GlobalGiving.org: Save Poor Afghan Families From Starving

Winter Months Are Upon Us

Toc Dunlap — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:45:08 GMT

In September, the staff of the Afghan Institute of Learning in Herat was asked to help the orphans at the Khaja Abdula Ansari Orphanage. This request came from the head of social work and affairs. After determining that their nutritional needs were being met by the orphanage, the staff traveled to the orphanage and distributed clothing to 197 orphans made up of 117 females and 80 males.

January, February and March are the worst months for those in Afghanistan who are poor and hungry. AIL is currently working with local village elders to identify where the most help is needed during the cold winter months. Further distributions of food to individual recipients will be happening soon.

Thank you for all of your 2011 donations. We hope we can depend on you in the coming year.

Food Shortages Due to Drought

Toc Dunlap — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:44:00 GMT

A recent article published by IRIN estimates that one and a half to two million additional people will face food shortages in Afghanistan due to an ongoing drought in northern, northeastern and western Afghanistan. This is in addition to the seven million residents already facing food shortages.

In Afghanistan, August was the holy month of Ramadan. During this month, in response to the increasing food shortages and increase in prices, the Afghan Institute of Learning distributed staples such as rice and oil to those in need in Herat. 150 families, each having six or seven members were served. Most of these families are headed by widows. In all, over 900 people were beneficiaries of this food distribution. The Ministry of Women Affairs helped to identify those in need.

Reaching Out to Help Those in Need

Toc Dunlap — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:48:23 GMT

In March of this year, 300 poor families in Herat City and nearby villages were provided with oil, peas, beans, tea and sugar. Each of these families had at least six members, meaning that 1800 people were reached.

One recipient said, “I am a widow. I have a son who is addicted to narcotics. He is a daily worker, but when he gets some money from his work, he spends it on narcotics; so he left and went from house so we don’t have any one to support us. I am thankful for this emergency assistance of AIL that helped us.”

Food Distribution

AIL Staff — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:20:41 GMT

In November of 2010, the AIL office in Herat purchased food items such as sugar, edible oil, teas and beans to distribute to at least 300 families. In December, they began to distribute the food items with the assistance of one of AIL's Learning Centers, to 50 families (at least 6 family members each) made up of widows and orphans from the nearby Asia Kalookhi village. In January 2011, another 176 people (22 families with 8 family members each) from Herat City and some nearby villages received food distributions. Many of them had not received food from anyone else and were very thankful to AIL for providing assistance to them when they needed it most.

Five Reasons to Celebrate

Toc Dunlap — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:41:28 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 18:55:33 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 13:43:43 GMT

Winter is the worst time for poor Afghan families. Because of this, AIL tries to provide food to poor families as winter is coming. Presently, AIL is working with community leaders in villages where AIL works to identify the poorest families so that distribution of food can be made to these families in December and January.

Summer Update 2010

Sondra Johnson — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:03:00 GMT

In the month of March AIL helped refugees from the Waziristan area (Bano, Bonier, Swat, and Malakan) who are living in the Jahozia refugee camp. These people have lost their land and homes because of conflict with the Taliban. AIL gathered necessary items like rice, flour, oil, sugar, dall, tea pack, etc. and arrived at the camp the morning of March 20. AIL employees worked with the camp security staff to distribute the boxes of supplies. The process of distributing the food aid went smoothly and was well organized. By the end of the day, 200 families had received a good share of needed supplies and were very grateful.

Summer Update 2010

Sondra Johnson — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:25:48 GMT

Summer Update from the Afghan Institute of Learning

Sondra Johnson — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:53:21 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 15:22:51 GMT

The last several months of winter in Afghanistan have been harsh. Many deaths have happened because of avalanches and flooding, and thousands of poor Afghans have had their homes destroyed. The immediate need is food aid. International aid organizations weren’t prepared for the number of Afghans needing food assistance to alleviate starvation, so the Afghan Institute of Learning is working to fill this need. 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. 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. 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!!!

Dear Friends of Afghanistan,

Sondra Johnson — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:44:02 GMT

Thank you so much for your generosity in helping needy Afghans during the winter over the last few years.

We wanted to let you know about an urgent need in Injil district of Herat Province in Afghanistan. This winter there has been a lot of rain in the district and many homes have been destroyed or heavily damaged from the flooding which followed the rains. Ultimately, the people will rebuild but now they urgently need food to get them through the winter.

The Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) has many women's learning centers and a large clinic in the district and has also done a lot of human rights, leadership, health and teacher training in the district. Because of the flooding, AIL has put out an urgent appeal. AIL is working hard to provide the basic food items that are needed for survival.

Anything that you can donate to help those who are homeless for the time being would be greatly appreciated.

We thank you again for your generous support and consideration.

An invitation to read our newsletter

Sondra Johnson — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:30:53 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 17:57:30 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.

Winter is coming to Afghanistan and can be brutal. As reported by the UN, more than 70% of Afghans are food insecure and approximately 8.5 million Afghans are on the verge of starvation. Although the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) works to empower women and other needy Afghans to provide for themselves and is not a direct relief provider ordinarily, AIL does provide food assistance to those who are in the greatest need, particularly in times of emergencies and in the winter. AIL is presently working with villagers to identify those who are the neediest as winter approaches. Your donation will help those who are in extreme crisis and need.

Sakena Wishes to Thank Her Supporters

Sondra Johnson — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:01:25 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 16:37:29 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 and received skills training in AIL schools, centers and post-secondary programs. 27, 619 Afghans (more than 70% female) have received teacher training or capacity-building training. AIL has supported 13 clinics serving 998,088 patients and providing health education to 1,520,374 women and children. Overall 6,778,026 Afghan lives have been directly impacted by AIL programs.

As AIL receives funding for this project, it meets with community leaders in areas where there are severe emergency situations. In the last three months, there has been no dire emergency in areas where AIL works. AIL will use the small amount of remaining funds that have come in as well as future donations for dire emergencies.

May 2009 Update

Alison Hendry — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:21:46 GMT

After recent heavy rains, the west side of Herat City experienced flooding where some Afghans lost their homes. After the flooding, community leaders came to AIL asking for support for the displaced people. The leaders told AIL that these people were suffering from a lack of food and housing. Sixty-six families (approximately 370 people) affected by the flooding were each given a bag of rice which can feed a family for at least 20 days.

Update on Food Aid Program

Alison Hendry — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:04:51 GMT

Last winter in Afghanistan, international aid organizations were not prepared for the number of Afghans that would be in need of food assistance because of the harsh winter to keep them from starving, so the Afghan Institute of Learning helped to fill this need. So far this winter has not been as harsh and it seems that international aid organizations have been much better prepared for winter and fewer people have been without any food at all. Currently, AIL staff is working to identify Afghans that are in desperate need of food supplies, and will begin delivering food to people in need during March and April.

Stories to Share

Alison Hendry — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:03:21 GMT

In July, the AIL office in Herat distributed ten 25kg bags of rice and ten 3 liter bottles of cooking oil to ten very needy people that came to the office. Of the ten people that received food, two were disabled, four were widows and four were elderly and unwell. All of the recipients were members of very large families and due to their situation in life, unable to work to support their family.

Food in Afghanistan has more than tripled in price since last year due to a number of factors including an on-going drought and the cost of oil. Many poor families are on the verge of starvation and AIL has decided to expand its emergency food deliveries from winter time only, to a year round program.

2008 Snapshot of Food Program

Alison Hendry — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:26:27 GMT

Beginning in the winter of 2006, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) began providing food packets to very needy Afghans in Kabul and Herat. Thus far, over 1300 families have benefited from this assistance. This year 300 families received food and other assistance in Herat during the extremely harsh winter. AIL Herat also facilitated food assistance from the World Food Program to 418 poor individuals attending classes at four of AIL’s Herat centers.

Update on Emergency Relief to Poor Afghans—August 2007

Toc Dunlap — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:34:32 GMT

The Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) has expanded its emergency relief program for poor Afghans because of the deteriorating situation for many Afghans. Begun to assist poor Afghans through the winter in Kabul, AIL expanded the program to Herat during the winter and in the Spring expanded it again to meet the needs of Afghans displaced by flooding and Afghans forced to return from Iran.

Following is feedback from recipients from the AIL coordinator in Herat about one delivery to needy families in April:

• AIL sub office Herat distributed food items to 38 widows, 20 orphans and 12 poor men of different areas of Herat city. The total beneficiaries of this aid were 568 people. The food items were a 25kg bag of rice and 3 liters of oil. • One of the widows said," You can't imagine that how much this food ration will help me. For a long time we have not eaten good food because we are very poor and have very little income". • A disabled man said," I am not only disabled, my other disaster is poverty. If I was ok, I could support my family and could have a normal life. I thank AIL that reaches the disabled and poor families. This food ration can help us for 15 days.”

The AIL Herat office has also entered into a contract with the World Food Program which is giving food assistance to poor women taking skills classes in three of AIL’s centers. Although there is a lot of administrative work, the assistance is very helpful to the women and their families.

Update on AIL Winter Emergency Project

Toc Dunlap — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 12:15:00 GMT

Since December 2006, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) has distributed packages of food to 345 poor families in Kabul and Herat. An estimated 2510 individuals benefited from these food packages.

In Kabul, distributions were made to widows, orphans, disabled and very poor people that AIL staff identified on the street. In Herat, elders in villages identified the poor, disabled and widow recipients and packages were distributed in several villages.

Some of the stories about the recipients as told by AIL staff are the following:

One widow from a village in Herat Province said, “ For a long time my five children and I have not eaten anything except dry bread with tea with out sugar because we don't have enough income to buy food for us. The only person that supports the whole family is my 14 year old son that sells vegetables on his cart. Every day he is disturbed by the municipality police and he is moved from one place to another place and whatever he got he has to give half of his income to be able to sell from the cart. So the income his income is very less and we are fighting with this bad situation to be alive".

In Kabul City, AIL staff found a disabled man sitting in the snow on a street begging. He is the father of a family and has three sons and his wife is the widow of his brother. The four children of his brother are also living with him. The man has no leg but still he tried a lot to find a work in a school or organization as a door keeper but he could find no job so he turned his face to begging. And by receiving the food he became so happy and thanked AIL a lot and said that in this cold weather AIL saved the life of his children for a few days and God bless this organization and its staff.

Also in Kabul City, an old man was in a garbage dump and collecting bottles of Pepsi and he was looking so sad and tired and it was also snowing. When the AIL staff delivered the food to him, he began to cry and thanked God. He said that he had not eaten for 2 days and he was so sad and wondered what he would take home today and he thanked AIL and said, “God bless AIL who really helped me a lot. There are no words mention for what they did for me.”

AIL is planning to continue this project for at least the next month. It is no longer winter but there has been severe flooding in many areas of Afghanistan and internal refugees are flooding into to Kabul and Herat in search of food and shelter. AIL will continue to provide emergency relief to these and other poor families.