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.