Help Afghans Learn Computing and Coding

Creating Hope Interational’s partner, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL), currently holds computer classes in Herat and Kabul, Afghanistan, as well as at AIL’s Gowhar Shad University in Peshawar, Pakistan. From January to June 2008, in Herat and Kabul, there were six computer centers hosting 10 classes. Each class had between 5 and 23 students. During the same time, Gowhar Shad University had 110 students in its three-year Bachelor of Computer Science program and 68 students in its four-year, Bachelor of Business Administration program. Thus far, 65 students have graduated from the Bachelor of Computer Science program.

In addition to AIL’s regular computer courses; it also has held special computer workshops at the request of the government or other Non-Governmental Organizations. From January to June 2008, AIL hosted a total of four computer workshops for 62 participants. Participants met for 1.5 hours each day over a span of 3 and half months. Topics covered in the workshops included:

• Basic computer skills • Using Windows XP • Using Microsoft Word • Using Microsoft Excel • What is a virus, and how to use anti-virus software • How to use a printer, scanner and digital camera

Participants from the computer workshops said the following about the benefits of the intensive computer training program in Herat:

“I learned so much about the computer and MS-Word program. I work for the Ministry of Education in Herat city and before I came to AIL for computer training, I wrote the monthly report of our organization without the computer, but now I am so happy, because I can use the computer and MS-Word for typing reports and letters.”

“I can work with the computer now and also I can perform all of my office work on the computer, like typing the letters and reports with MS-Word program, calculating with MS-Excel program and more. This was a golden chance for me that I got such high quality instruction and learned this skill for free. I really thank AIL for helping government workers to build their capacity.”