About us
WHO WE ARE
As an organization, our mission is to empower Afghan women and girls by providing education and compassionate support, offering hope in a country where women face immense challenges and a lack of basic rights.
With a team that reflects diverse experiences within Afghanistan, we deeply understand the struggles our students face every day.
We envision building a supportive community where women can find purpose, develop meaningful skills, and contribute to society. Through the power of education and our trauma-informed teaching approach, we aim to positively impact their well-being. Our ultimate goal is for each student to experience success, joy, and a sense of belonging in a community that fosters empowerment.
Our Vision
A world where every woman can read, write, and discover her purpose.
Our MISSION
Empowering women in Afghanistan through education and compassionate support, fostering hope, and equipping them to achieve a meaningful role in society.
WHAT WE DO
IEL provides free online English and computer classes to girls and women across 24 provinces in Afghanistan. Our mission is to ignite hope through education and positively impact our students' well-being. Through mentorship and daily communication via WhatsApp, we empower women to unlock their full potential. Committed to bridging educational gaps, we foster personal growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Leadership Team
We are a dedicated team of 20 women committed to making a positive impact on the lives of girls and women across Afghanistan.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Elke Damesyn, M.Ed.
Board Chair
Hadia
Co-Chair
Olga Evans, M.Ed.
Board Treasurer
Board Secretary
Sherry MacKay, M.Ed.
Wadia Karamkhil, BA
Board Member
Dr. Sedique Popal, TESOL
Honorable Board Member
Board of Advisors
Dr. Sediq Popal
Role: Associate Professor for Applied Linguistics, MA TESOL Coordinator at the University of San Francisco School of Education.
Education: Undergraduate degree from Kabul University
Leadership: President of CATESOL 2025 (California Association for Teachers of Speakers of Other Languages)
Expertise: Distinguished author and keynote speaker at local, national, and international events
Commitment: Advocates for educational opportunities for Afghans in the U.S. and Afghanistan
Sahar
MS Ed. L.
- Security Note: Photo not shared for safety reasons.
- Role: Psychologist and IEL's trauma-informed advisor.
- Education: BS Educational Management
MS Educational Management and
Leadership.
- Certification: Certified in Choice Theory (CT) counseling.
- Expertise: Trained in Reality Therapy by Dr. William Glasser.
- Focus: Helping individuals make effective decisions and take control of their actions.
Interested in learning more?
elke@ielafghanistan.org
Institute For English Literacy is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. EIN #85-3867014.
