GlobalGiving.org: Help Desperate Families from Pakistan Disasters

The Struggle Continues

Toc Dunlap — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:55:47 GMT

The victims of the devastating flood in 2010 are still living in makeshift shelters and still trying to rebuild their lives. The Afghan Institute of Learning hopes to make another distribution in early 2012 to these families. As you may remember, 250 families were served in 2011, but there is so much work still to be done to help these families get back on their feet.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this project. We hope that you will consider continuing your support through next year.

AIL Staff Provides Details

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:46:35 GMT

In a more detailed report on the April distribution sent by the staff of the Afghan Institute of Learning’s Peshawar Office, AIL staff wrote that they traveled to a location approximately 210 km from Peshawar to help flood victims in the area. They describe the area as full of very honest, friendly hard-working people made up of Pakistan residents and approximately 30% Afghan refugees. They distributed water coolers and floor coverings to 250 families. As they toured the area, they were struck by the results of the devastating flood of 2010 and noted that the people are still living under the sky with no homes, no facilities and no shelters to keep them safe. They worried about their exposure to the hot sun and the dark, cold nights. They described the makeshift homes as pieces of cloth and small pieces of wood separating each from its neighbor. What AIL is reporting is confirmed by other relief agencies in Pakistan working with flood survivors.

Continuing Aide

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:13:28 GMT

In April, 2011, another 250 families, who were victims of the flood were served by the AIL Staff from Peshawar; with at least 6 in each family, this means that at least 1500 persons benefited. Water coolers and floor mats were distributed to each of these families. The staff reports that the families still have no shelter from the heat of the day and the cold nights, and are living in extremely poor, unsanitary conditions.

More than 250 Families Assisted

AIL Staff — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:56:08 GMT

In early 2011, the AIL Peshawar office was able to distribute blankets and floor coverings to over 250 families who were flood victims in the very poor village of Charsada. During the distribution there was a very calm and friendly environment. The people were very glad and thankful to AIL for helping them when they needed help.

Update on Flood Survivor Delivery

Toc Dunlap — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:08:13 GMT

Blankets delivered to 250 families

On October 27, 2010, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) Peshawar staff delivered blankets and floor coverings to 250 families living in the Sawari gari Dawood in Nowshara, Pakistan. Each family received one blanket and one floor covering. Local authorities cooperated with AIL with the distribution of the blankets and floor coverings. If a family was unable to come and get their own supplies because they were working, then other families picked up blankets and floor coverings for them so that every family was able to get what they needed.

Blankets delivered to 250 families

Distributing blankets and floor coverings

Families receiving blankets and floor coverings

Shelters for people without tents

Tents as Shelters

Blankets delivered to 250 families

Five Reasons to Celebrate

Toc Dunlap — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:42:37 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 18:54:24 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 13:41:48 GMT

AIL is presently focusing on providing assistance to flood survivors who are receiving little or nothing from outside sources. The first delivery made by AIL was of food and utensils to Afghan refugee families near Peshawar who had lost everything. AIL planned to deliver more needed items to the families but the authorities decided to move the families to another camp. Since then, AIL has identified a small area where there are 250 families, Afghan refugees and Pakistani nationals, who need floor coverings and blankets for the coming winter. Delivery was made last week and will be reported on in a few weeks.

Help Desperate Families from Pakistan Disasters

Toc Dunlap — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:10:10 GMT

Dear Supporters, We greatly appreciate your continued support for Help Desperate Families From Pakistan Disasters! Pakistan Update! We have already delivered a water container, utensils and dishes with food to 500 Afghan families (approximately 3500 people) in Zahkel refugee camps near Peshawar. The families have lost everything and are living in a tent. In the coming weeks AIL will also be providing a floor covering for each family. We have been given a wonderful opportunity with The Safer World Fund!! For a limited time, any donation to this project will be matched 100% by The Safer World Matching Fund! Please help us take advantage of this amazing offer so that we can help more flood survivors.

Help Desperate Families from Pakistan Disaster

Toc Dunlap — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:28:19 GMT

1252 Help Desperate Families from Pakistan Disasters

AIL is helping 500 Afghan families in Zahkel refugee camps near Peshawar who have lost everything in the recent flooding in Pakistan. UNHCR has provided each family with a tent and a cot. This week AIL will provide a water container and utensils and dishes with food to all of the families. We look for a more detailed report within a week to ten days. As a follow up in the coming weeks, AIL will also be providing a floor covering for each family. If you can, please donate to this project so that we can help more flood survivors.

Summer Update from the Afghan Institute of Learning

Sondra Johnson — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:56:17 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 15:27:59 GMT

As funds come in, AIL evaluates the needs of Swat Valley refugees living in the Peshawar area. AIL plans to make another distribution of aid in late Spring. 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 21:33:10 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_letterFINAL12.01.09.pdf (PDF)

A Special Giving Opportunity.....

Sondra Johnson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:12:32 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.

The Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) continues to assist women and children earthquake survivors who have moved to Peshawar because they have no housing. AIL has one Women’s Learning Center, Zarghona Ana, which is dedicated solely to the earthquake survivors; 280 females study in a variety of levels of literacy classes and can also study tailoring, English and Arabic. Many of the students are able to support their families because of what they have learned in the schools and centers. An example is Ayesha, who shares the following: “I am in literacy 7th class. When I came to this course ,I was completely illiterate, I had many problems in my own life and my home, and I can’t count my money. But now because of this course, I can solve my all problems- for example, I arrange my life in good way, I can buy necessary things for my home, if my friends & relatives are faced with some problems I can give them good suggestion. Also, I help my children with their lessons, one of them in class 1st and the older in class 3rd.”

In the last few months, many internally displaced persons have flooded into the Peshawar area and are now living in the refugee camps along with IDPs from Swat. We have some funds in reserve and will continue to add to those reserves for the next emergency the Afghan people and IDPs of Swat face. Winter is coming and can be brutal. Your donation will help those who are in extreme crisis and need.

Sakena Wishes to Thank Her Supporters

Sondra Johnson — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:02:19 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 16:36:31 GMT

In the last few months, many internally displaced persons (IDPs) have flooded into the Peshawar area and are now living in former Afghan refugee camps. The IDP families are receiving some assistance but lack sufficient food. Because of this AIL plans to use the funding that has been given for IDPs to distribute food packages to the most needy families during the next month. Food packages will include flour, rice, beans (dal), oil and sugar.

Swat Valley Conflict

Alison Hendry — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:38:02 GMT

Dear Globalgiving Donor,

Thank you for donating to our project, Help Earthquake Survivors in Northern Pakistan. We appreciate the support we have received from you in the past, and we will continue to support those displaced by the earthquake in our Educational Learning Centers (as of May 2009 there were 302 people displaced by the earthquake in AIL Education Learning Centers, and 24 students displaced by the earthquake in AIL schools).

We have decided at this time to change the focus of our emergency services project to serve some of the up to 3 million people displaced by fighting in the Swat Valley. We are working to provide food and dishes to internally displaced people in two camps near Peshawar, Pakistan. We are also planning to provide sewing training to the women in these camps.

Once again, thank you for your support in the past. We hope that you can find it in your heart to help us alleviate a small portion of the suffering felt by those displaced by the conflict in Swat Valley.

Update on Earthquake Survivor Programs

Alison Hendry — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:16:05 GMT

AIL continues to support people who were displaced during the earthquakes in October 2005. During 2008 AIL taught sewing and literacy skills to 691 in three Women’s Learning Centers (WLC) in Northern Pakistan. One of these learning centers was established specifically for those affected by the earthquake. Many of the women coming to the WLC’s for sewing courses use these skills to help support their families.

During 2008 AIL also served 71 students displaced by the earthquakes in three schools.

2008 Snapshot of Earthquake Program

Alison Hendry — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:28:49 GMT

In October 2005, a devastating earthquake erupted in Pakistan, killing over 80,000 people and impacting over 4 million more people. The Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) staff in Pakistan began responding immediately to aid earthquake survivors by gathering blankets, cushions, and clothes in October 2005 and distributing a shipment of medicine from Direct Relief International in November 2005.

Many of the earthquake survivors have moved to Peshawar, Pakistan and continue to be helped by AIL in Learning Centers. From January to June 2008 there were 6 centers and schools serving a total of 406 survivors.

Update of AIL’s Earthquake Project in Pakistan—August 2007

Toc Dunlap — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:37:55 GMT

In April 2007, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) made a delivery of floor coverings to various communities in the earthquake areas. In Peshawar, displaced earthquake survivors continue to study in AIL schools and Women’s Learning Centers. There were 385 women studying literacy and skills classes in the centers and 146 students in various grades in the schools.

Annual Report

Afghan Institute of Learning — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 21:22:08 GMT

Attachments:

AIL 2005 Annual Report (PDF)

Update

Afghan Institute of Learning — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 21:21:19 GMT

Attachments:

Update (DOC)

Pakistan Earthquake Relief Project Grant Report

Creating Hope International’s Project Partner — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 00:38:33 GMT

In October 2005, a devastating earthquake erupted in Pakistan, killing over 80,000 people and impacting over 4 million more people. AIL staff in Pakistan began responding immediately to aid earthquake survivors by gathering blankets, cushions, and clothes in October and a shipment of medicine from Direct Relief International in November. AIL has been able to continue its urgently needed earthquake relief efforts and help thousands of people because of the generous support of Global Giving donors.

Attachments:

Global Giving Earthquake grant report dec 05-mar 06 4-12-06.doc (DOC)

Batt Gram Trip Report

Creating Hope International’s Project Partner — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 21:31:36 GMT

After a trip to the Batt Gram region of Pakistan on December 23, 2005, an AIL manager who was a member of the earthquake relief team submitted this report, which describes the devastation she observed, some of her reflections on the impact of this tragedy, and the relief activities of AIL.

Attachments:

Earthquake Relief Progress Rep (1-2-06).doc (DOC)

Balakot Trip Report

Creating Hope International’s Project Partner — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 21:29:32 GMT

Creating Hope International is partnering with the Afghan Institute of Learning to bring relief to victims of the recent earthquake in Pakistan. Staff of the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) in Pakistan is making regular trips from their base office in Peshawar to areas affected by the earthquake. They are delivering blankets, medicine, floor coverings, quilts, pillows, clothes, and other supplies that earthquake survivors urgently need. After a trip to the Balakot region of Pakistan on December 6, 2005, an AIL manager who was a member of the earthquake relief team submitted this report, which describes the devastation she observed, some of her reflections on the impact of this tragedy, and the relief activities of AIL.

Attachments:

Earthquake Relief Progress Rep (1-1-06).doc (DOC)