Afghan Women's Learning Centers in Peshawar

Summary

Empowering Afghan women in refugee camps in Peshawar through the provision of education and training opportunities as well as basic health services.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

After the invasion of Afghanistan by Soviet troops in 1979, approximately 8 million people became refugees in Pakistan and Iran. Many relocated in the camps of Pakistan's Northwest frontier Province. These events, and more recent patterns of civil strife in Afghanistan, have completely devastated educational opportunities for Afghans, particularly girls.

How will this project solve this problem?

This center offers teacher training, English, literacy, math, and computer classes. Skills like sewing and carpet weaving are also taught. Leadership and human rights classes teach women how to assert their rights in a culturally sensitive way.

Potential Long Term Impact

This project will result in the increased education of Afghan women in the region. The knowledge of income generating skills, as well as leadership skills will help these women to support themselves and their families.

Project Message

Women's Learning Centers have changed the lives of Afghan refugee women. A woman spoke about AIL's programs "We now have the opportunity to talk with one another and take charge of our own lives."
- Toc Dunlap, President

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources