Learning Centers for Rural Afghan Women

Covid-19 has created a great many difficulties in Afghanistan, especially because it is a poor country and has fragile health and education systems. AIL has had to close its Learning Centers in Herat but staff worked hard to adapt its education program to online, distance learning. Students have been provided with education packs and have access to a teacher by email, a hotline and in person if necessary.

It is vital that students continue their learning and do not lose heart.  “It takes time and patience to gain acceptance for girls’ education, especially in rural areas. I am concerned that we do not lose the ground we have gained,” says Dr. Yacoobi.

Quarantine has increased the sense of isolation that many women feel and is pushing girls into more household chores and we fear families will not look to return their girls to class and there will be a consequential rise in child marriage. The stress of the health and economic situation is causing a rise in family disputes and violence against women.  The education packs give girls a focus and a hope that they will return to school or an AIL center for classes in the near future.

AIL has been able to repurpose its tailoring classrooms at many sites in Herat Province, to the production of personal protective equipment. Teachers and tailoring course graduates are producing gowns and masks while other staff are joining in and helping to make face shields. These items are being used in AIL health clinics and being donated to the government for use in other cities. 

Your support is vital in helping us maintain our distance learning program.

AIL is working towards: SDG Goal 4 – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Our project 1155 Fast Track Education and 1073 Save Afghan Women and Children with Health care are eligible for a Match from Safer World Now Fund, up to $1,000 USD per unique donor per project will be matched, while funds last! You can donate to both!

50% returnee donors

100% new donors

Many of our Learning Centers in Herat Province offer tailoring classes. These are one of the most popular classes and often the first class that an illiterate girl or woman choses to take. The women learn how to produce professional quality clothing for their families and they can start a home business with this skill.  They end the course proficient in all types of sewing and are able to make shirts, skirts, dresses, trousers, coverings, hijabs and household cloth items.

The centers are currently closed, but as part of AIL’s coronavirus response, many of these sewing classrooms have been turned over to the production of personal protective equipment with many thousands of gowns and face masks being produced. Tailoring course graduates have returned to the centers to use their skills to assist in this effort. AIL staff are also producing face shields in large numbers. This health equipment is being used in AIL health clinics and some is being donated to the Ministry of Health for distribution to clinics and hospitals in several cities.

Your support for AIL’s education program has produced fine seamstresses who are now helping AIL and Afghanistan deal with this health crisis situation.

Thank you.

AIL is working towards: SDG Goal 4 – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

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