Computer Training Centers for Afghan Girls

Life for girls and women in Afghanistan continues to be very restrictive. Girls are still not permitted to attend school beyond 6th grade, which is why it is imperative to equip girls to learn so they can continue to learn once they leave school.

AAFF's computer training course graduated another 130 Afghan girls at the end of December. AAFF is proud of the girls' accomplishments and are amazed at how their computer skills are giving them hope. 

At the end of the course, students complete a final project.

One student said, "Completing this project was a significant milestone for me. It marked my growth from a computer novice to a proficient user, but more importantly it was a symbol of empowerment - a testament to what we girls can achieve when given the right opportunities."

Another 120 girls are now half way through the 3-month course and are scheduled to graduate at the end of March.

Here is what some of the students are saying:

"One of my passions is to learn computer programs to teach my sisters at home because they cannot attend courses due to the restrictions on girls."

"I really enjoyed this week's lessons and activities because I realized that I am a talented and intelligent person who can learn computer fast and easy."

"This course is not just about computers, it's also a great English course where we learn new words every day and it's a fantastic math class. With Excel we are learning to solve mathematical problems much more effectively now."

"I personally have to say that the computer training course has been the best experience I have ever had."

"I am a sixth grade student and I am worried about my next year because I am not sure whether I can continue school or not. But this course that AAFF provides for us is like a single star shining in the dark sky at night."

AAFF is committed to continuing to support Afghan girls in their education. We hope with them that their futures will be bright and they will be able to accomplish their academic dreams. Thank you for your partnership with AAFF to make this vital educational opportunity possible for Afghan girls. 

This year AAFF completed 2 rounds of the 3-month computer training course. Over 200 Afghan girls in grades 4-6 have learned basic computer skills through this course during April-October.

At the end of October, 81 students graduated from the course. In order to graduate students must complete a final project. Most of the students report that they do not know anything about computers before enrolling in the course.

In this round, some of the students said that although they want to learn computer skills, they are worried it will be too hard. However, all of these students reported that they were able to work hard and complete the final project with a lot of pride in themselves.

One student made a daily time schedule for her family. She said, "When I showed this project to my family they were proud and encouraged me a lot."

Another student who recreated the periodic table of elements as her final project said,"I remember exactly the first day when I could not turn on the computer but now I am able to create a project in Word. This is a great honor and achievement for me. Thank you, AAFF."

Afghan girls are still prohibited from going to school beyond 6th grade. This course is giving them hope for their future and a foundation to continue learning.

Currently, 140 girls are working hard in the course and are scheduled to graduate at the end of December. Your partnership with AAFF is making it possible for Afghan girls to gain essential technology skills and build their self-confidence. Thank you!

Links:

• Computer training center video