Help Afghan Boys Trade Guns for Books

Dear Friends,

AIL has always provided educational opportunity to boys and men along with women. In 2015, 7,401 men and boys attended AIL Learning Centers. There are 43 LCs operating at this time and 3 have male students only. There are 12 female only centers with the rest being mixed.

One of the centers in Herat is for the disabled and there are 30 residents including 25 men. The center provides them a place to learn and receive care as there are 3 nursing staff on hand. Most recently the center opened a library to help with the residents' education and for enjoyment. This resident’s comments explain what the center means to these people.

“I am disabled because of my legs and I can’t walk. I am not feeling any mental disability since I came to this center. The nurses helped me get out of a dangerous depression. I never believed in my abilities and I thought I was useless, but I found out about my capacity here. I have a lot of new friends and study literacy here. My mind has changed I have got good feelings about myself and I believe that I can do a lot of good things. I go to the city in my wheelchair a few times a week and attend classes where I learn to live happily and love others in the community. I have also learned about leadership and I have made big decisions for my future.”

This center helps men cope with their disability and look to learn new skills. Many students are now attending regular school and 11 are at university.

Please read the attached CHI 2015 Newsletter featuring AIL for information on activities last year. 

We are thankful for your continued support for Learning Centers for men and boys. Together, we are making a difference in Afghan lives.

• CHI_Newsletter_2015.pdf (PDF)