Education as a Ray of Hope for Afghan Girls

During 2023, we were able to conduct six courses (lasting two months) in computer literacy, coding, and web development. Of the 186 students enrolled, 137 (74%) completed the training and 49 (26%) dropped out. 66% (120 students) completed the training with an attendance rate of 70% of classes or above and 51% (94 students) obtained an end of course mark of 70% or above. Womanity provided internet connection to all students and trainers. All in all, our classes were highly appreciated and described as much needed for female students who want to continue their education and careers paths. We also took over from War Child Canada (WCC), 8 CBE classes in Bagrami supporting education in grade 2 for 238 children (67% girls) from April 2023. This activity is approved by the de facto authority, and we are acting within a Memorandum of Understanding signed by them. As per the Authority policy, if students drop by the mid-term exam, new out-of-school children can join classes and therefore we were able to enrol additional 28 students in the second term for a total of 267 students with 234 finishing the academic year. 87.3% of the 267 students enrolled during the year (first and second term) successfully completed the final exam at the end of December. In 5 classes, the average of the marks to the final exam was above 85% while for two classes was 83.8% and 80.6% respectively. In the least performing class this average is 68%. During the year, we distributed educational kits, stationery and hygiene kits as well as coordinated the activities of the school management shura, liaised with the district education department and trained teachers.