Help Afghans Learn Computing and Coding

AIL has risen to the challenge of Covid-19 and kept its programs running during the pandemic. Education was provided online and through education packs delivered to students.

Dr. Yacoobi said, “ I am so proud of my staff who have kept AIL running through the pandemic with adapted programs AND produced PPE for ministries and hospitals- 14,000 face shields, 13,000 masks, 400 other items AND opened a 50 bed Covid-19 hospital AND provided food aid and counseling AND provided covid information through Radio Meraj !”

 We are glad to say that centers and schools are now open under strict social distancing and sanitation rules. Students are delighted to be back especially the children who missed their friends, teachers and the structure of classroom life.  Boys had continued their learning through the distance education program and computing from home with some boys coming into a center one day a week to use the computer. Kabul’s computer only center also provides English instruction to its 107 students (2 female). This is an intensive, fast track course designed to accelerate proficiency in computing which is a valued job skill. 

Your support is vital in helping us maintain our programs.

Our projects 1155 Fast Track Education and 1073 Healthcare are eligible for the Safer World Fund 50% on donations right now!

Covid-19 has created a great many difficulties in Afghanistan, especially because it is a poor country and has fragile health and education systems. AIL has had to close its Learning Centers but staff worked hard to adapt its education program to online, distance learning. Students have been provided with education packs and have access to a teacher by email, a hotline and in person if necessary. Many of the computer class students are continuing studies at home if they have computer access and internet. Other students are using books to keep learning the theory behind computing.

It is vital that students continue their learning and do not lose heart.  “It takes time and patience to gain acceptance for education, especially in rural areas. I am concerned that we do not lose the ground we have gained,” says Dr. Yacoobi.

Quarantine has increased the sense of isolation that many women feel and is pushing girls into more household chores and we fear families will not look to return their girls to class and there will be a consequential rise in child marriage. The stress of the health and economic situation is causing a rise in family disputes and violence against women.  The education packs give girls and boys a focus and a hope that they will return to school or an AIL center for classes in the near future.  

Your support is vital in helping us maintain our distance learning program.  

SDG Goal 4 – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.