Jump-Start Learning for Afghan Children

Summary

200 Afghan preschool children will study math, reading, traditional songs, and other subjects through AIL's model program. Graduates perform better than average in primary school classes.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

War and civil strife have worsened the already bleak Afghan educational system, which is plagued by poor funding, disorganization, and a lack of teachers, schools, and materials. Among the minority of children who attend school, attendance is poor and dropout rates are high, especially for girls. This preschool program (PEP) provides early education that serves as a foundation for life-long learning, emphasizes student-centered teaching, and is a model of quality education for Afghan schools.

How will this project solve this problem?

Project partner AIL serves 400 kids, ages 6 and younger, with preschool classes in Kabul and Herat, Afghanistan. They learn reading, English, math, computer, gym, and health. Teachers use interactive teaching to promote critical thinking.

Potential Long Term Impact

Preschool graduates excel in primary school and beyond. Teachers, principals, and parents excitedly report the positive changes they see in preschool children. This model program is setting the standard for early childhood education in Afghanistan.

Project Message

The students who finish AIL preschool and come to our school are so intelligent that all the teachers are amazed. When we hear that a student has come to our school from AIL/PEP, we are very happy.
- Mussadak, school principal in Kabul, Afghanistan

Additional Documentation

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

Resources

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