Learning Centers for Rural Afghan Women

As you may know, since the formation of the new government; restrictions have been most harsh on our women. 

Dr. Yacoobi could not allow nearly three decades of progress be erased. Through careful consideration, negotiation, and compromise; new leadership has allowed AIL to continue Women's Learning Centers / Workshops. Of course, the changes we had to make to keep all activities gender seperate affected our budget the most, ensuring all teachers/instructors are female in all centers/classes/seminars. In some areas, where there is more sercurity risk, we have managed to break up our workshops/classes into discreet home lessons where smaller groups gather. 

Our Learning Centers provide the opportunity for young women to learn skills needed to not only become a valued part of society, but to also provide for their families. Reading & writing is priority to teach all, many girls tell us this is most important so thay they will never feel like they are worth any less than their brilliant selves. Especially now, with fewer women allowed to leave home unsupervised, or to be employed; it is vital that our young women still hold the knowledge and confidence to be independent or the bread winner for their family. Hunger and poverty are at an all time high in the last few years, Afghan's struggle to survive in the harsh economy. We have hundreds of girls who have learned to run their small business from home, with skills such as taloring. Some have also started a kind of dry cleaning from home, washing and pressing clothing for their customers. 

These small skills they learn, make a huge difference in what they are able to do for their families. 

Without your support, AIL would not be able to make the impact we have through such hard times. 

You have allowed us to keep the door to education open for our girls, you have kept hope alive for Afghan Girls. 

They are resilient, determined and dedicated to a brighter future, which means they will never give up on their education. 

Thank you for your continued generosity and unwavering support. 

Links:

• Afghan Institute of Learning / Sakena Fund

AIL Learning Centers cater to a variety of needs of some of the most disadvantaged people in Afghanistan. Here is some information on a few of our centers.

AIL provides classes at a center for the disabled in Herat.  There are 49 residents at the center 30 men and 19 women. In January, the classes offered included painting, English and mental health.

One of our centers reported in January that women and girls are studying Arabic, literacy, tailoring and embroidery. Students also learn about capacity building and professional skills development. The goal is to increase the knowledge level of women and girls in their different fields, as well as empowering some women and girls in an economic form through learning the local arts of tailoring and embroidery which can lead to setting up small businesses.

One of the most successful centers has 11 teachers and 461 students (261 female). This center provides its services in 5 departments. the Department of international languages (English, Arabic, Turkish, German, Urdo), Department of Science (Math, Physics, Chemistry, Geometry and Trigonometry), Department of computer (Office, Word, Excel, Photoshop), Department of Art (Painting, Drawing, Calligraphy, Miniature painting), Department of special classes ( Arabic, Literacy, entrance exam preparation, sewing). 

Thank you for your interest in AIL’s work in Afghanistan.