Empower Afghan Girls with Computer Training

Despite the enduring challenges that Afghan girls face, AAFF's computer training centers continue to empower Afghan girls and bring hope to them and their families. In July, we were proud to graduate 56 girls from the 3-month computer training course. 

Some of our students enter the course not knowing how to turn on a computer and at the end they are able to complete their own end-of-course project using either Word, PowerPoint, or Excel. In this round, one student made a calendar and used pictures of her classmates working hard in class to display on each month's page. Another student made a very impressive resume and professionally displayed her accomplishments and skills.

Students not only produce an end-of-course project but also present it to their teachers and classmates. This assignment is helping students to grow in their public speaking skills and gain skills to present information to others. 

We are very proud of our students for their hard work and the progress they make in the course. Additionally, we are very encouraged to hear from parents - and especially fathers - when they express their pride in their daughters learning new skills. In this round, fathers expressed their appreciation for the opportunity for their daughters, for the progress their daughters have made, and their desire for more educational opportunities for their daughters. 

Although the situation in Afghanistan continues to be dire for Afghan girls, we are grateful these classes are bringing opportunity and hope to Afghan girls and their families. 

Recently, 93 Afghan girls in grades 3-6 graduated from the 3-month computer training course.

Students reported that the class helped them to not only learn computer skills but also helped them improve their English, make friends, learn to work in a team, improve their public speaking skills, and brought them joy as they built relationships and spent time with their peers.

One student shared her experience, 

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to AAFF for creating this excellent and beneficial course for us, the girls who are deprived of the right to education. I really love the environment of this course. It is very different and engaging. Our teachers are competent and kind, and they explain the lessons to us in a very simple and understandable way. Since I joined this course, I have noticed significant progress in my computer skills, and even my English has improved. Before I couldn’t read English words smoothly, but now I can read them easily."

The recent graduation was bitter-sweet as students and their families were very proud at their accomplishments, but for many in the class it marked the end of their formal education. The new school year began at the end of March and for the students who completed the sixth grade, they were no longer permitted to attend school. 

The skills the students learn in our courses make it possible for them to seek further education online. However, there are still barriers for most girls.

Even though there are some basic and free online courses for Afghan girls, most families do not have computers or internet access at home. However, for the students who have these resources, the skills they have learned in our classes are empowering them to continue their learning online.