Learning Centers for Rural Afghan Women

Thank you for your support of AIL’s programs in Herat Province. While the situation in Afghanistan continues to prove challenging, AIL is finding ways to continue bringing high quality education to the women of rural Afghanistan. 

Through August 2012, AIL’s Learning Centers in Herat Province have provided education for 3,552 Afghan women and girls in classes ranging from sewing to computers, carpet weaving to literacy. AIL continues to offer classes in culturally sensitive manner, attracting students whose families might not allow them to attend otherwise. 

AIL’s Executive Director, Dr. Sakena Yacoobi was recently interviewed and asked her opinions on unlocking the potential of women in Afghanistan. Here is what she had to say, 

“ Afghanistan, for about 35 years has been at war, and through this war situation, the women have been abused and violated against all the time, and also a major part of the society ignored the part of the woman... if you ignore 60% of society, you are not getting anywhere.”
“ Women have the capacity if you really give them the environment, if you really work with them and give them opportunity, they will blossom and they will nourish and they will be able to provide so much for the nation that the nation will go through transformation.”
“ So in order to really build this nation, we must work with woman and children, and that's we're doing. And through working with women and educating them, we have been reach, like, about 9 million people so far in my 15 years. 9 million people when we reach, right now all of a sudden we see the transformation is taking place. Women are more empowered. They go to the task force, they go to the political arena, and they are working toward democracy. They understand. Before, they didn't understand what we're trying to ask them what to do, and in order for them to understand, we must educate them and give them awareness. And through many, many workshop, like leadership workshop, management workshop, peace education, we help the woman to help herself.”
“ Through this process of educating young woman and young girls, I have seen many, many lives have been changed, their style of life change, they become very powerful. They become self-sufficient.”

Don’t forget!  The holidays are a great time to share your passion for AIL and the great work that they do! GlobalGiving offers gift certificates which can be used to donate to AIL’s projects. Also, beginning December 1^st, the initial donation made by recurring donors will be matched 100% by GlobalGiving. There is only $25,000 available in matching funds, so help AIL take advantage of this opportunity early!