Fast Track Education for Afghan Women and Girls

Fast-Track classes offered by the Afghan Institute of Learning are for women and girls looking for extra help and to quickly further their education. Many of the older women also come to the center to learn sewing, and become interested in learning to read. In the first 6 months of 2010, there were 2586 students in literacy classes and 1372 students in tailoring classes.

Having all-female classes allows a woman to get an education in an area with conservative cultural values. A student writes: ““I was uneducated and came to this center to learn how to sew. I started learning sewing and can sew clothes for the people living around us and can support my family financially. Besides sewing class, I also joined the Literacy class and now can read and write a little. The AIL office helps us (uneducated girls/women) to stand on our feet and support our families.”

Another student is 27 years old. She is a mother and homemaker, but also interested to learn more knowledge. Now she is taking part in holy Quran class, literacy class and English class. She has lots of hopes and wishes about her future, and would like to go to college one day. She is very happy about her situation and thankful for AIL.

We’d like to share some great news with you that will give you a better understanding of our project and the work we do in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Through the generosity of the Skoll Foundation, a timely video was produced about life in Afghanistan and the work AIL is doing to make a difference. The film producer and crew did a beautiful job capturing the essence of the best of the Afghan people, and the struggles they work with to achieve a better life. This film is now on YouTube, and it will be the best seven minutes you spend today. Moderated by Sakena Yacoobi, AIL’s executive director, this video offers a true taste of Afghanistan. Here’s the link to view it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7t1Xu_MwHg We are also adding this as a permanent link to this project for future viewing. Your donation makes a precious impact on the lives of Afghan men, women and children. We thank you for your past support, and encourage you to forward this message to those who can help to continue this important work.

A reminder: June 16 is a special Global Giving Matching Day! - GlobalGiving will be matching all donations up to $1,000 per donor per project for this project at a 50% match. If you could like to donate again to our project, your donation will go further on June 16th. Thank you for your support….

Links:

• Wonderful Video about AIL and Life in Afghanistan