GlobalGiving.org: Jump-Start Learning for Afghan Children

Another Great Year for Pre-schoolers

Toc Dunlap — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:08:28 GMT

In 2011, more than 1200 students were attending pre-school education programs at the Afghan Institute of Learning’s PEP Centers. How wonderful that these young people are able to start learning early.

Regular meetings are held between the teachers and the parents of the pre-school children in order to address any concerns and to review what has been learned or what a particular student may be struggling with. The feedback from the parents is always so positive.

Thank you for supporting these young students!

Keeping the Kindergarten Teachers Informed

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:07:51 GMT

As part of the Afghan Institute of Learning’s Teacher Training Program, teachers trained at Technique Seminars are followed throughout the years. Monitoring generally takes place once per month at each learning center. The Master Teacher Trainers observe to see that the teacher is using the methods that they were taught and that they are connecting well with the students. Whenever, they have any concern about a teacher’s abilities or knowledge of the lessons, they set up a mini-workshop to cover any subject matter that is a concern. In August, there were two of these workshops held for the Kindergarten teachers. The subjects they covered included health (environment and hygiene) and literacy. The teachers are always thankful for the training and continue to ask for more.

Kabul Pre-school/Kindergarten

Toc Dunlap — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:50:38 GMT

AIL’s PreSchool/Kindergarten Program in Kabul is a model program and is the oldest preschool and kindergarten in Kabul City. There is a long waiting list to get into the program. Hear what one of the teachers reported about one father:

On the 12^th of April, Mr. Zabiullah Enayet, the father of Ms. Sophia, who was one of the Kindergarten students, sent A.I.L Kindergarten a thank you note. In the thank you note, he mentioned that, “Ms. Sophia, who has spent two years in A.I.L kindergarten, has been educated and guided in the Islamic way and Afghan Culture and grown on the responsible manner which is all the mark of great environment and effective contribution of teachers. She will continue the ways she was taught to develop her knowledge. As responsible parents, I will always trust you and send my other children to this kindergarten. Now Sophia is enrolled in school and is well prepared for her studies. Hence I shall be very much thankful of A.I.L and A.I.L kindergarten for their efficient and spiritual guidance to the children.”

Introducing Young Children to a classroom setting

AIL Staff — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:42:59 GMT

In an effort to give young children an early start, AIL includes pre-school and kindergarten programs at some of its learning centers. These classes provide introductory lessons on subject matters that they will study if admitted to a regular school setting. For many young Afghans, this type of program would not be available to them without AIL.

A mother of a kindergarten student writes that she has a very positive opinion of AIL kindergarten programs and lesson methods. “My daughter attends AIL’s kindergarten with lots of interest and has no complaints; she praises her teachers a lot and loves them very much. I express my deepest thanks to AIL teachers and staff.”

Five Reasons to Celebrate

Toc Dunlap — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:52:03 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 18:50:11 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: women are emerging from the darkness of illiteracy to a bright and hopeful future; rural Afghan villages are being empowered to provide education and health care for their children – boys and girls; young men and boys who were part of the violence are finding a reason to believe in peace. All of this and much more is possible 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.

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 16:57:46 GMT

In the Afghan Institute of Learning’s model preschool in Kabul, there are currently 204 students attending PEP classes--117 Boys and 87 Girls. The subjects taught in September include health, English, drawing, coloring, hand work, peace, primary math, colors, cutting and gluing.

Summer Update 2010

Sondra Johnson — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:32:29 GMT

The Afghan Institute of Learning supported six Pre-School Education Programs for 674 children in the first six months of 2010. A parent of one of the children said “I want to thank your center from my heart for helping my daughter in her lessons. She daily studies her lessons at home with interest and wants to be present at the course on time. She hasn’t just amazed me but also her mother that how happily she studies. She also tells her teachers’ advice to her brothers and sisters at home. She wishes to stand beside her teachers one day as a teacher to help her people.”

Summer Update from the Afghan Institute of Learning

Sondra Johnson — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:18:35 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 15:17:11 GMT

During 2009, 1,596 children attended the Afghan Institute of Learning’s six supported Pre-School Education Programs. One of the children said “Before coming to school I played in the streets with my dolls, but I am very happy that I came here. My teacher is very kind and I learned many good things. I even learned national songs of Afghanistan.” Another student says that “I am very happy I learned the foundation of Islam and some other things. Anything I learn, I will teach them to my brothers and sisters.” 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 21:38:41 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 17:05:01 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.

In the month of September, the Afghan Institute of Learning taught 594 children in their pre-school program. 45% of these were girls. The AIL techniques used in enriching and educating these children have been successful and replicated by other teaching organizations. With the high standards that AIL demands, parents of young children are signing up their children early for the pre-school program.

Sakena Wishes to Thank Her Supporters

Sondra Johnson — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:06:03 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 16:30:45 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 has been a leader in providing pre school education and training pre school teachers. Many Afghan schools and ministries are now starting their own pre schools and requesting training from AIL for their teachers. AIL continues to support model pre schools. During the first 6 months of 2009, your donations helped AIL educate 974 students in Preschool programs across Afghanistan and Pakistan. For most of 2008, AIL had 3 preschool programs. AIL was able to start 3 more programs so far during 2009. These three new programs are serving a total of 510 preschool students!

May 2009 Update

Alison Hendry — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:19:11 GMT

In March, one of AIL’s center had 20 preschool students go to regular schools after completing the preschool program with AIL. The 20 students were registered in the area school as 1st grade students. A mother of one of the students says, “I am so happy that my daughter could go to school with the assistance of AIL, she can write and read now and has no problem in 1st grade because she was in AIL’s preschool class.”

Update on AIL Pre-School Programs

Alison Hendry — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:05:15 GMT

During 2008 738 children attended the Afghan Institute of Learning’s 5 supported Pre-School Education Programs.

Recently, a mother of one of AIL’s pre-school students had this to say about the program: “My son is a student in this kindergarten class since last year. During this time, I have realized that the management, caring of children and the teaching of the AIL pre-school teachers is outstanding. My son happily goes to pre-school every day. He never cries like other children going to other kindergartens; it is because the teachers, manager and other staff are nice to him. Everyday when he comes home, he seems to have grown up a little more. I cannot express my opinions regarding AIL’s kindness. My son will never forget his childhood in this pre-school and he will remember AIL’s kindness and he will understand the value of what he is receiving when he becomes a young man, and be able express his feelings to AIL.”

Snapshot (2008) of the Pre-School Project-Jan-July 2008

Alison Hendry — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:45:59 GMT

In 2008, Creating Hope International’s project partner, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL), has supported five pre-schools. AIL has model pre-schools in Peshawar, Pakistan (for Afghan refugees) and in Kabul, Afghanistan. For parents that can afford it, fees are charged in the model pre-schools. Poor students receive scholarships. AIL also supports pre-schools in one Women’s Learning Center in Kabul and two rural Women’s Learning Centers in Herat. 416 girls and boys attended the five pre-schools during the first six months of 2008.

In the Pre-School Education Program, the students are taught the following subjects: • Alphabet letters English and Dari • Dari • Math • Islamic issues • Drawing • Colors • Health • Sports • Music • Stories • Making projects • Introducing Names of Animals • Names of the countries

The mother of Sara, a pre-school student, said, “Before Sara came to this center, we put her in different pre-school programs and every day in the morning she was crying and she refused going to the school. But since she comes here she likes it and she has learned a lot. Now she is able to go to grade one and I as her mother thank AIL for providing this opportunity for the women and children".

Snapshot of the Pre-School Project-Jan-June 2007

Toc Dunlap — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:18:18 GMT

Kabul PEP student

In 2007, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) has supported five pre-schools. AIL has a model pre-school in Peshawar, Pakistan for Afghan refugees and another model pre-school in Kabul, Afghanistan. For parents that can afford it, fees are charged in the model pre-schools. Poor students receive scholarships. AIL also supports pre-schools in one Women’s Learning Center in Kabul and two rural Women’s Learning Centers in Herat. 317 girls and boys attended the five pre-schools during the first six months of 2007.

Parents of the pre-schoolers are very happy with AIL’s program and report that when their children enter school, they perform far better than other children.

Annual Report

Afghan Institute of Learning — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 21:01:52 GMT

Attachments:

AIL 2005 Annual Report (PDF)

Update

Afghan Institute of Learning — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 21:00:58 GMT

Between January and August 2007, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) has held classes for 918 Afghan children in preschools Herat and Kabul, Afghanistan and Peshawar, Pakistan.

Update

Afghan Institute of Learning — Fri, 04 Nov 2005 19:02:34 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)