COURAGE TO LEARN: Education for Afghan women and girls
In early October, approximately 90 members and supporters from all across Canada joined together in Vancouver over two and a half days to dialogue on the issues effecting Afghan women and their families. Focusing on education, these workshops were designed to engage Canadians in understanding the importance of education for women and girls in Afghanistan. The event was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
We particularly want to express our heartfelt thanks to our Afghan guests for their important insights and for their commitment to ensuring our Canadian support is significantly improving the lives of Afghan women and their families.
The follow delegate feedback articulates the remarkable outcomes of this time together.
MESSAGES OF THANKS FROM OUR MEMBERSHIP:
On behalf of Little Women, we would like to thank Jan and the Vancouver chapter for putting on such a wonderful workshop. We were able to spend time with old friends, make new friends and share in an event that renewed energy and hope as well as giving us insight into our forever evolving work in Afghanistan.
Thank you all.
“The Littles”
Little women for Little Women in Afghanistan
Okanagan
It was wonderful to see so many friends in Vancouver. It was also very exciting to meet new people who have joined our incredible national organization and share the passion for helping Afghan women to realize their potential. It was especially wonderful to hear the voices of those who have served in the field and experienced Afghanistan first hand. BUT most of all it was heart warming to hear from the Afghan women themselves because it is their voices we need to listen to.
Another incredible experience and thanks to all who made it such a powerful, recharging event. (I know that it took many hours of work for many people to pull this successful event off -- Tashakor)
Most sincerely,
Linda
Oakville
The Vancouver workshops were excellent: I thought the Afghans, Karen Christie (CIDA), and Ryan Aldred (CanIF) really added so much relevance and different perspectives.
Janis, Calgary
I came home to work in my garden and around the house...back to my routine. Only not...I am richer and much more hopeful now than I was Thursday night. I have a much stronger feeling that our actions are causing reactions..much like that proverbial pebble thrown into a still pond. Have a dinner, send a cheque, allow a child school access and hope, allow her parents hope and access to her lessons, the village feels a change in the wind. My sense of commitment is so much stronger after the weekend.
The other change in my routine is having a number of you visit me as I pull a weed or wash a glass. So many moving, determined, passionate little women, women and men with such experiences to share. It is one thing to read the accounts--a whole other thing to be in the same room. The memory of your faces and your accounts will stay with me a long time!!
This was my first exposure to most of you and I like you A LOT...each of you is a force to be dealt with and I admire you terrifically!
Ann
Vancouver
We are still "flying" high, although pretty tired…It is such an honour especially to be spending time with women from Afghanistan. I feel that the women and girls of Afghanistan are OUR hope. Their courage, sense of humour, determination and a sweetness of spirit...I am in tears yet again.
We must carry on in whatever way we can to work together with our Afghan sisters.
It was also such an honour to meet each of you. Sometimes we feel adrift on our beautiful little Vancouver Island. Now I know how "close" and accessible you all are….I miss you all so much. And yet your spirit stays with me
Ruth
Victoria
The principled, dedicated, and determined efforts of CW4WAghan since its inception in 1996 has evolved into a movement and non-profit organization that has demonstrated to Afghan women and girls, that women and men in Canada are deeply concerned, and deeply committed to human rights and education in their country.
We, in CW4WA, feel the profound sadness when families are torn asunder and girls and women are met with insurmountable obstacles, but we, in CW4WAghan, feel the strength and the obstinate determination in moving forward with the minute successes in education and human rights. The gathering in Vancouver provided the opportunity to renew these Afghan/Canadian goals.
Thanks to all of you. It was lovely reconnecting.
In peace and friendship
Wilma
Victoria
Thanks again for the invitation to the workshops. I was just thinking this morning how there really is no replacement for dedication and passion - something which CW4WA has in spades. The challenges we face can be overwhelming in those long hours of the night, when it's just us at our computers - having these events reminds us that we are anything but alone.
All the best,
Ryan
Ottawa
When I attend a national event now, I no longer feel like I am working with strangers. The wonderful feeling of seeing 'friends' again lets me pick up just where we left off last year and the work proceeds. The willingness to share experiences and feelings in an open, unthreatening setting rejuvenates and stimulates me to continue with enthusiasm our chapter work.
Keep in touch.
Marg Stewart
Kingston
I was greatly energized, inspired, and affirmed by all sessions. …The speakers and panel members were all terrific....and I greatly enjoyed the venues (thanks so much Jan et al). Now, it's time to process and absorb... and keep on going.
Janice and Carolyn... thanks so much for the continued powerful leadership, not only for the Vancouver experience, but for the organization overall.
And, of course, Lauryn stands out so much for her wisdom and for her take on what is going on in Afghanistan - a strong voice for us and for the country.
Our Afghan guests...so greatly appreciated - and so inspiring.
We so much enjoyed the chance to interact with everyone there, to catch up and affirm our common goal - to improve the lives of girls and women in Afghanistan.
Thanks to all for their contributions to another great public engagement workshop series!
Cheers,
Madeliene
Kingston
I also am proud to belong to CW4WA. You all do such great work, both here and in Afghanistan. The Monday program in Victoria went very well and I was very lucky to take Qudsia to three speaking engagements and Marjan to two, in addition to their work on the panel. They did a wonderful speaking job on all occasions, thoughtful and insightful. They were so kind to give up their time in their school schedule for us…
Jill
Victoria
I would not even know where to start with this. How to thank this amazing group of people who are helping Afghan women and girls . All I can say is TASHAKOR.
Tashakor Jan in Vancouver for your hospitality, I appreciate your effort to put everything together.
Mariam
Calgary
I had such a great time being involved with the workshops. I was so proud to be a part of CW4W and I am happy I feel so safe to share my thoughts, feelings and experiences with you all. Thanks to all for the hard work, hospitality and support.
Hope to see you again next year and be safe,
Qudsia
Vancouver
As a new member, it was truly a privilege to be at this conference. I have been so impressed with the ability of this room full of people to transcend differences in age, ethnicity, language, religion, political views and gender to work together on one focus of empowering and supporting others.
Keep up the awesome work! I am honored to be a part of this organization.
Helga
Edmonton
Everything that could be said has already been said. Add my name to this amazing group of women who were enlightened strengthened in their determination to help you women and girls in Afghanistan. Women who were provided with the knowledge to go home and share their belief that they are on the right track focusing on education while enjoying being with each other.
Many thanks to all of those planed and participated in the event.
Ann
Oakville
I just wanted to say what an honor it was to be in the same place as so many astounding, strong and inspirational women. This entire weekend has been one of the most enlightening experiences I have ever had. I am so happy that I became involved with CW4WA when I did and look forward to working with and seeing all of you for many decades to come. I cannot wait to see what amazing things we will accomplish together in the years to come.
Thank you so much to Janice, Carolyn, Jan and all others who had a part in putting this weekend together and special thanks to the amazing ladies in Victoria for all your hard work, kindness and hospitality.
Wishing you all the best,
Until next year,
Marjan
Vancouver
The Vancouver workshops were indescribably excellent, on all counts! I feel as if I have heard from people who are working, and have worked, in Afghanistan and know of what they speak. What they had to say makes me feel that any little bit I can do for the people of Afghanistan is greatly worthwhile.
Thanks for making all this happen.
Deborah
Calgary
I just want to say what a pleasure it was to host such a wonderful and diverse group of men and women… we look forward to seeing you again.
You are a passionate, dynamic collective and I am very proud to be in such great company.
Namaste
Jan Cameron
Vancouver
I came to the Vancouver workshops looking for hope; I received and more.The positive and generous spirit of the members, the incredible energy and tenacity of the leadership is nothing short of awe inspiring.
You are part of the peace process we all long for.
Thank you. I am already looking forward to the next meeting and until then, we will continue the work here in Kingston where we are also blessed with strong leadership.
Reine
Kingston
To the Women, Men, "Littles', and many Exceptional Speakers who provided me with an extraordinary experience....
For the second year in a row, I have been privileged to attend a National Conference of CW4WAfghan.
The "COURAGE TO LEARN: Education for Afghan Women and Girls" event was inspiring, educational and totally engaging.
Thank you to Janice & Carolyn for their leadership, to Jan and the Vancouver Chapter for their hospitality and planning and to the many wonderful speakers for their emotional, insightful and educational presentations!
I was moved to see and hear first hand the results of the efforts made by those who work tirelessly with total dedication and passion to ensure the success of the many projects that contribute to the well-being and education of women & girls in Afghanistan.
Best regards to all,
Ruth
Oakville
It was wonderful to see you all again and to meet new people. The workshops were so well organized...thank you to the Vancouver Chapter and to the board of CW4WAfghan for the huge amount of work. I agreed with people when they said that what they looked forward to was meeting people and being energized and it did both. Lauryn's speech was amazing, thank you so much Lauryn. I found all the speakers very interesting; their courage and dedication made me feel richer for having listened to them. It is unbelievable what people accomplish even in the face of danger and hatred.
Thank you everyone!
Daphne
Peterborough
This workshop was a great, inspiring and very encouraging event for me. Thank you all for the purity of your noble ambitions, your deep love, sincerity and empathy. It made me more committed and strong...that I am NOT alone...I have so many friends to share my values and ambitions.
Peace,
Aamir
Calgary
Thank you for the opportunity to have been surrounded by so many great women and men. I was both humbled and honoured to have participated in this workshop and know that my inspiration has been reinforced by the words and emotions shared this weekend. I hope to continue to support Amelia and all Little Women with the hope and strength that I walked away with.
Thank you,
Frances
Kelowna
I was deeply touched by the personal and interactive nature of these workshops…stories and real examples of Canadians supporting women in so many ways; women of other cultures, women and girls of other countries, girls helping girls, girls teaching women, Afghan men and women sharing their stories with us to better enable us to fully understand. The information and stories we heard and saw absolutely overwhelmed participants at times, yet by being this overwhelmed, many have moved from motivation to becoming passionate and can see clearly the pathway they need to take in working for the empowerment of Afghan women and girls; enabling them to live their lives with their rights, freedom and dignity. Change is slow but we must “keep on going” on this journey toward peace. Thanks to all the organizers and to the participants who are working so enthusiastically in this direction.
Liz
CSAW Oakville
I have been privilege to attend the workshops. I am very happy I meet all Canadian women4women Afghanistan board members from near. Thank you to Janice and Vancouver and Victoria chapters. Also I would like to thank Helen Ruth, Wilma and Jill for their hospitality. It was very nice of them to take care of me and really enjoyed my stay in Victoria chapter.
Thanks,
Jamila
Salam to all of you:
Congratulations on the wonderful and amazing job you all have done for Afghan women, men and their families. As an Afghan-Canadian woman, I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to the supporters of education and human rights. People like you make a huge difference to the lives of those in need. Indeed you all are heroes. This conference had encouraged me to be stronger and motivated me to strive toward my dream to help Afghan women and girls reach their GOALS and not to lose HOPE.
Thanks,
Sayeda
Edmonton
I also want to pass on my congratulations for spearheading the Vancouver public workshops and to the Vancouver chapter for flawless organization. The importance of these public workshops cannot be underestimated – for chapter reps, the public, and for the sustainability of our organization as a whole.
For me as a chapter rep, it was great connecting with all those wonderful reps from other chapters – the ones we get to know a little better each time we meet – and also the new ones who bring so much enthusiasm. The “littles” are indeed our future and it is so amazing to see how they are growing.
The speakers were all excellent and indeed are the “wind beneath our wings.”
In awe
-Lois from Manitoba