What started as a 4 week summer English course has blossomed into a community of dozens of learners.

One Student.

One Teacher.

In May of 2022, an Afghan refugee asked her teacher for help creating an online English class to help the girls left behind. Without expertise or experience but encouraged by the desire to help, step by step they created something beautiful. A place where girls and young women deprived of education and hope for their future could find themselves again.

Classes

Spring 2025 Basic & Elementary applications will reopen Nov. 14-22.

Please RESUBMIT! 

Spring Courses will run approx. Jan. 18-May 8, 2025 (with 1 week Eid break)

Basic English

  • Build basic skills from the ABCs up to basic grammar, reading, writing, and conversation

Elementary English

  • Increase your foundation in grammar, vocabulary, conversation, reading & writing

Intermediate English

  • Continue your grammar competency; Increase your vocabulary

  • Advance your skills in conversation, reading, and writing

Upper-Intermediate English

  • Complete your grammar competency; focus on advanced conversation, fundamental academic reading & writing

DuoLingo English Test Prep

  • (Not available Spring 2025)

  • Prepare to take the DuoLingo English Proficiency Exam

  • Must have a laptop or desktop computer and a valid passport or national ID

Advanced English/Literature

(For continuing students only)

  • Advance your skills in reading, writing, and converse for use in an academic/professional environment

  • Focus on fluent communication, essay writing, school/college/professional prep

    • Advanced English vocabulary and grammar

    • Learn to read critically

    • Practice debate and techniques of discussion and civil discourse

    • Learn American-style academic writing

    • Give back! Qualified Advanced students are encouraged to volunteer-teach in lower-level AESOP courses.

      Latin I

      (Fall only)

    • This Latin course will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of the Latin language and Ancient Roman history and culture.

      Latin II

      (Spring only)

    • This Latin course will continue introducing students to the fundamental concepts of the Latin language and Ancient Roman history and culture.

    • Prerequisite: Latin I or equivalent.

      Pre-Algebra

    • This pre-algebra course is designed to provide students with foundational mathematical concepts and skills needed to succeed in algebra.

    • Prerequisite: A basic understanding of the four main arithmetical operations.

      Algebra I

    • Year-long course (applications open in summer 2025).

    • This algebra course builds upon the foundational concepts covered in the pre-algebra course, and delved deeper into algebraic equations, reasoning, and problem-solving and prepares students for more advanced mathematical study.

    • Prerequisite: Confidence with pre-algebra concepts.

      Geometry

    • Year-long course (applications open in summer 2025).

    • This geometry course introduces students to the study of shapes, their properties, and their relationships.

    • Prerequisite: A basic understanding of the four main arithmetical operations.

      Management & Leadership

    • This course helps students develop self-awareness and leadership skills through learning, feedback, and growth experiences, preparing them for future careers. It also provides a basic understanding of how managers create and implement strategies, examining how factors like environment, structure, culture, tasks, and people are connected.

      Drawing

    • Year-long course (applications open in summer 2025).

    • This class will focus on drawing techniques such as shading, perspective drawing and drawing still-life compositions. Students are expected to draw along with the instructor step by step during class time.

    • Requirements: Pencils, pens and paper/sketch book for each lesson.

    • Students will be expected to submit a finished drawing each week.

    • Creativity and self expression are encouraged!

Phone Buddies Programs

Advanced AESOP scholars hold weekly calls with fluent English-speakers from around the world.

More than just conversation practice, these talks raise international awareness of the situation in Afghanistan and connect Afghans with a caring and supportive international community.

CBS news

Program at N.J. school allows Afghan girls to join English classes virtually

Media Coverage

USA today

The Taliban bars Afghan girls from school. Inside their secret classes with a teacher in the US.

Youth Today

Afghan student in U.S. starts remote learning program for women and girls back home

PBS news

NJ teacher offers English classes to Afghan girls

Meet the Team

  • Seth Holm

    Founding Director

  • Husna SA

    Co-Founder, Assistant Director, Academic Program Coordinator

  • Zahra Yazdani

    Co-Founder, Treasurer

  • Teo Fleming

    Technical Director, Strategic Planning

  • Anahita Dua MD MS MBA

    Advancement, Strategic Planning

  • Co-Teachers

    co-teachers both in Afghanistan and the US enable our classes