Sakena Yacoobi, this year’s winner of the Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership, represents the highest ideals of education. Dr. Yacoobi is the founder and leader of the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL), a network of learning centers focusing on education for women and their children. Started in 1995 in Afghan refugee camps in Pakistan, AIL was established to meet the urgent needs for women’s health and education centers. AIL currently operates 41 women’s education centers throughout Afghanistan.

Dr. Yacoobi was educated in the United States in the 1970s, and worked as a successful professor and consultant. During her time in the States, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, which created an enormous refugee crisis within Pakistan. Dr. Yacoobi left the U.S. and joined the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which was formed to help the refugees. She eventually became a coordinator of women’s education and teacher training programs in Peshawar, Pakistan.

The Afghan Institute of Learning

When the Soviet war ended in Afghanistan, Dr. Yacoobi founded AIL in 1995 to continue her efforts to educate women and children throughout Afghanistan. AIL eventually became one of the largest women-led organizations in Afghanistan, with 470 employees. This nonprofit organization currently serves more than 350,000 women and children each year. The organization works with a small budget of only $1.1 million per year, or $3 per beneficiary.

When the Taliban regime seized control of Afghanistan in 1996, Dr. Yacoobi’s work became that much more difficult. Even when the fanatical Taliban banned education for women, Dr. Yacoobi refused to give up. She and her staff risked their lives operating 80 underground home schools for 3,000 girls during the 1990s.

AIL’s efficient and effective methodology now serves as a model for other similar organizations in the country. AIL’s system of women’s learning centers and teaching methods have been imitated by many nonprofit and governmental organizations in Afghanistan. AIL also lends technical assistance to community-based organizations to help further the education of girls.

In recognition of the bravery, sacrifice, and exemplary example of Dr. Sakena Yakoona and her staff, Claremont McKenna College and the Kravis Leadership Institute have awarded Dr. Yacoobi and AIL the fourth annual Henry R. Kravis Prize. AIL will received $250,000 to honor the visionary leadership of Dr.Yacoobi. The Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership will be presented to Dr. Yacoobi at a ceremony on March 31 in New York City.

The Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership

The annual Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership is awarded to people who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, persistence, and innovative approaches in the nonprofit sector. Launched in 2006, the Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership awards a $250,000 grant directed to the honoree’s organization.

The Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership is currently administered by Claremont McKenna College, the Kravis Leadership Institute (KLI), and Marie Josee Kravis and Henry R. Kravis. Marie Josee Kravis is a Senior Fellow of the Hudson Institute and a respected economist. Henry Kravis is a co-founder of the private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR), and is an alumnus and trustee of Claremont McKenna College. The Kravis Prize Selection Committee is chaired by Marie Josee Kravis.

The Henry R. Kravis Prize not only recognizes the achievement of outstanding nonprofit organizations, but promotes leadership and the entrepreneurial spirit in the nonprofit sector. Honorees have come from a broad range of nonprofit organizations, including economic development, public health, law/justice/human rights, and education. Selection criteria include boldness, innovation, creativity, consistency, persistence, and effectiveness. Nominees are also evaluated on their adherence to best practices standards in management.

The Kravis Leadership Institute

The Kravis Leadership Institute plays a key role in Claremont McKenna College’s responsible leadership education. By involving students in professional research, community outreach, and internship opportunities, KLI has helped Claremont McKenna College create one the country’s best leadership programs.

Article source: The Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership: Sakena Yacoobi.

• The Afghan Institute of Learning is committed to peace and dignity to Afghanistan through education.
• The AIL and Women’s Leadership Partnership are collaborating to draft curriculum for organizational strategic planning and capacity building.
• Henry Kravis is a member of the Organizing Committee of the Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership.
• According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Maree Josee Kravis and Henry R. Kravis were the driving force behind a cardiovascular center at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
• Henry Kravis is the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Rockefeller University.
• Reuters reported on a $75 million grant for Claremont McKenna College from Henry Kravis and Marie Josee Kravis.