Fast-Tracking Education for Afghan Women and Girls

Summary

Provide literacy and fast-track education to thousands of women and girls who were deprived of learning by the Taliban and are now eager to become literate and learn skills at an accelerated pace

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

After decades of war and the Taliban regime, most Afghan women and girls are not literate. Project partner AIL offered underground schooling to thousands of girls during the Taliban regime and now offers classes in the open to women and girls through Educational Learning Centers (ELCs). They are eager to learn as much and as quickly as possible after years of having no opportunity to learn. ELCs offer women and girls culturally sensitive education at safe locations close to their homes.

How will this project solve this problem?

ELCs give women and older girls a chance to catch up on years of missed schooling by studying for grade certificates on a fast-track basis. Many ELC students finish multiple grade levels within one year's time. The ELCs also give women and girls an opportunity to learn skills such as tailoring and embroidery on a fast track basis so that they use these skills to support themselves and their families. Once literate, women are now requesting classes in English, computer, drawing and painting.

Potential Long Term Impact

Thousands of women and girls will become literate. Many will choose to further their education on a fast-track basis and some will mainstream into government schools at age-appropriate grade levels. Understanding the value of education, women will encourage and support their children, especially girls, to study. As their minds open, women begin to understand how they can be leaders and bring changes in their community.

Project Message

When I joined AIL's literacy course, I couldn't even take the pencil properly in my hands. Now I can read the first volume textbook and write. I am very happy and wish a long life for AIL.
- Zarghona, literacy class student

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Excel file (projdoc.xls).

Resources

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