Computer Training Centers for Afghan Girls

The last year and a half has brought many challenges for Afghans, particuarly Afghan girls. Most schools in northern Afghanistan continued to operate for girls through grade 12 until new rulings were issued at the end of 2022. In December, an announcement was made that girls could no longer attend university.

The school year was ending at the time of the announcement as Afghanistan's school year runs from March through December. Schools closed for the winter break and girls throughout the nation grieved the prospect of their future without access to education. 

As the school year was set to resume in March, many were hopeful that the ruling would be changed so girls could complete their education and continue on to university. Sadly, this has yet to happen in the public school system. Although there are some avenues for education for girls in private schools or courses, throughout the nation most girls beyond 6th grade do not have access to education in public schools. 

AAFF's computer training courses are operating in public schools with permission from officials. In the new year, we were given permission to resume operation of the computer centers for whatever ages of girls were permitted to attend.

Currently, two hundred 4th-6th grade girls in the two schools are attending the computer training courses. 

One of the 6th grade students reported,

"This is the first time I am learning how to use a computer. I am familiar with little things, but I believe that in the end of this course I will be able to do complex computer activities. This course has really made me hopeful for the future. Nowadays, in our country, girls are not allowed to go to school. They do not care about girls' education, but there are those who have understood the fact that girls also need education. Girls are part of the society, and they need to be familiar with new technologies so that they can create a bright and shining future for themselves. I am thankful for AAFF for providing this opportunity for us."

We are hopeful that there will be opportunities to resume providing computer training courses for older girls. We are thankful for the opportunity to continue the centers and to provide younger girls the opportunity to gain this important skill. Learning computer literacy now will make it possible for online learning in the future. 

Thank you for partnering with AAFF to support and empower Afghan girls in their education. 

Links:

• Informational video about the computer training courses

We are so proud of our amazing teachers and students.  The four teachers and 300 students worked very hard to acheive their goals in the three-month computer training class. Thank you for making this opportunity possible for them.

Girls reported that they felt proud of themselves for what they had accomplished and the course will help them reach their dreams and goals. Some girls said they had lost many opportunities, but felt very happy to have the opportunity to learn how to use the computer.

Students also told us they were grateful for a free course where they could study in the safety of their school with qualified teachers. Most families could not afford to send their daughters to private courses and going to them is a risk.

Students also reported that they were able to help their friends, brothers, sisters and even their fathers with computer questions. One student was able to help her father in his business by helping him create Excel documents to improve his bookkeeping. 

One student said, "I am proud that as an Afghan girl I proved to my parents that I am not less than boys and neither are they better than me. I am happy to prove that I can improve my computer skills and I can make my future brighter."

Students displayed an increase in their confidence and hope for their futures because of this course. Your investment is changing their lives!

Although recent rulings are impacting girls' education, we will continue to support Afghan girls by enhancing their eduation with computer training. We plan for our next round of computer courses to begin in March.

Please consider how you can continue to partner with us to provide this opportunity for more Afghan girls. Check out our recurring monthly donation options to support Afghan girls in their education all year long.