Sakeena Yaacoobi Essay

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Sakeena Yaacoobi, founder of the Afghan Institute for Learning (AIL) started her social project in 1996 while helping camp refugees at the border of Pakistan. Education is neither a new nor innovative cause, however the way she implemented it considering the repressive and intrusive regime at that time was. This is one of the reasons why I believe she applied design thinking. Sakeena decided to create this institute after encountering several women who were requesting educational opportunities. The need for education triggered her social action. Hence, she did exactly what Mr. Sirolli advised “Don’t help people if they don’t want you to help them”. Mrs. Yaacoobi met people who were asking for education and helped them. Sakeena came to the camps with the goal to help Afghan women have …show more content…

This choice has been made to equip women with the most practical tools they needed on an everyday basis. As a matter of fact, if AIL didn’t really understand what were the most useful subjects for the Afghan women they might have though them about mathematics or French literature. Sakeena is a highly educated women but she was also able to understand the specific needs and challenges of this population. By providing them with subjects that are practical she was able to help them. Her non-confrontational approach also helped her bypass the political regime. Indeed, when teaching about democracy, teachers were citing the Coran to confirm their arguments and answer to student’s questions. This was an innovative and efficient way for women to understand gender equality safely. The AIL is in constant innovation in terms of methods of teaching and how to set up lectures about sensitive subjects without risking to go against the state. Several adjustments have been made throughout the years and some new topics have been proposed such as leadership, peace education, environmental awareness and income

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