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The Advocacy Project seeks to help community-based advocates produce, disseminate and use information, and so become more effective advocates for human rights and social justice

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Oruj Learning Center

Post Office Lane, Across from Ministry of Higher Education Kabul, Afghanistan Contact: Sadiqa Basiri Tel: 001 (93) 799 189 911

  

• Mission
• Advocacy
• Social Change
• Information/ News from the Oruj Learning Center
  • Press Releases
  • Reports
  • Blogs
• Dissemination
  • AdvocacyNet
• Networking
• Institution Building

Mission

The Oruj Learning Center (formerly Omid) seeks to provide an education for young girls in remote regions of  Afghanistan. Oruj was founded in 2003 by Sadiqa Basiri, who spent many years in Pakistan as a refugee during the Taliban years. On her return, Ms Basiri put up her own money to pay for the education of 30 girls from her home village of Godah. After just two years, Oruj is supporting 1,200 girl students in four schools across Afghanistan. The project continues to grow in attendees, and is providing a valuable service for girls who would otherwise be unable to have an education.

• Topics:  Girls’ education
• Area:  Afghanistan
• Founded: 2002

Advocacy

• There are two adult literacy programs for women in Godah village. Sadiqa’s hope is that once students from the school graduate, they will move out into the community and start teaching the village women, none of whom have had formal education. (see A Visitor From Washington)

• The children at the schools have engaged in a pen-pal program with children at Squannacook Elementary School, in Townsend, Massachusetts. The letters were translated and distributed to Townsend students in December 2005 at a public event (“Peace night”). (US and Afghan Pen-pals)

Social Change

• Education: In 2003, not one student was able to read or write. According to one of Ms Basiri’s early reports to The Advocacy Project, 40 girls had moved up to the second grade and were writing full sentences.

• Education/ Women's Empowerment: Ms Barahona reports on the girls aspirations, resulting from their time spent at the school: "During the evening, I get a chance to meet a small group of girls who attend the Godah School. One of them, Masooma wants to keep learning until she is a doctor, teacher and engineer. When asked why she attends school, she responded “I love it. I feel like I learn something.” Another student, Latifah, explains that she wants to become a doctor or a teacher." (see A Visitor From Washington)

• Government Action: After three years of trying, Oruj was able to register the Godah school with the Ministry on condition that Oruj pays the salaries of teachers and provides all school supplies at least for one year. The school is registered with the directorate of ministry of education in Wardak province and the Ministry of Education in Kabul. Once Oruj’s contract with the ministry ends, and security improves, the ministry will be able to assign new qualified teachers to the school.

• Government Action: The girls schools were re-registered from being soley primary schools to also being secondary schools as a result of a government decision by the Minister of Education. This way the girls can continue their education without pause.  Previously, the students could not continue their education past grade 6.  (2006 Overview)

Information/ News from Oruj Learning Center

• Press Releases

June 30, 2006
Seeking Funds for School Construction

• Reports

AP helped the Oruj Learning Center Produce Monthly reports that are available in our "Educating Afghan Girls" section.

• Blogs

In 2006, Alison Long worked with the Oruj Learning Center.  Read Alison's blog.

In 2005, AP sent Shirin Sahani, a graduate student at Georgetown University, to intern with Oruj in Afghanistan. Read Shirin’s blog.

In 2005, Iain Guest visited the schools. Read Iain's blog.

In 2004, AP sent Ginny Barahona to work with Oruj.  Read Ginny's blog.

Dissemination

• AdvocacyNet

October 12, 2006
Liechtenstein Government Pledges $20,000 to Train 60 Afgan Teachers and Support Girls’ Education

December 15, 2005
Learning Partners Links Schools in Afghanistan and the US, Brings “Authentic” Learning Townsend, Massachusettes

August 1, 2005
Arson Fails to Dampen Enthusiasm for Girls Education in Remote Afghanistan

March 10, 2005
Experiment in Community Education Puts 554 Afghan Girls in School

January-February 2004
Anonymous Donor Pledges $39,000 to the Afghan Women's Network for Three Girls Schools in Afghanistan

Networking

Outreach Partners

• US-Afghan Reconstruction Council (US-ARC)
• Vital Voices
• Girls Learn International

For more information about networking with the Oruj Learning Center, email Sadiqa Basiri.

Institution Building

• In 2004, Mr Zahir received tents from UNICEF, which meant that the students could move in from under the burning sun. Each class is held in its own tent (except for grade 2).

• There are plans to provide training for the teachers as long as the organization can find money to support it. (2006 Overview)

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