By Ginna Brelsford | Executive Director
Abida aspires to be a doctor in Afghanistan. As a 16 year-old Afghan girl, she knows she must master modern technology but to do that, she needs access to computers.
Abida is now able to take the computer literacy course we offer. Computers help girls gain self-confidence and inspire higher goals for continued education.
As Abida noted, “Learning computers solved a lot of my problems and makes me feel proud for knowing computers as part of modern technology.”
After graduating from high school, Abida plans to apply to medical school. In order get accepted into medical school, Abida needs to take the Kankor exam, the equivalent of the American SAT exams. Honing skills in computer literacy will help Abida and many other girls in Afghanistan pass the exams to gain university acceptance.
The harsh winter has come to Afghanistan. Schools are closed until spring. And yet the girls continue to attend the computer classes and the demand outpaces our ability to offer enough classes. Nearly 600 girls have graduated from our three centers and acquired the basics of computer literacy. Each center enrolls 80 girls in a session. Generators are used to operate the computers and teachers are hired from the Afghan university in Mazar-i-Sharif who specialize in computer training.
Computer literacy is key to getting a job or going on to university for girls in Afghanistan. In a male dominated culture, it is important that tribal leaders, fathers, husbands and other relatives support girls' education. Our programs receive resounding support from the community leaders and parents who know that their daughters need computer literacy skills to gain possibilities for future employment.
Donor support in purchasing a new computer for our lab allows us to offer the class to an increasing number of girls who are on wait-lists for the 6- month course.
Your donation helped provide girls in Afghanistan with a computer they need in order to become more educated, empowered, and inspired individuals. Thank you.
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