The Adult Learning and Education Facilitation (ALEF) project was first established in 2007.

ALEF aims to help the people of Kandahar in fulfilling the unique learning needs of adults by translating and adapting learning materials, conducting learning circles, providing training for teachers of adults, and conducting vocational courses.

ALEF is committed to equipping unemployed people with skills that are in high demand and can be used to earn a living. It seeks to provide relevant learning opportunities for its beneficiaries and encourages learners to become responsible for their own education.

ALEF conducted many learning circles in 2008 and plans to continue to make the learning circle approach a common method of learning among adults. It successfully conducted two vocational courses in a learning circle format where twenty learners were taught embroidery skills and given a chance to discuss initial needs for starting a small business.

The evaluation done at the end of courses indicated that more than 90% of the learners used the skill for earning a living. ALEF also conducted two learning circles in other vocational courses in the community. Learning materials were translated that introduced ideas for effective adult learning and can be used for training teachers in the future.

In 2009, ALEF plans to start vocational courses in refrigeration and mobile phone repair which are both considered necessary skills in the market. It will also off er basic computer training for adult educators, utilizing eff ective participatory learning concepts. During the coming year, ALEF will also start working in Badakhshan Province. ALEF is grateful for the support of INTERACT during 2008.