Scholarships for Afghan Girls

Children love to play and they are learning while doing it. They learn vital life skills such as compromise, empathy, teamwork, sharing and cooperation. As they explore the world through sight, touch and hearing they become curious and develop their own ideas. Playing board games, such as chess, develops skills in risk taking, rational thinking, perseverance, decision making and acceptance of both failure and success.

Play is part of school life and part of the education process for all ages. The scholarship students benefit from the variety of educational play offered at the schools. Many of them come from poor families that do not have the resources to provide them with games, books or social interaction. School life is enriching beyond their expectation.

In the last few months: The private schools held a scientific, cultural and arts fair with 500 different projects presented which reflected the creativity of the students. Families attended the event and students where keen to show what they have been learning. AIL started up another year of its Youth Club with 133 male and female youth joining. The club provides opportunities for the growth of social activists, scientists, writers and academically minded youth. They learn about good citizenship, democracy, advocacy, creativity, problem solving, teamwork, conflict management and more.

Thank you for your support for the education of Afghan girls and young women.

A note from Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, CEO

“I am grateful to be able to say that things are going okay with AIL’s programs and our four schools. The schools are open with students attending classes but some locations are seeing lower numbers. The children attending school are happy, they feel safe and grateful to be in school. We provide meals twice during the school day and sometimes we are able to send them home with snacks. AIL’s women's learning centers have redesigned their curriculum to accommodate girls who are currently not allowed to go to regular schools. To reach children who are unable to attend school or a center, we have developed a high school curriculum for grades7-12 to be broadcast by TV Meraj. There are teaching segments four times a day and students can submit questions via YouTube, Telegram, email or call, with staff available to help. The channel reaches the entire Asia region and is available as a livestream anywhere!”

Schools are busy places; here is a snapshot of June’s additional activities from a staff member of one of our Herat schools.

“This month we organized a football competition for 4^th-6^th grades and another for the 7^th-12^th grades. Staff helped the team captains with management skills and supervised the performance. The science department met to discuss upcoming exams. A 3- day educational seminar was held for female students from 7^th-12^th grades and covered math, physics and chemistry. Staff attended the Nemobal Organization meeting on creative solutions to teachers’ problems. Health checks were conducted on students this month and student health, hygiene and serious health needs were discussed. A leadership and management workshop was held for teachers and students. The school contributed slides on Islamic education and math for the Meraj World Academy. The school celebrated World Environment Day and International Mothers’ Day, giving mothers flowers and letters from students.” 

The female recipients of scholarships benefit from the high quality and comprehensive education they receive at the high schools. Many go on to university or other higher learning after school and have many more opportunities in life because of their education. 

Thank you for your support for the education of Afghan girls and young women.