By Alison Hendry | Program Administrator
Dear Friends,
During 2013, your generous support allowed the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) staff to develop workshops focused on teaching young Afghans about peace, human rights and democracy.
It is estimated that over 60% of the population of Afghanistan is under the age of 25. Given this, the AIL staff is focusing on teaching these young Afghans, particularly young women, about peace, human rights and how democracy impacts their lives. Many of these students have known nothing but war for the whole of their lives, and these workshops open the student’s eyes to the possibility of a different future for their country.
"Peace brings happiness, prosperity, security and stability to community where people live. Peace is the base of a prosperous life by which a country reaches joy and luxury"
15-year-old workshop attendee
As hard as it can be for those who have always lived in a democratic nation to understand, many Afghans are struggling to see why democracy matters to them. They do not think that voting has an impact, and they do not think that they can do anything to help Afghanistan move towards peace. AIL’s workshops are helping the young people to see that they have the power to make a different, by taking both small and large actions.
Before coming to this workshop I did not know much about democracy. I always thought democracy was for foreigners and developed countries. I didn’t think we could have democracy in Afghanistan, but this workshop changed my mind. We can have democracy here too. I also learned the benefits of having democracy in the community. I thank AIL for giving me the chance to understand what democracy means.
During 2013 your support helped AIL to offer workshops in peace, human rights, and democracy for over 1,000 Afghans, the majority of whom were Afghan youth. Thank you for your support and for seeing the difference this project can make!!
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