Supporting girls in Afghanistan

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According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 57% of marriages that take place in Afghanistan today involve girls below the age of 16.  In spite of legislation passed in March 2007, this will continue to be the common practice in much of the country.  However, when a young girl can simply write her own name, she becomes less desirable as a child bride.  The education of girls (4% now attending school) continues to be a priority for the local group, Canadians for Women in Afghanistan, coordinated by Parham resident Madeleine Tarasick. The local chapter has raised $40 000 to date, while all the Canadian chapters have collectively sent 50 000 girls to school over the past decade. We are pleased to announce our next annual gala to raise funds for girls’ education and other projects (shelter, orphanage, resource centres).  Because all our members are volunteers, our organization has no overhead costs and 100% of donations go directly to our projects. This year’s gala takes place on Monday, May 14^th at the Kingston Gospel Temple, 6 - 9 p.m. It features Georgette Fry’s choir, Shout Sister, followed by special guest speaker Omar Samad, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Canada - “Afghanistan - Why Does it Matter?” Silent Auction, Afghan snacks and sale items.

Tickets are $30, available at the Limestone District School Board reception desk, or from Madeleine Tarasick, 613 375-8290 or tarasickm@limestone.on.ca