Fast Track Education for Afghan Women and Girls

At the start of this new year we reflect on what we have done in 2018 and how this has changed lives for the better. AIL’s Learning Centers (LCs) give women the opportunity to learn, to network with other women and to gain both knowledge and increase their capacity.

In 2018, 28,121 students (19,095 female) attended courses at 48 LCs. The courses offered at centers vary according to need. Literacy and sewing are popular, also English, computers, math, weaving. There are some centers that are specialist such as 3 that are preschool only and 1 that is boys computing, 2 that offer computers/English combination classes only. Centers often offer fast track classes in subjects to help those who are able to progress more quickly. This helps women who have time constraints also. There are 32 centers in the Herat area (16 rural) and 13 in the Kabul area.

Stories are the best way for us to show how you help poor Afghans improve their lives and communities.  

Nadia is a Computer class student. “I attended the computer class for 5 months and I learned a great deal.  I am now a fully skilled computer programmer. Computer skills are extremely important and everyone needs to have them.  I am so proud of myself, that I learned this skill and can work for my countrymen.  Recently, I got a part-time job at a foundation for women. I exchange emails and coordinate meetings for the board of directors. I earn money and can buy whatever I need. I am also able to teach computer skills to my children, and don’t need to pay anyone else to do it.  I can communicate with friends and I continue to improve my skills. Whenever a woman can earn money she can live independently and support their family.”

Aqeela attended a 4 month Mobile Literacy Class. “I lost the chance of being educated when I was a teen. I am so happy to have the opportunity to take part in this class and learn to read and write. I heard good things about the class and this persuaded me to join it. In the past 4 months, I learned to be a new person literate and educated in many things. I have become a skillful woman who is able to change the rest of her life.” 

Thank you for your continued interest and we hope you will read the annual newsletter attached.

• newsletter_2018.final.pdf (PDF)
  

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AIL’s Learning Centers (LCs) offer a variety of classes. One of the most popular classes offered is tailoring because women need a means to reduce household expenses and to earn money.  So far in 2018, 2,108 females have studied tailoring in Herat LCs and 851 in LCs in Kabul and other provinces.

Halima is a graduate of the sewing class. "I am a young girl. My family are very poor. My father is the only one earning money for the family. But now with my sewing skills I can make clothes for our family. I can also earn money sewing for other people. I can help my father with household expenses. My life has come out of darkness because of AIL and the sewing class.”

Thank you for your interest in Afghan women and the challenges they face.