unemployment and lack of income opportunities for talented individuals in Afghanistan, particularly in light of the current situation. The scale of this problem is significant, both within the communities we are working in and globally.

In Afghanistan, the unemployment rate has been a longstanding challenge, with limited job prospects and economic instability. The recent political and economic developments have further exacerbated the issue, leaving many skilled individuals without means to support themselves and their families. The impact of unemployment is not limited to individuals alone; it affects entire communities, hindering their social and economic progress.

Globally, the problem of unemployment and underemployment is pervasive, and Afghanistan is not an exception. In a rapidly changing job market, individuals with talent and potential often struggle to find suitable employment opportunities. This situation not only leads to economic hardships but also contributes to social unrest and inequality.

YaganKar's solution directly addresses these challenges by providing a platform that connects employers with talented jobseekers. By leveraging technology and bridging the gap between employers and talents, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that empowers individuals in Afghanistan and beyond. Our platform enables employers to access a pool of skilled candidates, while jobseekers gain exposure to a diverse range of job opportunities, freelancing projects, and direct connections with potential employers.

Through YaganKar, we strive to contribute to the reduction of unemployment and the creation of income opportunities for talented individuals, both locally and on a global scale. By providing a platform that connects employers with talents in Afghanistan, we aim to empower individuals to showcase their skills, earn income, and contribute to their communities' development.

YaganKar is an online platform that connects employers with talented jobseekers, providing income opportunities and addressing unemployment. It serves as a bridge, matching employers with suitable candidates for various job openings, freelancing projects, and direct connections. 

Through YaganKar, employers can post job listings, review candidate profiles, and engage with potential hires. Jobseekers, on the other hand, can create profiles, showcase their skills and experiences, and apply for relevant opportunities. 

The platform utilizes a user-friendly interface to facilitate seamless interactions between employers and talents. By leveraging technology, YaganKar streamlines the job search and recruitment process, empowering individuals to find employment and employers to discover exceptional talent.

Here is the link to the product: https://yagankar.com

YaganKar is primarily focused on improving the lives of talented jobseekers in Afghanistan and beyond. Our target population includes skilled individuals who face significant barriers in accessing meaningful employment opportunities. Currently, these jobseekers are underserved due to limited access to job platforms, lack of networking opportunities, and the challenging economic situation in their communities.

Our solution addresses their needs by providing a platform that connects them directly with employers and income opportunities. By leveraging YaganKar, jobseekers gain access to a diverse range of job listings, freelancing projects, and direct connections with potential employers. This exposure expands their opportunities for meaningful employment and income generation.

YaganKar also serves as a catalyst for skills development and growth. Jobseekers can showcase their skills, experiences, and portfolios, thereby enhancing their marketability and increasing their chances of being discovered by employers seeking their specific talents. By addressing the current underserved status of talented jobseekers, YaganKar aims to empower them to achieve economic independence, improve their living standards, and contribute to the growth and development of their communities.

We, the team behind YaganKar, are uniquely positioned to design and deliver this solution to our target population in Afghanistan. As Afghans ourselves, we have an intimate understanding of the communities we serve and are deeply invested in their well-being. Our founder, with over a decade of experience working with Afghan youth and talents, brings invaluable insights and firsthand knowledge to the table.

What sets us apart is our direct proximity to the challenges and aspirations of talented individuals seeking employment opportunities. We have witnessed firsthand the struggles they face in accessing meaningful work and the impact it has on their lives and communities. This personal connection drives our passion and commitment to making a difference.

To ensure that our solution truly addresses their needs, we actively engage with the community we serve. We conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups with jobseekers and employers, seeking their input, insights, and feedback. By involving them in the development process, we ensure that their voices are heard and their priorities are reflected in the design and implementation of our platform.

Our approach is community-centered and collaborative. We believe in empowering our users by incorporating their perspectives, ideas, and agendas into the core of our solution. By doing so, we foster a sense of ownership and create a platform that is truly tailored to their requirements.

Through our close ties with the target population and our ongoing engagement with them, we strive to design and deliver a solution that is relevant, impactful, and meaningful to their lives. We are committed to improving their access to income opportunities and providing a platform that empowers them to thrive.

1500 jobseekers and 200 employers are registered into our platform.

As a Solver team, we recognize that Solve can play a crucial role in helping us overcome various barriers and challenges we face in advancing our solution. While our goal extends beyond solely raising funds, we understand that financial support is vital for scaling our impact. Solve's network of partners can provide the financial backing needed to accelerate the growth of our platform and expand our reach to more jobseekers and employers.

In addition to financial barriers, we also encounter technical challenges in developing and maintaining our platform. Solve can connect us with technical expertise and resources to overcome these hurdles. Whether it's through mentorship, access to technology partners, or guidance on best practices, Solve can provide valuable support in enhancing the technical infrastructure of our solution.

Navigating legal and regulatory frameworks is another area where we could benefit from Solve's assistance. By connecting us with legal experts, Solve can help us ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, both locally and internationally. This support will be instrumental in navigating the complex landscape of employment, freelancing, and cross-border interactions.

Cultural understanding and contextualization are critical when designing solutions for specific communities. Solve's network and expertise can help us deepen our understanding of the local culture and ensure that our platform is culturally sensitive and relevant. By leveraging the insights and connections of Solve, we can better align our solution with the unique needs and nuances of the target population.

Lastly, access to market opportunities and partnerships is essential for the success and scalability of our solution. Solve can facilitate connections with potential collaborators, employers, and organizations that align with our mission. By leveraging Solve's network, we can forge strategic partnerships that enable us to tap into new markets, expand our user base, and maximize our impact.

In summary, Solve can support us in overcoming financial, technical, legal, cultural, and market barriers by providing access to funding, technical expertise, legal guidance, cultural insights, and market connections. These resources will be instrumental in accelerating the growth of our solution and amplifying our impact in empowering talented individuals and addressing unemployment challenges.

YaganKar approaches the problem of connecting jobseekers with employment opportunities in a new and improved way by combining technology, community insight, and a focus on sustainability. Here's how our solution stands out:

Community Insight and Proximity: As an Afghan-founded and Afghan-led platform, our team has deep insight into the needs, aspirations, and cultural nuances of the communities we serve. This proximity allows us to develop a platform that resonates with our target population and effectively addresses their specific challenges. By intimately understanding the local context, we can tailor our solution to meet the unique needs of jobseekers and employers in Afghanistan and beyond.

Emphasis on Sustainability: YaganKar recognizes that sustainable income opportunities are crucial for long-term economic empowerment. Rather than relying on short-term, one-off gigs, our platform encourages employers to provide ongoing employment and freelancing opportunities. This focus on sustainability not only provides stability to jobseekers but also catalyzes broader positive impacts by promoting long-term economic growth and reducing dependence on aid.

Collaboration and Market Influence: YaganKar aims to be a catalyst for broader positive impacts in the employment space. By partnering with stakeholders in the ecosystem, including government agencies, NGOs, and educational institutions, we can collectively shape the market and drive meaningful change. Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and collective action, we envision a future where the job market becomes more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the needs of jobseekers and employers.

In summary, YaganKar's innovative approach, driven by community insight, sustainability, and collaboration, has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in the employment space. By changing the market dynamics and encouraging a shift towards sustainable income opportunities, we can empower individuals, foster economic growth, and create a more inclusive and vibrant job market for all.

Our impact goals for the next year and the next five years are centered around creating meaningful and transformative change in the lives of jobseekers and employers. Here are our impact goals and the strategies we will employ to achieve them:

1. Goal: Facilitate 10,000 sustainable income opportunities in the next year and 100,000 opportunities within the next five years.

   • Strategy: We will actively engage with employers, both locally and globally, to encourage them to post job opportunities on our platform. Through targeted marketing, networking, and partnerships, we will expand our reach and attract a diverse range of employers who value the talents and skills of jobseekers on YaganKar.

2. Goal: Increase the income levels of jobseekers by 20% within the next year and 50% within the next five years.

   • Strategy: We will provide resources and support to jobseekers to enhance their skills, improve their marketability, and negotiate better compensation. Additionally, we will work closely with employers to promote fair wages and equitable employment practices, ensuring that jobseekers receive competitive compensation for their work.

3. Goal: Foster a supportive and inclusive community for jobseekers and employers, leading to improved professional networks and collaborations.

   • Strategy: We will actively facilitate communication and interaction between jobseekers and employers on our platform. Through forums, networking events, and mentorship programs, we will encourage the exchange of knowledge, foster mentorship opportunities, and nurture a sense of community. By creating a supportive ecosystem, we aim to enhance jobseekers' professional growth and provide employers with access to a diverse talent pool.

4. Goal: Promote gender equality and inclusivity in employment by ensuring at least 40% representation of women in job opportunities posted on our platform within the next year and reaching parity within the next five years.

   • Strategy: We will implement targeted outreach campaigns to attract more women jobseekers and engage with employers to emphasize the importance of gender diversity in their workforce. By highlighting the talents and capabilities of women professionals, we aim to challenge traditional norms and foster a more inclusive job market.

To achieve these impact goals, we will continue to refine our platform, enhance our matching algorithms, and leverage technology to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience for both jobseekers and employers. We will also invest in strategic partnerships, advocacy efforts, and community engagement initiatives to amplify our impact and drive positive change in the employment landscape. By focusing on these goals and aligning our efforts with the needs and aspirations of our users, we are confident in our ability to create a transformational impact in the lives of individuals and contribute to the economic growth of Afghanistan and beyond.

We are using several indicators to measure our progress and assess the impact of YaganKar. These indicators allow us to track our performance and understand the extent to which we are achieving our goals. Here are some specific indicators we are using:

1. Number of Job Placements: We track the number of job placements made through our platform. This indicator provides insights into the employment opportunities created and the extent to which jobseekers are successfully matched with suitable positions.

2. Income Levels: We monitor the income levels of jobseekers before and after they find employment through YaganKar. By comparing their earnings, we can gauge the impact of our platform in improving their financial well-being.

3. Gender Representation: We measure the percentage of women who are successfully placed in job opportunities through our platform. This indicator helps us assess the progress we are making in promoting gender equality and inclusivity in the job market.

4. User Satisfaction: We gather feedback from both jobseekers and employers to assess their satisfaction with our platform. Through surveys and user ratings, we evaluate user experiences and identify areas for improvement.

5. Diversity of Skills: We track the diversity of skills and expertise showcased by the jobseekers on our platform. This indicator reflects the breadth of talent and the variety of industries and sectors that are represented, enabling us to ensure a broad range of opportunities for jobseekers.

6. Partnerships and Collaborations: We measure the number of partnerships and collaborations established with employers, government agencies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders. This indicator demonstrates the extent of our engagement and the collective effort being made to address employment challenges.

7. Social Impact: We assess the broader social impact of our platform by monitoring indicators such as reduced unemployment rates, increased economic participation, and improved livelihoods within the communities we serve. These indicators help us understand the macro-level impact of our solution.

These indicators align with various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. By tracking these indicators, we can measure our progress, evaluate the effectiveness of our solution, and continually refine our approach to create meaningful and sustainable impact in the lives of jobseekers and the broader community.

Our theory of change for YaganKar is based on the following logical framework:

1. Activities:

   • Develop and maintain a user-friendly online platform that connects jobseekers with employers.
   • Facilitate job postings, freelancing projects, and direct connections between employers and talents.
   • Provide resources and support to jobseekers to enhance their skills and employability.

2. Outputs:

   • Increased visibility and accessibility of job opportunities for jobseekers.
   • Enhanced networking and connection possibilities for employers and talents.
   • Improved skills and knowledge of jobseekers through available resources and support.

3. Outcomes:

   • Increased job placements and income opportunities for jobseekers.
   • Improved employment rates and reduced unemployment within the target population.
   • Enhanced economic growth and development through the utilization of talents and skills.

Our theory of change is supported by various factors:

1. Market Demand: There is a growing need for efficient and transparent job matching platforms in the employment market. YaganKar addresses this demand by providing a user-friendly platform that connects employers with jobseekers, increasing the chances of finding suitable employment opportunities.

2. Access to Opportunities: YaganKar improves access to job opportunities for jobseekers, especially those who face geographical, cultural, or economic barriers. By bridging the gap between employers and talents, our platform enables jobseekers to connect with potential employers globally, expanding their reach and exposure to a wider range of opportunities.

3. Skill Development: YaganKar goes beyond job matching and provides resources and support to enhance the skills and employability of jobseekers. By offering learning materials, training programs, and career guidance, we empower jobseekers to upskill and reskill, increasing their competitiveness in the job market.

4. Collaboration and Engagement: We actively engage with employers, jobseekers, and relevant stakeholders to gather feedback, understand their needs, and incorporate their input into the design and development of our platform. This collaborative approach ensures that our solution remains relevant and responsive to the evolving requirements of the target population.

Overall, our theory of change demonstrates how YaganKar's activities, outputs, and outcomes are interconnected and designed to address the problem of limited job opportunities and employment challenges. By leveraging technology, facilitating connections, and empowering jobseekers, we expect our solution to have a tangible and lasting impact on the lives of jobseekers, contributing to their economic growth, personal development, and overall well-being.

At YaganKar, our solution leverages modern technology to address the challenges faced by jobseekers and employers in the job market. The core technology that powers our platform includes:

1. Web-Based Platform: Our online platform serves as the central hub for jobseekers and employers to connect and engage. It is built using web development technologies, ensuring accessibility across different devices and browsers.

2. Data Analytics: We collect and analyze data from user interactions and job postings to gain insights into the job market trends, skills in demand, and user behavior. This data-driven approach helps us improve our platform's performance, identify areas for enhancement, and provide valuable information to employers and jobseekers.
   

3. Communication Tools: Our platform incorporates communication tools such as messaging systems, video conferencing, and chat features. These tools enable seamless and direct communication between employers and jobseekers, facilitating efficient collaboration and reducing barriers of distance and time.

4. Security and Privacy Measures: We prioritize the security and privacy of our users' data. We implement robust security measures to protect sensitive information and ensure that user profiles and job postings are handled with confidentiality and integrity.

While our core technology is rooted in modern web-based solutions, we also recognize the value of traditional and ancestral knowledge systems. We aim to integrate diverse perspectives and inclusive practices into our platform, respecting cultural contexts and promoting sustainable and equitable employment opportunities.

Through the thoughtful use of technology, we believe in harnessing its potential to create positive social and economic impact, benefiting both individuals and communities.

At YaganKar, we are deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity within our organization and throughout our work. We recognize that embracing diverse perspectives, promoting equity, and creating inclusive environments are essential for driving innovation and addressing the complex challenges we face.

Our leadership team is comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds, bringing a range of experiences, expertise, and perspectives to the table. We firmly believe that diversity in leadership enhances decision-making, creativity, and empathy, enabling us to better understand and serve the needs of our diverse user base.

In addition to the existing diversity within our team, we have set clear goals to further enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization. We are actively working towards increasing representation from marginalized groups and underrepresented communities, both in our team and in the talent we connect with through our platform.

To achieve these goals, we have implemented several actions:

1. Recruitment and Outreach: We actively seek diverse talent through inclusive recruitment practices and outreach efforts to ensure a broad pool of candidates from different backgrounds and communities.

2. Inclusive Design: We consider diverse user needs and perspectives in the design and development of our platform, striving to create an inclusive user experience that accommodates various abilities, languages, and cultural contexts.
   

3. Community Engagement: We engage with diverse communities and listen to their feedback, insights, and concerns. By actively seeking input and involving communities in the design and implementation of our solutions, we aim to create meaningful and culturally sensitive impact.

4. Training and Education: We provide ongoing training and education to our team members to foster cultural competency, unconscious bias awareness, and inclusive practices in our everyday work.

We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are ongoing journeys, and we are committed to continuous improvement. By incorporating these principles into our organization and work, we strive to build a more equitable and inclusive job market where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and access meaningful opportunities.

Our business model at YaganKar revolves around connecting employers with jobseekers and providing value to both parties. We have two key customer segments: employers and jobseekers.

For employers, we offer a platform where they can post job opportunities, freelancing projects, and directly connect with talented individuals. Our platform provides them with access to a diverse pool of skilled professionals, allowing them to find the right talent for their specific needs. We also provide tools and features that streamline the recruitment process, saving time and resources for employers.

Jobseekers, on the other hand, benefit from YaganKar by gaining access to a wide range of job opportunities and freelancing projects. They can create detailed profiles showcasing their skills, experience, and portfolio, making it easier for employers to discover and connect with them. We also provide resources and support to help jobseekers enhance their profiles, improve their job search strategies, and excel in their careers.

The core products and services we provide include:

1. Job Posting and Search: Employers can post job opportunities, including full-time, part-time, remote, and freelancing positions. Jobseekers can search and apply for these opportunities based on their skills and preferences.

2. Talent Discovery and Connection: Our platform enables employers to discover and connect with talented individuals based on their profiles, skills, and experience. This facilitates direct communication and simplifies the hiring process.

3. Profile Creation and Enhancement: Jobseekers can create comprehensive profiles showcasing their skills, experience, education, and portfolio. They can also add certifications, testimonials, and other relevant information to enhance their profiles and attract potential employers.

4. Resources and Support: We provide resources, articles, and guides to help jobseekers improve their profiles, optimize their job search strategies, and excel in their careers. We also offer customer support to address any queries or issues that employers and jobseekers may have.

The value we provide to our customers lies in the efficiency, convenience, and effectiveness of our platform. Employers can find the right talent quickly and efficiently, saving time and effort in the recruitment process. Jobseekers can access a wide range of opportunities and increase their visibility to potential employers, improving their chances of securing meaningful employment.

Our revenue model is primarily based on job posting fees for employers who want to access advanced features and premium services. We have plans where employers can choose from and post their jobs.

Overall, our business model ensures that we create value for both employers and jobseekers, facilitating meaningful connections and helping individuals find rewarding employment opportunities while meeting the talent needs of employers.

Our plan for becoming financially sustainable at YaganKar involves a combination of revenue streams that will enable us to cover our expected expenses and fund our work effectively.

1. Subscription Fees: We can offer employers the option to subscribe to premium features and services on our platform. This includes enhanced job posting options, advanced search filters, access to a larger talent pool, and additional tools for efficient recruitment. Subscription fees from employers will contribute to our revenue generation.

2. Advertising and Partnerships: We can explore partnerships with relevant industry stakeholders, such as recruitment agencies, educational institutions, and professional organizations. Through targeted advertising and collaborations, we can generate revenue while providing added value to our users and partners.

3. Transactional Fees: We want to introduce transactional fees for specific services on our platform, such as facilitating secure payment transfers between employers and jobseekers for freelancing projects or charging a percentage fee for successful job placements. This approach aligns our revenue generation with the value we provide in connecting talent with employment opportunities.

4. Grants and Funding: We actively pursue grants, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships with organizations and foundations that share our mission and vision. These external sources of funding can provide crucial support for the development and expansion of our platform, as well as help us reach more communities and individuals in need.

5. Value-Added Services: We are continuously exploring opportunities to offer value-added services to our users. This could include career coaching, training programs, certification courses, and other premium offerings that provide additional support and benefits to jobseekers and employers. These services can be monetized to diversify our revenue streams.

By diversifying our revenue streams, we aim to reduce dependence on a single source of income and create a sustainable financial model. This approach will enable us to cover operational expenses, invest in platform enhancements, expand our reach, and ensure the long-term viability and impact of YaganKar.

So far, we have taken a bootstrap approach to developing and growing our solution, without relying on external funding or grants. This deliberate choice has allowed us to maintain complete independence and ensure that our solution is fully aligned with the needs and aspirations of our community, specifically Afghans.

By self-funding our operations, we have been able to prioritize the integrity of our platform and focus on building a solution that truly addresses the challenges faced by jobseekers and employers in Afghanistan and beyond. This approach has given us the freedom to iterate, innovate, and iterate again, based solely on user feedback and market demands.

However, as we continue to scale and expand our impact, we recognize the importance of sustainable financial support. We are now actively exploring strategic partnerships, funding opportunities, and grants that align with our mission and values. These external resources will enable us to accelerate our growth, enhance our platform's features and functionality, and reach even more individuals in need of income opportunities.

Through this approach, we aim to strike a balance between our grassroots origins and the resources necessary to drive meaningful change at scale. We remain committed to maintaining the authenticity and community-centered nature of our solution, while strategically seeking financial support to amplify our impact and empower talented individuals in Afghanistan and beyond.