Empowering Women and Girls in Crisis |
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Eagle Online Academy is on a dedicated mission to bring tangible, life-changing impact to the women and girls of Afghanistan and Ukraine who find themselves in crisis situations. We believe that every individual, regardless of the adversities they face, deserves access to education, unwavering support, and the opportunities to rebuild their lives. Our comprehensive programs provide vital online skills training, English language classes, job readiness support, mentorship, essential resources, and critical mental health assistance through our Courage Circle initiative. Thanks to technology and its incredible potential today, we can extend our support to women and girls around the world without being limited by geographic boundaries, especially those in crisis, conflict, and facing various restrictions. We are here to bring hope and happiness back into their lives. |
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In Afghanistan and Ukraine, women and girls grapple with unique and severe challenges, all stemming from the harsh realities of conflict, displacement, and the loss of basic resources. These circumstances expose them to vulnerability, exploitation, and a dire lack of access to education and employment opportunities. The mental toll of living through conflict further compounds their difficulties, impacting their overall well-being. |
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Afghanistan The ongoing crisis in Afghanistan has displaced a staggering 7.9 million Afghans, impacting those who remain within the country and those who've sought refuge in neighboring nations. These pressing needs have only intensified since 2021, further complicated by a shifting political landscape. Simultaneously, over 100,000 Afghan refugees have arrived in the United States. Our online programs play a pivotal role in bridging these gaps, serving as a lifeline for Afghan women and girls facing restrictive situations on the ground, displaced Afghans, refugees, and the Afghan diaspora in the USA. These programs grant them access to education, skills development, and essential support as they strive for self-sufficiency and resilience. |
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Ukraine The UNHCR reports that there are more than 6.2 million Ukrainian refugees worldwide, forcibly displaced due to conflict and instability. Among these refugees, we serve both those who have been uprooted from their homes and those who remain in Ukraine, particularly women and girls, who are tirelessly working to rebuild their lives amidst uncertainty. In these challenging circumstances, access to education and skills development is of paramount importance for both groups. Our online programs serve as a lifeline, offering a safe, accessible, and cost-free avenue for education and skill-building, supporting refugees in host countries and those striving to rebuild their lives on their home soil. |
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Eagle Online Academy has developed a tailored approach to address the specific challenges faced by women and girls from Afghanistan and Ukraine: |
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| 1. Online Training: We provide women and girls from Afghanistan and Ukraine with access to valuable online training programs, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge, enabling them to regain independence and improve their lives. 2. English Language Classes: Language barriers can be significant obstacles to integration and employment. Our language classes help participants develop language proficiency, enhancing their communication skills and employability while supporting their pursuit of higher education opportunities globally. 3. Job Readiness Support: We offer tailored job readiness support, including resume building, interview skills, and the sharing of relevant resources, to empower our beneficiaries with the tools they need to secure employment. |
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| 4. Mentorship: Our mentorship programs connect women and girls from Afghanistan and Ukraine with experienced mentors who provide guidance, support, and inspiration as they navigate their path toward self-sufficiency and personal growth. 5. Resource Access: We facilitate connections with higher education institutions to enable our participants to pursue degree programs, internships, fellowships, or other relevant educational opportunities, ensuring their continuous development. 6. Mental Health Support (Courage Circle): The Courage Circle initiative offers vital mental health support, counseling, and a safe space for trauma healing, helping survivors regain their emotional well-being and providing a foundation for their empowerment and well-rounded development. |
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Testimonials of Ukrainian Students from Around the Globe |
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Testimonials of Afghan Students from Around the Globe |
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- Extend our services to 1000 Afghan and Ukrainian individuals by 2024.
- Enroll 300 out of the 1000 individuals in skills training programs with a strong emphasis on Leadership, Business Management, Project Management, and Office Management. These individuals will have the opportunity to obtain certificates in these areas.
- Enroll 700 students in ESL classes to complete the 9-month course and advance their language skills.
- Connect 300 graduates who have completed Leadership, Business Management, Project Management, and Office Management courses to a range of resources that will facilitate their future success.
- Expand our network of scholarship opportunities and job creation partnerships to accommodate the increasing number of graduates.
- EOA is expanding its Courage Circle services by introducing self-paced workshops in four languages: English, Dari, Pashto, and Ukrainian. These workshops will empower 10,000 participants and create a supportive community. Additionally, they aim to welcome more members to strengthen the network of mutual support and encouragement.
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Yuliia Eagle Online Academy Student
Resilience Beyond Borders: Yuliia's Journey from Virginia to Ukraine Yuliia embarked on a journey to Virginia with her husband and two children, a son, and a daughter, who were on an official trip. Having recently settled in the USA a few months prior, their lives took an unexpected turn when Russia envisioned Ukraine.
As the conflict escalated, Yuliia's husband, a member of the Ukrainian army, made the courageous decision to return to defend his homeland. Yuliia, hailing from a military family background with her grandfather having served, wholeheartedly supported her husband's resolve, understanding the gravity of military responsibility, especially during times of war. Remaining in Virginia with her children while her husband ventured back to Ukraine, Yuliia faced the challenges of not being fluent in English. Undeterred, she resolved to learn the language to better support her family. Amidst her language learning journey, Yuliia discovered Eagle Online Academy on Facebook and enrolled in their English classes, successfully completing the grammar and writing class. With the eventual recapture of Kyiv by the Ukrainian government, Yuliia made the decision to return to her homeland, eager to contribute to the country's reconstruction. Despite acknowledging the difficulties ahead, such as the destruction of infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, damaged electricity factories, and a shortage of essential services, Yuliia was determined to play her part in rebuilding. Upon her return, Yuliia found her home in Irpin destroyed, limiting their residence to Kyiv. She shared the numerous challenges faced, from electricity shortages to a scarcity of schools and jobs, especially for older individuals. During these struggles, Yuliia took on a role as a program assistant in a development project. Simultaneously, she decided to pursue a TESOL certification program with Eagle Online Academy, aiming to contribute her language expertise to her country by teaching English. To pay it forward, she was inspired by their work and contributed as a translator for Eagle Online Academy's mental health video script. Yuliia believes that Eagle Online Academy's free and online services can greatly benefit Ukrainian women and girls, both in the country and among the refugee population. To pay it forward, she was inspired by their work and contributed as a translator for Eagle Online Academy's mental health video script. In a message to others, Yuliia encourages resilience in the face of uncertainty. She urges people to persevere, work hard, and support their communities. Her story stands as a testament to the strength that emerges from facing unexpected challenges and the importance of supporting one another. |
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Maria Schevchanko (Eagle Online Academy Ukrainian Student)
“No one leaves their country by choice”. For Maria, she loved her life in the Ukraine. Her wonderful family was nearby as she raised her two beautiful girls. Life was great, and then the attacks from Russia moved in and life as she knew it came to a screeching halt. As the rockets began to get close enough to not only be felt but seen, Maria knew she needed to get her daughters to safety. She packed what she could into a small backpack and migrated to Romania with her two girls, leaving behind her home, extended family and friends. Every day she calls and checks in on her family to make sure they are ok. She is in Romania, but her heart is in Ukraine. Maria heard about Eagle Online Academy from a friend. While she is able to speak some English, she enrolled herself into Eagle’s English class as well as their job readiness program. Her teacher Donald has been an incredible cheerleader and help as she embarks on this new journey. Maria hopes to be able to land a job where she can work remotely and help more Ukrainians with English interpretation or teaching, or even as a project assistant. Eagle Online Academy has given her the ability to study, even as a refugee in another country, and for that she is so grateful. |
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Lila (Eagle Online Academy Afghan Student) Eighteen-year-old Lila has only heard stories about the Taliban of the 1990’s. Having been born in 2004, she grew up in an Afghanistan where women were not only encouraged but pushed to dream big and fly high because only the sky was the limit for them. For Lila, that dream was to be a brain surgeon. She spent two years researching the best school to attend and scholarships available to her. She pushed herself to be at the top of her class in her studies and completed a course to learn English.
All of her dreams came crashing down exactly one year ago, when the Taliban seized power of Afghanistan once again. Lila waited a few months for things to settle down before attempting to go back to school. In March of 2022, she arrived at school only to be turned away and told to go home. She was no longer allowed to attend school.
In June she learned about Eagle academy and immediately applied and was accepted into an online class of 19 other girls her age. “Eagle has not only given me hope for my future but has empowered me to keep fighting for my dreams.”
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Abrin Sattari (Eagle Online Academy student)
Before arriving in the US Abrin was lecturer at Parwan University for 5 years; she holds a MA in English. Her husband holds an MBA and has been worked with the US alliance team. When everything went south in August of 2021, all of a sudden, their lives were in danger, and they had no choice but to become refugees. They got a call from the US state department and were told to go to the airport for a flight out of Afghanistan. They grabbed one backpack to carry and only packed diapers and milk for their one-year-old daughter. Their first two tries in getting into the airport were unsuccessful. On their third try they had a marine officer come out to the gate and personally escort them in. Though the atmosphere was chaotic for everyone involved, this officer was so kind and caring they felt like they were being escorted by family. Their flight took them first to Qatar and then on to Germany. After one week in Germany, they arrived in the US, at the DC airport, and received the warmest welcome from Americans and Afghans based in the US. Their final destination was El Paso, TX. The staff there were so amazing and caring. They were trying with all their might to meet the needs of her family, and she couldn’t be more grateful. In return Abrin started helping the staff as an interpreter and conducted some classes to help others understand the process, they were now in. Abrin and her family were then resettled in their new home. It wasn’t the most pleasant as they had not received many benefits to help them, up to this point. But they understood, the agencies were all overwhelmed and trying to do the best they could for everyone. However, the few benefits they needed the most, cultural orientation and job readiness, they never received, and this made adjusting to the US so incredibly difficult. Though he holds an MBA, her husband wasn’t able to find an ideal good paying job, so he took work that was menial, but at least offered a paycheck for his family. Abrin was no longer able to work, as she needed to be home with her daughter. In Afghanistan they were surrounded by their family who were always there to help out, inexpensive daycare and childcare options at her job. None of that was available to them now, as her parents and siblings are all still in Kabul. Abrin follows the news daily with a heavy heart for her family and kinsmen. All that said, Abrin is excited for their new life here in the US. She believes with all her heart that the US is still the land of promise and though it may take a while, she will get to where she wants to go in her career and with her family. She has completed the Leadership class offered through Eagle Online Academy and continues to work with her coach for 6 months now. Eagle online academy has helped her to not give up on her dreams and to keep pressing on. She will no doubt be an incredible leader for Afghans here in the US and abroad. |
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Eagle Online Academy Graduation ceremony! Celebrating the achievements of Ukrainian & Afghan women and girls. |
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| On May 25, 2023, a day filled with pride and celebration, we marked the remarkable achievements of 283 Afghan women and girls, as well as 53 individuals from Ukraine, all of whom are part of various programs within Eagle Online Academy. This momentous occasion was marked by an online graduation ceremony that highlighted their dedication and tenacity. These extraordinary individuals completed a diverse array of courses, showcasing their talent and determination:
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Information Technology (Cyber Security, Cloud Management, and Software Development)
- English Language
- Leadership and Management
- Stress Management and Mental Health Support
We were privileged to have Michelle Quinn, a senior advisor at Constellis and one of our esteemed board of directors, as the Master of Ceremonies for this graduation. In her opening address, she eloquently expressed, "By investing themselves in learning, they (the graduates) pose and prepare themselves to become the very forces of nature that will return to their nations in the future and will become the driving force that stabilizes, heals, and rebuilds." Her words perfectly encapsulated the spirit and aspirations of Eagle Online Academy for all our graduates. We are confident that these remarkable women will continue to utilize their newfound skills and knowledge to bring about positive change in their communities. Congratulations to the Class of 2023! Your unwavering dedication inspires us all! During this momentous event, Leslie Schweitzer, the Chairwoman and President of Friends of the American University of Afghanistan, made a significant announcement. She revealed five scholarships for Eagle Online Academy students, opening up exceptional opportunities for them to pursue higher education at a prestigious university. This announcement underscores our commitment to supporting our students in their academic journeys and enhancing their future prospects. |
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| Eagle Online Academy Students Awarded Scholarships to American University of Afghanistan Discover Their Resilience and Stories |
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We recognize the challenging circumstances in war-torn countries, where women and girls, often displaced or refugees, face limited access to education and opportunities. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting women and girls in crisis through online and virtual services. Thanks to technology and its incredible potential today, we can extend our support to women and girls around the world without being limited by geographic boundaries, especially those in crisis, conflict, and facing various restrictions. We are here to bring hope and happiness back into their lives. |
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| Eagle Online Academy (EOA), a non-profit organization founded in October 2019, is driven by a passion for providing sustainable online education solutions, with a primary focus on empowering women and girls. The name "Eagle" symbolizes our mission to inspire women to let their dreams soar high, just like eagles in the sky. Our purpose is crystal clear: to empower and serve women in developing and war-torn countries, including their displaced and refugee populations. These women encounter multifaceted barriers to accessing traditional education, ranging from societal restrictions and the impacts of war to uncertainty, economic difficulties, and numerous other challenges. Leveraging the vast opportunities offered by the internet, our mission is to make professional courses accessible right in the comfort of their homes, transcending these barriers and fostering empowerment through education. In our first year of operation, EOA empowered 220 Afghan women from 17 different provinces within Afghanistan. We provided them with online training, valuable resources, and mentorship for specific certification programs, enabling them to enter the workforce with confidence. However, with the sudden change in Afghanistan's political landscape in August 2021, EOA swiftly adapted to the evolving needs. We introduced three new programs to our online academy:
1. Empowering Refugees: This program is designed to support Afghan and Ukrainian female refugees globally. It offers English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, cultural orientation classes, and a Job Readiness program. These courses are geared toward empowering refugee or displaced women, helping them pursue their dreams, and fostering a sense of support and belonging in their new homes.
2. Educate to Graduate: In response to the Taliban's ban on the education of girls in 7th-12th grade in March 2022, EOA initiated the Educate to Graduate program. This program provides both online classes to keep girls on track toward graduating with a diploma and preparing for college if they choose. The response has been overwhelming, with 120 girls currently enrolled in the first launch of classes, and over 1,100 applications received for the upcoming year 2024.
3. Courage Circle: By January 2023, we launched the Courage Circle, offering mental health support to Afghan and Ukrainian participants. We provide monthly psychosocial education sessions and create WhatsApp groups to foster peer support. We have also shared relevant flyers and other relevant tools to ensure their mental stability. |
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Our First Graduation Ceremony took place June 2021 Kabul Afghanistan |
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© 2023 Eagle Online Academy. All rights reserved. |
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