By Marianne Monoc | Director of Development
In 2022, the Taliban prohibited girls from attending classes above grade 6, and closed the door to higher education for women. Their regressive policies have only compounded an education crisis that has left 4.2 million children, the majority girls, out of school. But Afghan families and local aid organizations have refused to give up.
During fiscal year 2022-2023, with assistance from its donors, CAI supported 5,969 Afghan primary school students (4,074 girls) through community-based schools. These schools offer access to education where there are no schools by converting local facilities or homes into classrooms.
• 191 classrooms were established and provided with furnishings and learning materials.
• 125 women and 66 men received training to teach at these schools.
• 806 community members partici-pated in school councils.
CAI provided 72 women with scholarships to complete their bachelor’s degree. Many returned to their home villages to continue teaching. And at a time of unprecedented crisis, CAI distributed funds to its in-country partners to provide humanitarian assistance to 6,628 people, the majority women and children, many of whom were displaced by conflict and political unrest.
SADIA'S STORY:
Sadia, age 24, lives with her large family in Badakhshan. Her parents are farmers. While Sadia was lucky to attain a bachelor’s level education, she worried about her ability to work, especially under Taliban rule.
“We are a family of ten and I am the eldest. I completed my studies, but previously had no opportunity to find a job in our area to help support my family. Of course, the income from farming is insufficient for our needs.”
She graduated with a degree in Chemistry from Badakhshan University in 2019 but felt devastated when, after two years, she could not find a job. Following the Taliban takeover in August 2021, the environment for women completely changed in Afghanistan. Sadia remembers feeling utter distress. But, like so many other women in Afghanistan, she had no choice but to keep striving towards her goals.“I was disappointed but kept busy helping my mother with household chores, farm work, and livestock.”
When she learned of the opportunity to work as a teacher at a community-based school established by CAI, she jumped on it. In addition to earning an income, she feels her social status has been enhanced, and the trainings have improved her qualifications academically. She has received training in pedagogy, psychology, teaching methodology, and child protection measures. Now Sadia has a clear vision for her future; she is helping to support her family and saving money to pursue her Master’s Degree. Sadia is not giving up on her future, and neither is Central Asia Institute.
Education has the power to transform lives. Your investment in our mission makes a difference because it represents hope and the promise of a better future for thousands of individuals just like Sadia. Thank you for believing in the power of education. We are humbled by your loyalty, trust, and commitment to a better world, one positive change at a time.
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