Afghans Learn Leadership for the 21st Century

In 2009, AIL held 18 leadership and democracy workshops in Afghanistan for 570 participants. The objectives of the leadership workshops include increasing awareness among Afghans of their human rights, the meaning of democracy, how they can hold their elected leaders accountable, how they themselves can be accountable to the people that they serve and what they, as individuals can do to bring democracy and respect human rights to Afghanistan in a practical way. In addition, AIL formed 2 Emerging Leader groups, one each in Kabul and Herat, for experienced leadership participants to research and implement projects within their communities. To date, there are over 17 projects that have been completed or are in process. Rushan, one of the participants of the leadership workshop in Kabul, says,” soon after taking the leadership workshop, I decided to start a project to help my community. I opened a private literacy and sewing class for 17 women and girls in my home and then I tried to increase the number of my students. The leadership workshop opened my mind- it made me realize that I want to educate other women so they may be self confident”. Other AIL Accomplishments in 2009 included: • AIL trained over 1,800 Afghan teachers in pedagogy subjects, leadership, human rights, and school health. These teachers went to their classes and directly impacted over 500,000 students teaching these important subjects. • Nearly 23,000 students (primarily women and children) attended classes at AIL educational learning centers. • Over 362,000 Afghans received medical treatment and health education from AIL’s 6 health clinics and community health worker program. • In January 2010, AIL expanded humanitarian aid efforts with the harsh winter and reached out to 22 families in need. AIL staff delivered to each family quantities of rice, cooking oil and tea. Most heads of the family were widows with children from Herat, and were recommended by community members. • In February 2010, flooding in the Enjil district of Herat destroyed many family homes, and AIL responded with a concerted effort of initial food aid. Reminder: On March 16, 2010, GlobalGiving will be matching all donations made to any project on www.globalgiving.org by 30% (up to $1,000 per person)! If you could like to donate again to our project, your donation will go further on March 16th!!!