GlobalGiving.org: Give Afghan Refugees the Gift of Education

Reaching So Many With Education

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:51:21 GMT

During 2011, nearly 1300 students attended classes in the two Learning Centers established in Pakistan for Afghan refugees. Additionally, there are three schools in the area that the Afghan Institute of Learning helps to support that have more than 4000 students, of which the majority are Afghan refugees.

We fully believe that education is key in providing a brighter future for
these refugees. Thank you to all of you who helped this year.

Life is Brighter

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:10:18 GMT

Aleya, a student at the Zarghoona Ana Center in Pakistan, is a refugee from Afghanistan and unable to attend school before she came to Zarghoona Ana Center. She is studying literacy at this Center. She says, “I am now in the 9^th class and all of this is because of the AIL office. Before, I was very sad and I felt something missing in my heart and my life was dark. But, now, my eyes are bright and I can understand everything. Also, I now solve my problems and enjoy every step of my life.”

One young man's achievement

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:10:52 GMT

One young Afghan boy who now attends an AIL-supported center in Pakistan had this to say: “My sister and I were working for our family and collecting dirt, useless papers and things from the street and around the shops. A shopkeeper told us about this center and asked why we don’t attend. We joined the center and now we are very happy because we can read everything and the world is bright for us. Our teacher encourages us a lot. I study and work very hard and have obtained first position in my class.”

Bibi's Story

AIL Staff — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:41:22 GMT

Bibi Lal is an Afghan and a student at one of AIL’s Learning Centers in Pakistan. She tells her story of how the center has affected her life: “Four years ago we came from Logar because the situation of our life was very bad. We lived in different places in Peshawar and finally live near this school. One of our neighbors is a teacher in this school and she told me about the Center that was without any fee and that it accepts students in different classes. I came here and joined the literacy class to learn some things. I think learning and getting knowledge is the right of every boy and girl. Without knowledge, we are like blind and our life is dark so dark. I am interested in learning to have a bright future. I want to continue and complete my education. My brother is in the first class so I need to help and support him. I am part of this society and it’s my, and everyone’s, responsibility to help each other because no one can live alone and not help others. I try my best to have a high education and have a comfortable life and to help our people, too, by opening a school or clinic that doesn’t require a payment.”

Five Reasons to Celebrate

Toc Dunlap — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:54:11 GMT

Five Reasons to Celebrate

The year 2010 has been one of many challenges for people throughout the world. In Afghanistan, insecurity, violence, and poverty continue to threaten communities. But the people of Afghanistan are strong and hopeful, and they are working hard to overcome these challenges. At the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL), we see it every day. You can help Afghans, particularly women and children, to create a better future for themselves and their families with a contribution to AIL through Global Giving.

Looking back upon the year, what we focus on are our reasons to celebrate.

As a generous donor to AIL, you are a gift to us and to the people of Afghanistan. We thank you and they thank you!!!

In fact, you make all of the other reasons to celebrate possible. Here is the rest of AIL’s top five reasons to celebrate in 2010:

Fatima’s story. Fatima is 22 is and has just graduated from Herat University and come to work with AIL. As a young girl, her school was closed by the Taliban. She continued studying in one of AIL’s underground home schools and in 2002, reentered high school, graduated and went on to university. Today, her dream, we are humbled to learn, is to work for AIL. She said, “AIL works for people, AIL helps needy people and AIL works among people. Also AIL’s wish is that Afghan woman and girls can support themselves and their families so the Afghan woman and girls are interested in this project.”

Each of the more than 7.9 million people (70% female) who have participated in AIL’s programs since 1996 is a reason to celebrate. In spite of many challenges, they have chosen to improve their lives and their communities by attending AIL’s Teacher Training, Learning Centers, workshops, and schools; seeking health care and health education at AIL’s health clinics; or receiving AIL’s Community Health Workers into their homes.

AIL’s new gynecological and surgical hospital opened in October 2010. It is the only private women’s hospital in Herat province. To keep the reasons to celebrate continuing, fees paid by patients who can afford them will eventually help subsidize AIL’s services at community-based clinics.

The Cultural Association Center, a new Learning Center AIL opened in April 2010, located in a rural area about 50 km from Herat City. The people of the area are very poor and primarily illiterate. The community learned about AIL’s ability to help them offer educational opportunities to their citizens and worked together to build a small facility. Although all communities are involved in the establishment and sustainability of their centers, this rural area was able to rally its citizens to make this project a success. Through November, nearly 300 students, all of them female, have attended courses at the Center. Subjects included Arabic, Tailoring/Sewing, Math, and Literacy.

Your renewed support will help AIL and the Afghan people start 2011 with renewed hope. If you have not yet renewed your support for AIL, please donate today and tell a friend. Thank you and best wishes.

Grateful and Undaunted

Sakena Yacoobi — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:39:56 GMT

Grateful and Undaunted

At this time of year, we are reminded of our many blessings and how the people in our lives enrich us and bring joy to every day. All of us at the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) are especially grateful to you, for your generous support of our efforts to help the people of Afghanistan overcome many challenges. Through education, teacher training, health care programs, and emergency assistance, as one woman put it, “… AIL is like an experienced mother in our society who is here to get more information to the women of Afghanistan.” We are able to serve that vital role – for the women, men, and children of Afghanistan – because of your contribution. Thank you!

As you celebrate this Holiday Season and anticipate the approach of the New Year, we hope that you will think of us again and make another donation to help ensure AIL is able to continue our work. You have most likely heard that Afghanistan continues to suffer terrible insecurity and poverty. But AIL is undaunted by the headlines because we know that the people of Afghanistan are working hard every day to improve their lives and the future of their country. Together with the people of Afghanistan, we are confident because we know that people like you believe in us and stand by us.

When you make your donation, check out the Tribute Card and Gift Card options – and please tell a friend about AIL and encourage them to make a donation too. As AIL’s founder and executive director, Dr. Sakena Yacoobi has said, “Reach out to others and give a gift to yourself.”

No matter what our circumstances today, when we believe in each other and work together, we can be assured that tomorrow will be better. Seasons Greetings and thank you again.

Sakena Yacoobi

AIL Executive Director

Update

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:12:00 GMT

There are now two schools for Afghan refugees supported by the Afghan Institute of Learning in Pakistan. During the summer, they were on summer break but resumed their classes in September. Since starting in September they have 899 students.

In addition to the two schools, AIL also supports two women’s learning centers for women and older girls. The centers had 680 students in September; the courses being taught are Arabic, English, Reading, and Sewing.

AIL’s preschool in Peshawar has 15 students.

1145- Give Afghan Refugees the Gift of Education-

Toc Dunlap — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:58:39 GMT

The Afghan Institute of Learning is supporting two schools for children and two Women’s Learning Centers (WLC) for Afghan refugee women and older girls in the Peshawar, Pakistan area. In the first six months of 2010, 969 students (753 girls) have attended the schools and are now on holiday for the summer. The WLCs have had classes in literacy, Arabic, sewing and English for 838 women, older girls and a few boys (10) during the first six months.

For all of you that have supported our project, thank you so much for helping the women and children in our programs to get an education!!!

Summer Update from the Afghan Institute of Learning

Sondra Johnson — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:21:57 GMT

We’d like to share some great news with you that will give you a better understanding of our project and the work we do in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Through the generosity of the Skoll Foundation, a timely video was produced about life in Afghanistan and the work AIL is doing to make a difference. The film producer and crew did a beautiful job capturing the essence of the best of the Afghan people, and the struggles they work with to achieve a better life. This film is now on YouTube, and it will be the best seven minutes you spend today. Moderated by Sakena Yacoobi, AIL’s executive director, this video offers a true taste of Afghanistan. Here’s the link to view it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7t1Xu_MwHg We are also adding this as a permanent link to this project for future viewing. Your donation makes a precious impact on the lives of Afghan men, women and children. We thank you for your past support, and encourage you to forward this message to those who can help to continue this important work.

A reminder: June 16 is a special Global Giving Matching Day! - GlobalGiving will be matching all donations up to $1,000 per donor per project for this project at a 50% match. If you could like to donate again to our project, your donation will go further on June 16th. Thank you for your support….

Links:

Wonderful Video about AIL and Life in Afghanistan

Spring Update

Sondra Johnson — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:27:03 GMT

In 2009, AIL educated 4,165 Afghan refugees in its schools and Women's Learning Centers (WLC) in Northern Pakistan. 79% of those educated were women and girls. Aziza, a student in the literacy program, shares the following: “I came to the Women’s Learning Center when my cousin told me there were free classes for women. I was illiterate and wanted to get some knowledge. I am responsible for my brothers and sisters when my parents are gone, and need to find work to support my family. I want to become a teacher and one day teach in a place like this to help the people.” Other AIL Accomplishments in 2009 included: • AIL trained over 1,800 Afghan teachers in pedagogy subjects, leadership, human rights, and school health. These teachers went to their classes and directly impacted over 500,000 students teaching these important subjects. • Nearly 23,000 students (primarily women and children) attended classes at AIL educational learning centers. • Over 362,000 Afghans received medical treatment and health education from AIL’s 6 health clinics and community health worker program. • In January 2010, AIL expanded humanitarian aid efforts with the harsh winter and reached out to 22 families in need. AIL staff delivered to each family quantities of rice, cooking oil and tea. Most heads of the family were widows with children from Herat, and were recommended by community members. • In February 2010, flooding in the Enjil district of Herat destroyed many family homes, and AIL responded with a concerted effort of initial food aid. Reminder: On March 16, 2010, GlobalGiving will be matching all donations made to any project on www.globalgiving.org by 30% (up to $1,000 per person)! If you could like to donate again to our project, your donation will go further on March 16th!!!

An invitation to read our newsletter

Sondra Johnson — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:39:21 GMT

Afghanistan is in the news a lot these days. As a donor to a project in Afghanistan, you may be wondering if change is happening, and if your donation really makes any difference. Following is a message from Dr. Sakena Yacoobi that answers your questions. It’s part of our annual newsletter, where we also share progress reports from several areas, and the impact AIL’s work is having in Afghan lives. This newsletter is below in a PDF format; we invite you to click on it and read ALL the details……

From Sakena Yacoobi: First, I want to thank all of you for supporting the work of the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL). Your support is so important. Yes, the funds you send help us to bring education and health to so many Afghan women and children. But, more importantly, in this time of increasing violence and insecurity in Afghanistan, your support helps Afghans to know that they are not forgotten. It gives ordinary Afghan women, men and children the courage to keep studying, to keep going to clinics and to keep working for peace.

Today you probably hear that Afghanistan is a place of war, terrorist bombings, burning of schools, kidnapping, drugs and all kinds of other horrible things. And it is true that in every province of Afghanistan, including the capitol, every single day, these kinds of things are happening. But what you might not hear in your news is that everyday many women, men and children of Afghanistan get up in the morning….. say goodbye to their family…..and go to work….. go to schools and centers ….. go to trainings……because they know that they must be educated. They know that the only way they can stop these problems is to be educated. So they are learning, they are teaching and they are not afraid.

And when there is no electricity or no clean water or no school or no road or no job and there is no help from the national government or the international agencies, Afghans, particularly women, are joining together in community or with their local officials to find ways to solve their own problems. And, with your help, AIL is helping them to do this. I want to let you know that as dark as it seems to be in Afghanistan now, much is happening. Afghans, themselves, are changing. They are educating themselves; they are making sure that their children are educated; they are finding new ways to solve their problems. I would ask you to walk with us a little further on our journey towards peace.

TO READ the rest of our annual newsletter, please click on the PDF link below and it will open for your inspection-

Attachments:

2009 Newsletter (PDF)

A Special Giving Opportunity.....

Sondra Johnson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:03:13 GMT

Thank you for your support. Your desire to make a difference in this world has made a difference, and we are so thankful that Afghan people have had their lives changed with your help.

We wanted to share with you a very special opportunity to give more than 100% from November 10 through December 1st. Please share this with those you know who care. During this time, we are privileged to receive additional matching funds from your donation through Global Giving of at least 30%. The need is still great. Afghanistan struggles to become a country of strength and stability.

Here is a story that shares the impact of your donation in the life of a Afghan female refugee in Pakistan: “My name is Noor I used to live in the Logar province in Afghanistan. There are 12 people in my family- myself, my parents, and 9 brothers and sisters. I am taking literacy and sewing classes in the women’s learning center. I want to learn because without knowledge, a person is blind and for living in society, knowledge is very important in our life. I was amazed the first time I could read the newspaper; it is an unforgettable memory for me. I learned sewing to support my family and help with my old father and my elder brothers. It’s very necessary for me. My wish is that one day I will be able to own a sewing shop.”

Sakena Wishes to Thank Her Supporters

Sondra Johnson — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:06:40 GMT

There's a new focus on women worldwide. The New York Times magazine dedicated their entire issue one week in August on women in the developing world. Of particular focus was a newly launched book written by the well-known Pulitzer winning couple Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl DuWunn titled: "Half The Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide". The press focus on this timely book is significant- from reviews in Harvard and People magazine, to upcoming segments on shows like "The Today Show", the time has come for women and their issues worldwide to be in the spotlight.

Sakena Yacoobi and her organization the Afghan Institute of Learning is one of the topics in Chapter Nine of the book. Dr. Yacoobi grew up in Herat, Afghanistan and then came to the United States to study at the University of the Pacific and Loma Linda University. Concerned about the condition of her people back in Afghanistan, Sakena returned to Pakistan to work in Afghan refugee camps and later went to Afghanistan. Although the Taliban forbade girls from getting an education in Afghanistan, Sakena was instrumental in establishing a string of secret girls schools with community support.

Today, the Afghan Institute of Learning has multiple education programs in Pakistan and in seven provinces of Afghanistan. There are educational learning centers for women and children, preschool programs, post-secondary institutes, a university, and teacher training programs. In addition, AIL has an in-depth program of health education and treatment for women and small children. Since its start in 1995, AIL has trained nearly 16,000 teachers and over 3.5 million women and children have received a quality education. With the health programs included, AIL has directly impacted over 6.7 million Afghans.

Sakena has been and continues to be recognized for her work. Her philosophy is to develop a program from the grass-roots level so the community members are an integral part of the process. State Kristof and DuWunn in their book Half The Sky- "American organizations would have accomplished much more if they had financed and supported Sakena, rather than dispatching their own representatives to Kabul...The best role for Americans who want to help Muslim women isn't holding the microphone at the front of the rally, but writing the checks and carrying the bags in the back."

Dr. Yacoobi and the work of the Afghan Institute of Learning have been supported by multiple grantors and organizations over the years. "I wish to thank everyone who has helped in this important work," states Sakena. "I want to share with each and every contributor the joy of seeing a young woman, who has a renewed interest in life because she can now read, or the happiness of a widow who has learned a skill that will allow her to support her children.

"We now have children who are healthy because of inoculations, and women who did not die during childbirth who have happy, healthy babies. My wish is that these small steps that allow awareness and growth in families will lead to the growth of our country."

Recently, we spoke with Sakena, and she has this message to all the supporters of AIL:

"It is an honor to be included in Nicholas' and Sheryl's book Half The Sky. So many foundations and individuals have contributed to the work that the Afghan Institute of Learning has been able to do in Afghanistan.

"From the bottom of my heart I want to thank all who have understood the plight of Afghan women and children, and have reached out with compassionate, caring support.

"May God reward your generosity......."

Sakena

August 2009 Update

Alison Hendry — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:29:51 GMT

Recently, AIL was asked by the Afghan Ministry of Women’s Affairs to report on the impact AIL’s programs have had. We were amazed by our findings. Since beginning in 1996 through May 2009, 220,970 Afghans have been educated in AIL schools, centers and post-secondary programs and overall 6,778,026 Afghan lives have been directly impacted by AIL programs.

AIL began supporting schools and educational learning centers in Pakistan in 1996. With the fall of the Taliban more than 5 million Afghans returned home and many schools closed. However, approximately 2 million Afghans had no homes or jobs to return to and remain in Pakistan. AIL supports 3 schools and 3 Women’s Learning Centers in Pakistan presently. During the first 6 months of 2009, your donations helped AIL educate 2,161 Afghan refugees in schools and Women’s Learning Centers in Pakistan.

May 2009 Update

Alison Hendry — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:18:28 GMT

Recently one of the students in an AIL learning center in Pakistan said: “I have four brothers and three sisters. My father is dead and my mother is sick. We came to Pakistan 11 years ago and we live in a refugee camp. I am literate, and before I got married I was in the eighth class. After I was married, I couldn’t continue my education because all of the schools were too far from my house. I am older than my brothers and sisters, so I feel very responsible for my family. We are a very poor family. Before coming to this center, I did not know anything about sewing but I was very interested to learn. I wanted to learn to sew, wanted to open a tailoring shop and sew clothing for others to earn money so I could support my family. I heard that there was a center offering free classes to learn sewing and tailoring, and I became very happy. After talking with my family I joined the center and in six months I completed the sewing class and received my certificate. I can’t fully express what I am feeling. I am very happy, and I always pray for the AIL Executive Director, Sakena Yacoobi and for the AIL office trainers for giving us this opportunity.”

2008 Year End Wrap Up

Alison Hendry — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:22:22 GMT

1145 Give Afghan Refugees the Gift of Education

In 2008, AIL educated 4,727 Afghan refugees in its schools and Women's Learning Centers (WLC) in Northern Pakistan. 72% of those educated were women and girls.

During 2008, one of AIL's WLC's reached a milestone-- its first class of girls studying in the 9th grade. This is a truly remarkable story as this group of initially illiterate girls from a very traditional, rural, conservative area in Afghanistan began studying with AIL 7 years ago and have continued their studies until now.. Here is one of the girl's stories:

"I am from a poor and narrow-minded family that does not allow their daughters to go outside the home to study. My father has always told me that he did not have enough money to pay the fees to send me to school; he barely had enough money to feed me and pay our rent. Besides, he said, if he allowed me to go to school my relatives and neighbors would say that he was not zealous enough since no one allows their daughters to go to school. One day my neighbor told me that there was a center that teaches women and girls and that you can learn a great deal from this school without paying any fees. At first I was really excited until I realized that I was 13 and might have sit in a lower class with younger students. When I was finally allowed to go to the center, I saw that many older women and girls were attending the school. Now I am happy because I can read, and write. I pray 5 times a day to those who open centers like this for women and older girls."

Stories to Share

Alison Hendry — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:00:23 GMT

Following is the story of Jamila, a literacy student in the 7th grade. Jamila attends one of AIL’s centers in northern Pakistan that services many refugees from rural areas in eastern Afghanistan where women are generally not educated. This center grew out of a girl’s school that was established in 1996 – 1997. In 2002, it was clear that the students from the girls’ school needed a place to continue their education and a Women’s Learning Center was established there. One should also take note of the fact that Jamila is currently in the 7th grade, but has not been in school 7 years. Her story is one of hard work and a determination to become educated.

“I am very happy, I can’t believe that I am in the 7th class and all because of AIL. My family and I are very thankful for Prof. Sakena Yacoobi, the Executive Director of AIL for providing this opportunity for us. My father is a wrathful person and he didn’t want me to go to school and learn things. I was very sad, and day by day I grew older and could not go to school. Last year we changed our home. Some of our neighbors near our home told us about a women’s learning center provided by AIL for women and girls. Once again, I requested that my father give me permission to join this center. After many requests, when my father heard that this center was for women, he accepted and I joined this center. Now I am in the 7th class and every night I help my father with his shop finances. I am very happy that I can help solve my family problems, and now my father is also very happy. I always pray for Prof. Sakena Yacoobi and the AIL staff.”

Snapshot (2008) of AIL’s Refugee Education Project

Alison Hendry — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:46:30 GMT

There are still over two million Afghan refugees in Pakistan. From January to June 2008 the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) supported classes for 2,776 students monthly through Afghan refugee schools and AIL’s Women’s Learning Centers (WLC).

One of students from Majoba Herawi center says, “When my father passed away I was in class two and my mom didn’t let me continue my studies, which made me very disappointed. I was home for about 5 years. Our economical conditions were also not good, my mom used to sew some clothes to provide us with food and shelter. Later on I heard from one of our neighbors that there was a literacy class at the Majoba Herawi center which teaches women and girls, so I discussed going to the center with my mom and made her let me come and join here. Now I am so happy here and I have the first position in the class. My future plan is to become a teacher and if god is willing I will provide free education to others and help and support my other sisters.”

Zareen a student in the literacy class said: “When I got engaged I was in 3rd class and when I got married I was just 16 years old after that my husband continued his education but his parents didn’t give me permission to continue my classes. I argued many times with my husband to get permission from your parents for me. After long time, they gave me permission to go and I went to Majoba Herawi center. Now I am in class 8th and I am very happy to be able to solve my and my family problems. Now my husband is in London and I can write letters to him. My mother in law says to me thanks to God you have become educated and can solve our family problems. Now all my husband’s family members take advice from me as an educated woman to help solve their problems.”

Update of AIL’s Refugee Education Project--August 2007

Toc Dunlap — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:54:15 GMT

The Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) continues to play an important role in educating Afghan refugee children and women who are not yet able to return to their homeland. AIL supports three refugee schools for 1065 children and three Women’s Learning Centers where 997 women take literacy, skills training and enrichment classes. AIL’s Gawhar Shad University has 147 students in its Computer College. AIL also continues to train teachers and administrators. In 2007, AIL Pakistan has trained 79 teachers and 61 administrators.

Annual Report

Afghan Institute of Learning — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 21:29:54 GMT

Attachments:

AIL 2005 Annual Report (PDF)

Update

Afghan Institute of Learning — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 21:27:43 GMT

There are still over two million Afghan refugees in Pakistan. AIL presently supports classes for over 5,000 students monthly through Afghan refugee schools and AIL’s Women’s Learning Centers.

Mid-Year Report

Afghan Institute of Learning — Fri, 04 Nov 2005 18:57:18 GMT

Creating Hope International shares this mid-year report from the Afghan Institute of Learning, highlighting some of AIL's recent successes!

Attachments:

AIL Report (DOC)