Atlantic

Please welcome our new chapter in Atlantic Canada.  Email Atlantic@CW4WAfghan.ca for further details

OFFICIAL LAUNCH of ATLANTIC CHAPTER: February 25, 2010...JOIN IN!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 20 January 2010 

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia:  Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan (CW4WAfghan) is pleased to announce the establishment of its Atlantic Chapter, which will coordinate CW4WAfghan activities in the four Atlantic Provinces. 

CW4WAfghan works to engage Canadians in supporting the empowerment of Afghan women and their struggle for basic human rights.  Founded in 1996, Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan is a network of volunteer members from all across Canada.

The goals of this registered charity are to advance educational opportunities for women and children in Afghanistan, and to increase the understanding in Canada about human rights in Afghanistan. CW4WAfghan members believe that individuals, working in solidarity and with integrity of purpose and action can affect positive change in the world through education and the promotion of social justice and human rights.

Fundraising efforts such as the Breaking Bread initiative have surpassed $1 million.  One hundred percent of the funds raised through this initiative support project needs identified by Afghan citizens working in education, literacy, and human rights. These projects include the development of education and literacy programs, provision of teachers, libraries, and an orphanage for girls.  For more information regarding these and more projects and regarding the CW4WAfghan organization visit www.cw4wafghan.ca.

With the establishment of an Atlantic Chapter the number of chapters of CW4WAfghan has grown to a total of 12 chapters and affiliates spanning the entire country.

Quick facts re: education for women and children in Afghanistan:
•    90% of rural women in Afghanistan are illiterate
•    More than half of girls age 7-12 have no access to education
•    The rate of completion of primary school for girls is only 13%

Quick facts re: Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan:
•    Founded in 1996 in Calgary
•    100% of funds raised through fundraising initiatives supports projects
•    12 chapters and affiliates across Canada
•    The Breaking Bread initiative has raised over $1,200,000 in support of teacher’s salaries and the education of women and girls

Contacts:
Atlantic Chapter:  Susan Hartley  atlantic@cw4wafghan.ca or 902 928-1133
National Office:  403 244-5625
Website: www.cw4wafghan.ca