LITERACY.
SELF-RELIANCE.
BELONGING.

Empowering newcomers with limited English and education through practical, effective solutions for literacy, self-reliance, and community belonging. By fostering communication, self-advocacy, and meaningful connections, we lay the foundation for lifelong learning and a fulfilling life.

LITERACY OUTCOMES ~ Literacy is more than reading words on a page

Expressive & receptive English language
English phonics-based reading & writing
Improve family/school connections
T ransportation independence
Pursue education & employment
Increase financial & consumer literacy
Access healthcare
Increase personal/ public safety
Prepare for success in ELL Level 1 at community college.

LEADERSHIP ~ SELF RELIANCE ~ PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OUTCOMES ~

Develop support systems with neighbors, decrease social isolation, improve mental health
Participate in recruiting, mentoring, exchanging ideas and sharing skills
Model and promote a more expansive view of autonomy and community organizing
Build momentum for life-long learning exploration
Access available resources independently
Enjoy a sense of belonging, confidence, and safety in new experiences
Believe one’s ideas and opinions are valued in the public sphere
Utilize a variety of strategies to effectively communicate solve problems
Deliberately engage in civic activities and events that are important to you

PODS LITERACY: Practical Skills for Daily Life

Pods Literacy equips students with the practical skills needed for daily life. Students learn to read, write, and communicate essential personal information (name, birthdate, phone number, address) for themselves and their families, tell time, make appointments, use transit, and navigate libraries. They gain basic digital literacy and math skills, including money management. Field trips to libraries, grocery stores, and bus routes reinforce real-world independence.

Pods Literacy creates personalized, site-specific learning cohorts for Afghan women and girls, meeting them exactly where they are—in their apartments and neighborhoods. 50% of students are pre-literate with

little to no prior education in any language. AA+ developed four interconnected, culturally specific, functional literacy modules - Foundations, Springboard, Runway, and Wings - where students build key skills in English language, phonics, writing and reading fluency, and basic math, through real-world applications.

Our flexible, cost-effective mobile/hybrid format combines online learning with in-person meetings in community spaces like libraries, apartment community rooms, and parks, making education accessible, and increasing administrative efficiency. Childcare is not a barrier, as children are welcome at all our events. All classes are team taught by native Dari, Pashto, and English speakers for maximum effectiveness.

The heart of our program lies in the individualized attention we give each student in their native language. One-on-one conferences at the start and end of each module assess skills and provide feedback, while 24/7 access to Dari/Pashto-speaking teachers via neighborhood WhatsApp pods ensures no question goes unanswered. The results? An 89% average on final exams and a growing network of empowered women, connected by learning and community. Literacy is more than reading words on a page—it’s a path to confidence, self-reliance, and leadership.

CASCADE LEADERSHIP: Shona Ba Shona (Shoulder to Shoulder)

At AA+, leadership grows from within. We provide training and career-building opportunities at every level—empowering Afghan women and girls to lead in their families, neighborhoods, and beyond. From peer tutoring to public speaking and community organizing, our intergenerational team—grandmothers, teens, teachers, and students - lead together and are reflective of the community we serve.

Confidence soars—our students report a 75% increase in confidence to share ideas and engage independently in activities outside the home. Neighborhood-based Pods strengthen friendships, making leadership and community-building natural and lasting.

COMPASS CONNECTION: Navigating Independence

Compass Connection supports Pods graduates and the broader refugee community with practical tools for self-reliance. Through field trips, recurring seminars, workshops, and an online resource library in English, Dari, and Pashto, learners gain skills and access information to navigate education, work, and daily life. Our YouTube channel and audio/text resources make learning accessible to all literacy levels anytime, anywhere.

Visit Our Resource Library

SPECIAL PROJECTS: Expanding Opportunity

Compass 100 Seminar: Mentorship for Higher Education Compass 100 empowers rising young Afghan women and older teens identified through AA+ community outreach. With guidance from college-educated Afghan mentors, participants prepare for college and careers through guest speakers, field trips, learning software, public speaking, and college navigation.

Driving Scholarship Program: Pioneering Pathways to Independence AA+ collaboratively managed a privately funded Driving Scholarship for Women during its inaugural year (2023/24), enabling over 250 Afghan women in WA to get their 1st driver’s license. AA+ established culturally informed protocols

for client communication, scheduling, personnel management, and partnerships with regional driving schools. The scholarship is currently administered through Undaunted Women. AA+ continues to prepare our students with the literacy skills necessary to obtain a permit and qualify for the scholarship. Our YouTube channel features driving tutorial videos in Dari and Pashto. In August of 2024, AA+ partnered with Washington State Parks and Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park to celebrate the transportation independence of scholarship recipients and promote outdoor recreation. 99% of Afghan women resettled in WA have never driven, < 5% of women drive in Afghanistan. Gender disparity, cultural norms, caregiving duties, and cost are common barriers. Transportation independence is a game-changer for education, employment, and mental health.