Learning Centers for Rural Afghan Women

 As you may have known or not have known, the situation in Afghanistan has gotten far worse than it was several years ago. As new government implications have implied that girls and women from grade seven to University are no longer physically allowed to participate in school, and are forced to stay home.

It has always been a priority to utilize our given tools to assist women in recieving an education, while this "obstacle" in our way has dealt certain issues, such as; women are no longer allowed to leave their homes without male supervision, women are physically not allowed in schools, women are falling into dispair as more implications are being put into action.

As unfortunate as this may seem, the Afghan Institute of Learning has overcome "obstacles" before and this one is no different. AIL has been organizing learning centers across the region where anyone can come to learn real world skills that are used when needed. These learning centers last for several weeks giving the individuals that come gain as much learning that can be gathered and skills that will be used outside those centers. Note that these aren't schools were the government can intervene, they are learning centers that only last for several weeks not a whole year, which is legal.

It is thanks to AIL's donors and everyone who has showed interest in our organization, that we can keep doing what were doing and helping the next generation of women in Afghanistan.

Links:

• Description about us and our donors website

As you may know, since the formation of the new government; restrictions have been most harsh on our women. 

Dr. Yacoobi could not allow nearly three decades of progress be erased. Through careful consideration, negotiation, and compromise; new leadership has allowed AIL to continue Women's Learning Centers / Workshops. Of course, the changes we had to make to keep all activities gender seperate affected our budget the most, ensuring all teachers/instructors are female in all centers/classes/seminars. In some areas, where there is more sercurity risk, we have managed to break up our workshops/classes into discreet home lessons where smaller groups gather. 

Our Learning Centers provide the opportunity for young women to learn skills needed to not only become a valued part of society, but to also provide for their families. Reading & writing is priority to teach all, many girls tell us this is most important so thay they will never feel like they are worth any less than their brilliant selves. Especially now, with fewer women allowed to leave home unsupervised, or to be employed; it is vital that our young women still hold the knowledge and confidence to be independent or the bread winner for their family. Hunger and poverty are at an all time high in the last few years, Afghan's struggle to survive in the harsh economy. We have hundreds of girls who have learned to run their small business from home, with skills such as taloring. Some have also started a kind of dry cleaning from home, washing and pressing clothing for their customers. 

These small skills they learn, make a huge difference in what they are able to do for their families. 

Without your support, AIL would not be able to make the impact we have through such hard times. 

You have allowed us to keep the door to education open for our girls, you have kept hope alive for Afghan Girls. 

They are resilient, determined and dedicated to a brighter future, which means they will never give up on their education. 

Thank you for your continued generosity and unwavering support. 

Links:

• Afghan Institute of Learning / Sakena Fund