A global connection

NEW?GLASGOW - A cross-Canada organization aimed at supporting women in Afghanistan is setting up in Pictou County.
Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan is a group that works to engage Canadians in supporting the empowerment of Afghan women and children and their struggle for basic human rights.
Founded in 1996, the Atlantic chapter of the organization will be based in the county, says Susan Hartley, who is co-ordinating the local organization.
"There hasn't been an Atlantic chapter before, so when I met the president in Calgary, I said I wanted to try and start a chapter here," she explained.
The goal of the registered charity is to advance educational opportunities for women and children in Afghanistan and to increase understanding here in Canada about human rights in Afghanistan.
"We hear a lot about what Canadians are doing to help people in terms of military support," Hartley said. "This group builds on what the militaries are doing by educating women in a secure environment provided by the military."
Fundraising efforts like a Breaking Bread initiative - a pot luck where participants bring a dish and $75 in donations - is usually enough to raise $750, a yearly salary for a teacher in Afghanistan.
The organization sends 100 per cent of the money raised to Afghanistan to develop education and literacy projects, provide teachers, libraries and an orphanage for girls.
"There's a saying - if you educate a woman, you educate a village. If you educate a man he'll leave to get a job," Hartley said. "These schools will educate both girls and boys, and it will give these boys an alternative from just joining the military."
Harley is hoping the local chapter will be well-received by the community.
"The county is filled with very generous people and are very supportive of the efforts the men and women of the military are making," she said. "This is kind of coming at it from a different angle.
The chapter will be officially launched at the New Glasgow library on Feb. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit the organization's website at www.cw4wafghan.ca or e-mail Hartley at atlantic@cw4wafghan.ca.

Education for women and
children in Afghanistan:
- 90 per cent of rural women in Afghanistan are illiterate
- More than half of girls ages 7-12 have no access to education
- The rate of completion of primary school for girls is only 13 per cent

Canadian Women for Women
in Afghanistan:
- Founded in 1996 in Calgary
- 100 per cent of funds raised through fundraising initiatives support projects
- 12 chapters and affiliates across Canada
- The Breaking Bread initiative has raised over $1,000,000 in support of teacher's salaries and the education of women and girls