GlobalGiving.org: Afghans Learn to Use Computers For Their Jobs

Training Continues

Toc Dunlap — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:05:57 GMT

During 2011, 832 students attended computer classes in AIL Learning Centers in Herat and Kabul, Afghanistan. Subjects they studied included computer basics, Windows based operating systems, and Microsoft Office Software, including Word, Excel and Power Point. These students, after graduating from their computer classes are better equipped to obtain a job with their newly acquired skills.

2012 will bring many more opportunities to students who want to study computers, as the Afghan Institute of Learning has plans to open additional computer centers.

Thank you for supporting this project.

Specialty Center Opened in Herat

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:02:53 GMT

In August, a new Language and Computer Educational Center has been established in Herat by the Afghan Institute of Learning. People are excited about this opportunity and are traveling long distances to attend classes at this center. The Manager of the local private school in the area said, “We are thankful for the AIL Office to work for the quality of our society, especially students. I am happy about the inauguration of this Educational Center.”

Another AIL Project, “Transform Lives of 70,000 Afghan Adolescent Girls” has been chosen to be part of the Girl Effect Challenge, which runs from October 15 through November 15, 2011. Approximately 60 projects have been included in this challenge. The top six projects with the highest number of unique donations will become part of the Girl Effect Fund for one year and each is expected to earn an additional $25,000. Please check out our project #8791, and thank you for your generous support of our programs!

Expanding the computer training

Toc Dunlap — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:03:22 GMT

In addition to classes being taught to students in the AIL Learning Centers, the Teacher Training Staff of AIL has also been spending their time training teachers, school staff and school administrators computer skills. Some have never before used a computer. In April, 14 people were trained in computer use Windows Word and Excel.

As this continues and expands, these teachers and school staff will have additional resources and will be able to streamline some of their processes, leaving them more time to advance their curriculum for their students.

Enlarging Their World Via Technology

AIL Staff — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:49:49 GMT

In 2010, AIL joined with World Pulse and New Global Citizens to provide safe discussion forums with women and students from around the world. The rural women of one of AIL’s largest Centers are now able to talk with other Afghan women and men from Kabul and Herat cities who are living very different lives than their own. All of these Afghans are now able to talk with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Through contact with the world outside of Afghanistan, these newly literate Afghans are able to make friends, and find mentors and supporters.

Connecting with other people through World Pulse and New Global Citizens provides young Afghans with a variety of opportunities to observe or take part in conversations on a wide variety of subjects of interest. These discussions are informal and respectful and provide an undeniable education on the culture and lives of other people that would be virtually impossible to experience without current technology.

Five Reasons to Celebrate

Toc Dunlap — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:46:36 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 18:53:14 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 14:02:58 GMT

For over 13 years, the Afghan Institute of Learning has offered computer classes to those who do not know how to use computers. Following is the story of one student:

“My name is Besmellah. I am 20 years old. I want to thank AIL Office and all its staff members. Whatever we learn is due to AIL and my teacher’s hard work. I learn computer in this center and before getting admission to the computer class, it was very difficult for me to work on computer and thought I would never be able to learn computer. However, now I can solve even difficult tasks on the computer because it is said, “Life is struggle and when we stop struggling, we have to get ready for death.” Yes we have to struggle, but besides this we need a guide and a teacher. I found my guide which is the AIL Office which helps many learning centers to work for the people who suffered a lot of pain and difficulties for years. I wish AIL success of the whole world.”

Summer Update 2010

Sondra Johnson — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:29:54 GMT

The Afghan Institute of Learning offers computer and IT classes in several of their educational learning centers, in their sponsored private high schools and in the Gawhar Shad University. 206 students completed either a university or in-depth IT training course in the first 6 months of 2010. A participant of an IT workshop offered this year shared his reason for attending: “I am a government employee of MOWA. I attended this workshop because I did not know how to use the computer. When I heard that AIL is going to give an IT workshop for MOWA staff, I requested my boss to add my name in the list of attendees. Fortunately, she did and now I’ve learned how to use the computer. I am able to type a letter and make a table in the Excel program which can help me in my office work.”

Summer Update from the Afghan Institute of Learnin

Sondra Johnson — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:33:54 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:

7 Minutes that will Enrich your Day

Spring Update

Sondra Johnson — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:19:38 GMT

Once they are educated, Afghans understand the importance of computer training for employment and job advancement. The Afghan Institute of Learning offers computer and IT classes in several of their educational learning centers, in their sponsored private high schools and in the Gawhar Shad University. A recent graduate from the University offered this comment; “I graduated from the IT course, and I am happy because I have learned lots of important things. The teacher really worked hard, and I also thank AIL who provided education for youthful girls and boys.” 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 21:36:56 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 17:07:23 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.

Although the country of Afghanistan still struggles with improving their literacy rate, another goal is to train those who are literate and educated with modern computer techniques and training. The Afghan Institute of Learning offers computer classes in 7 of their education learning centers, 2 schools, and at their Gawhar Shad Begum College in Pakistan, where the advance subjects of Software Engineering, Internet, Visual C++, Database, Operating System, Networking Essential and C-Language, Compiler, Graphics, Web Publishing, Visual Basic, Business Communication, Network Strategy, and Software Project Management are taught.

Sakena Wishes to Thank Her Supporters

Sondra Johnson — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:04:28 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 16:32:43 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 computer training to Afghans. During the first 6 months of 2009 your donations helped 354 Afghans attend computer classes in AIL Educational Learning Centers. In addition to classes in AIL centers, 29 people have participated in workshops to improve their computer skills.

May 2009 Update

Alison Hendry — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:20:09 GMT

From January through April, AIL has been holding a workshop to help teach Afghans Information Technology skills to help them in their jobs, specifically in the field of education. Two participants of this workshop were interviewed and had the following to say:

“I had many problems with computer programs in my own classes before, and now I can go my class and solve my students’ problems confidently. I will implement all the topics that were discussed in the workshop in my classes to raise students’ awareness. I understand now that the computer is a main part of our lives.”

Another participant said, “I thought that installing Windows and other computer programs was so difficult and that I would never learn to do it. Today I understand that it isn’t difficult to do. This has been the best workshop I have ever attended and I have learned about many issues from this workshop.”

Update on AIL Computer Program

Alison Hendry — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:10:44 GMT

During 2008 288 Afghans took computer courses in AIL centers and schools. At AIL’s Gawhar Shad University, in 2008, there were 116 students studying in the university’s three year computer science college.

Stories to Share

Alison Hendry — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:01:37 GMT

My name is Mursal, I am a student at one of AIL’s centers. I love to learn, and when I saw that my friends were able to use computers and speak English, the international language, I began seeking a good course that would suit our cultural life. After a long time I found this center and saw that it was appropriate for me and I joined. Now I am studying Math, English and Computers. I am so happy to have a computer class here because many of the students really needed to learn computers as well as English. We want to thanks the AIL Office for establishing this class for us. We wish them the best of luck.

Snapshot (2008) of the Computer Training Project

Alison Hendry — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:05:03 GMT

Creating Hope Interational’s partner, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL), currently holds computer classes in Herat and Kabul, Afghanistan, as well as at AIL’s Gowhar Shad University in Peshawar, Pakistan. From January to June 2008, in Herat and Kabul, there were six computer centers hosting 10 classes. Each class had between 5 and 23 students. During the same time, Gowhar Shad University had 110 students in its three-year Bachelor of Computer Science program and 68 students in its four-year, Bachelor of Business Administration program. Thus far, 65 students have graduated from the Bachelor of Computer Science program.

In addition to AIL’s regular computer courses; it also has held special computer workshops at the request of the government or other Non-Governmental Organizations. From January to June 2008, AIL hosted a total of four computer workshops for 62 participants. Participants met for 1.5 hours each day over a span of 3 and half months. Topics covered in the workshops included:

• Basic computer skills • Using Windows XP • Using Microsoft Word • Using Microsoft Excel • What is a virus, and how to use anti-virus software • How to use a printer, scanner and digital camera

Participants from the computer workshops said the following about the benefits of the intensive computer training program in Herat:

“I learned so much about the computer and MS-Word program. I work for the Ministry of Education in Herat city and before I came to AIL for computer training, I wrote the monthly report of our organization without the computer, but now I am so happy, because I can use the computer and MS-Word for typing reports and letters.”

“I can work with the computer now and also I can perform all of my office work on the computer, like typing the letters and reports with MS-Word program, calculating with MS-Excel program and more. This was a golden chance for me that I got such high quality instruction and learned this skill for free. I really thank AIL for helping government workers to build their capacity.”

Update of the Computer Training Project—August 2007

Toc Dunlap — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:21:46 GMT

In addition to its College of Math and Computer Science at AIL’s Gawhar Shad University in Peshawar, Pakistan, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) now has nine computer centers in Afghanistan. The Herat Central Office IT program is thriving and recently held three-month IT courses for 33 government employees.

Annual Report

Afghan Institute of Learning — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 20:49:14 GMT

Attachments:

AIL 2005 Annual Report (PDF)

Update

Afghan Institute of Learning — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 20:48:14 GMT

In addition to its College of Math and Computer Science at AIL’s Gawhar Shad University in Peshawar, Pakistan, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) has six computer centers in Afghanistan. At the Herat Center, 372 students have taken computer classes between January and September 2006. In September in Kabul Province, there were 146 girls and boys taking computer classes in 5 centers.

Update

Afghan Institute of Learning — Fri, 04 Nov 2005 19:08:46 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)