School in a Box: Advancing Girls’ Education in Afghanistan

The replicable approach assists schools in the following ways:

"Tailored capacity building for teachers alongside infrastructure improvements. In partnerships with the best local service providers, Womanity offers tailored training for teachers and school staff - based on their real needs. It equips science labs, libraries, playgrounds or gymnasiums. Womanity also offers tuition for the national university entrance exam, and a few university enrollment scholarships. Over 3 years Womanity will also run a health and hygiene education programme in supported schools.

Counseling for students to overcome obstacles to learning. Students are offered counseling (individually or in groups) to discuss anything that might be distracting them from their studies, such as family problems. If necessary the counselor mediates with families and schools to ensure girls’ wellbeing, or to find collective solutions.

Fostering community engagement and ownership. Activities are presented to shouras (local consultative groups made up of community representatives), school staff, and local Ministry of Education representatives. The aim is to tailor activities to specific needs, while also fostering supportive communities around schools. Inherent to this work is a deep respect for the costumes and traditions of Afghan society."

Education, Youth

The Womanity Foundation (formerly the Smiling Children Foundation) is an independent private foundation established in 2005. "In partnership with Afghanistan Libre, Sports sans Frontières, and others and with funding from UBS Optimus Foundation, Womanity is expanding the new School in a Box model to 11 schools across the country (2011 to 2014). Meanwhile support for the Al Fatah School continues.

This effort is already benefiting 7,450 Afghan girls (and 2,550 boys) aged 6 to 18 studying at the first 6 participating schools in Kabul, Paghman district and Punjshir province. Meanwhile, 384 teachers and staff are receiving tailored training to improve their competences. Plans are being made to reach 6 more girls’ schools by 2014."

At the Al Fatah School, the programme involved rebuilding and renovating classrooms, as well as other facilities, and equipping the school with furniture, science and computing labs, and teaching materials. It also involved organising and funding skills development for teachers and staff in English, management, and information and communication technology. Physical education teachers receive a sports-training programme developed by Sport Sans Frontières. It aims to use sports and games to restore students' confidence, to prevent violence against women and HIV and drug addiction, and to build a culture of peace.