Afghan children start their winter break in December and return to school late March. All but one of our computer libraries remained open and utilization has been high. I recently received the reports for the five libraries that remained open. In December, utilization by girls was between 260 - 289 a day and for boys it was 101 - 160  The overall total for boys and girls was between 361 and 449 per day. Afghan children don't need to be motivated. They want to learn. Besides, our libraries are heated.

The Lafayette Rotary Club decided to contribute to our digital learning project by supporting the libraries. We just added another one this month in the village of No Burje Chehilstoon. This is a great find!

It's a stand alone detached room and the owner is not charging rent. The owner and two of his daughters are teachers. One daughter is teaching two English classes in the library, from 7 to 10 am. The library will be open from 10 am to 4 pm and later when days are longer.

We have been translating Khan Academy math videos into Dari. Thanks to Spojmie Nasiri, her family and friends we have been able to expand the project to include translating videos into Pashto. Dari and Pashto are the main languages in Afghanistan.

Several of you have, at our request, continued to send us links to fun, interesting and educational YouTube videos. Keep them coming. The videos make it possible for the children to learn more than just math. Many, if not most, of the children will be seeing things they might never see during their lifetimes. We're bringing the world and education to Afghan children online and off.  Christa and I will send you links to our favorite YourTube videos, one of these days.

On a final note, I'm very interested in finding or making ESL (English as a Second Language) videos. I recently learned that English is taught in English. (Didn't know that!)

That means ESL videos will be helpful throughout the world. English is the money language.  Whoever knows English will have more job opportunities and likely earn more money. We know this to be true in Afghanistan.

We haven't been able to find ESL videos that are free. If interested in helping with this project, write ( [email protected]).  For you cost/benefit analysts this project will help millions. The cost side has yet to be determined.

Enjoy the weekend.

Budd

ps. Last night I stumbled upon a video worth watching. It will give you an idea of what Nabi and I experience every time we visit Kabul (culture shock). In addition it addresses the challenge young Afghan girls face when they do something others think only boys should do. To watch Skateistan click here.