Learning Centers for Rural Afghan Women

In February, there were 121 computer students at Herat area Learning Centers and 377 at Kabul area centers.  The newest center at Zamanian has computing as one of its five departments.

Here are comments from one student: “I am in the computing class at the Wardak center. I am from a poor family, my father was a government employee but now he is unemployed and my mother is a housewife.  I have three small sisters, who are students. Our life is hard.

I enrolled in the computer class and fter six months, I have learned several computer programs, and got a job in a school as a computer worker. I am so happy that I can earn money and help my family through my new skill. “

 AIL also provides computing instruction through other venues including the special two  year-long Leadership Class at the private Yacoobi High Schools which has 50 students.

 In addition, the AIL Youth Club which has 105 members is going to set up an advanced computer class. The youth club provides opportunities for young  people to discuss and learn about current issues and difficulties in society and how to apply democratic values, reasoning, good citizenship and advocacy as how to be creative thinkers.

Gaining computer skills is a gateway to opportunity for young people. 

The 2021 Sakena Fund annual report is attached and we hope you find it interesting.

Your support is vital in helping us maintain our programs.

• Annual_Report_2021_compressed.pdf (PDF)
  

***There are only a few days left to donate in 2021! We would love your support for our projects. Thank you!***

AIL’s Learning Centers were examined by the Taliban and are open as they comply with gender segregation rules. As some girls are unable to access secondary education, we have instituted changes at our centers such as switching to an emphasis on post-6^th grade girls education. Of course, we continue to provide income- generating skills training such as tailoring, beautician, English and computing.

One of the first classes women take at a Learning Center is sewing. This skill provides immediate financial help to a family, as the woman takes on sewing clothes for her family members. She can start up her own home sewing business, obtaining work from neighbors and friends or selling items in the market. Other students have gone on to work for clothing companies as tailors.  

This course boosts the confidence of women who often arrive at a center unable to read and write and many have never had formal education beyond a few years of primary school. The students who complete the tailoring course feel empowered to go onto other learning.

The most popular next step for many women is a literacy class. There are 699 women in sewing class in the Herat centers and 1,352 women and girls in the 7 levels of literacy classes.  There have been 8 mobile phone literacy classes for 280 women in 2021.

Quick Note:

Our Youth pioneer center is regarded as one of 10 best social foundations in Herat city. 

Why Do AIL centers work?  This from an administrator, “The centers’ personnel have a close relationship with the local community. AIL staff are invited to the elders' meetings and have been appreciated and encouraged by them. They have built a friendly relationship with the elders and the people and have made presentations about the multilateral programs to everyone, so they can direct people’s wishes and expectations.” 

AIL Outreach 2021

23,905 students, 18,132 PPE distributed, 6 health clinics, 50-bed Covid-19 hospital, 95,593 patient treatments, 59,888 health education, 13,050 food aid families served, 22 radio broadcasts daily, 8 hours of TV programs, 12 provinces reached. 

Your support makes all the difference! Thank you.