New Tests, New Students, and a Renewal
September 23, 2024
Dear friends and supporters of AFSO,
I am taking a break from the launch of AFSO's fifth semester of classes to write this update. Against many odds, and with the help of colleagues, outside advisors, and donors, we are beginning this fall with programs and procedures that will strengthen our initiative as it becomes larger and more consequential than we had dreamed eighteen months ago.
We currently have 500 students in AFSO classes, with an astounding 2,300 on our wait list. With the generous help of AFSO friends, we were able to launch Dynamic Placement Testing for all 500 students, giving us a more accurate assessment of our students' English levels and needs. About one-fifth of our students are at the A2, or low intermediate level. Half are B1, or intermediate. B2- and C1-level students comprise about one-sixth of the study body each. Beginning students (A1 level) are taking classes with one of our partners. AFSO is committed to helping our students, but we are also committed to university education, which is only possible when students have enough skills in English to benefit from our courses.
Another terrific feature that we have added this fall is faculty advising. Students deeply appreciate having a faculty member with whom they can consult initially about their AFSO classes, and later about their aspirations and the steps available to achieve them. It's a testament to the commitment of our faculty that they have been willing to take this on in addition to their volunteer teaching—and, in most cases, in addition to their full-time academic jobs.
Finally, at the suggestion of our stalwart Student Advisory Board, we held a series of webinars earlier this month to introduce students to AFSO's approach, the nuts and bolts of online learning, the importance of critical thinking and original work, and the pathway we are building for them to complete their education. We're confident that with this increased awareness, students will be more committed to their classes and to engaging actively with their professors and the teaching assistants who are so valuable to their learning.
There are new challenges at every turn, of course. With secondary schools in Afghanistan now closed to girls since 2021, we are receiving hundreds of applications from young women who are university age but have no high school diploma. Some have been taking private classes; some have enrolled in online programs. We are working with our partners at the Alliance for the Education for Women in Afghanistan to develop some sort of standard for school graduation so we can better understand how to help this new cohort.
Last, two pieces of great news. First, at least a dozen AFSO students found their way to degree-granting programs over the summer, largely with our help. Second, the generous individual who endowed our seed grant has renewed his pledge. Cue shouts of joy and sighs of relief.
Best regards to all our friends,
Lucy
