In the Face of Taliban Repression, Canadians Are Still Helping Afghan Women

Wednesday, October 30, 4 – 6 pm
LaFab sur Mill, 8 chemin Mill, Chelsea, Quebec J9B 1K8

Award-winning journalist Hannah Thibedeau is hosting  “Sparks of Hope for Women in Afghanistan.”

When the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan, they ended almost all education for women, particularly secondary and post-secondary programs. Even so, veteran Afghan educator Ehsanullah Ehsan continues to provide education to Afghan women thanks to financial support from the Canadian International Learning Foundation (CanILF), a volunteer-run registered Canadian charity. Every $300 raised funds a year’s education for one more woman.

Sparks of Hope will feature Hannah Thibedeau in conversation with Tim Martin, the last Representative of Canada in Kandahar (RoCK), about his recently released book, Unwinnable Peace: Untold Stories of Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan (Tidewater Press, 2024). Joining the discussion will be Ryan Aldred, President, Canadian International Learning Foundation, Ehsanullah Ehsan, Director of the Afghan Canadian Community Centre and the Kandahar Institute of Modern Studies (ACCC/KIMS), and Maryam Sahar, Canada’s only female Afghan interpreter in Kandahar and a graduate of ACCC/KIMS.

“Educating girls and women was central to Canada’s efforts in Kandahar,” explains Martin. “The remarkable Afghan-Canadian Community Center and its affiliate, the Kandahar Institute of Modern Studies, were key components of that initiative. I welcome the opportunity to support these dedicated Canadians who, against all odds, continue to educate Afghan women.” Net proceeds from book sales will be donated to KIMS.

Free tickets are available through LaFab sur Mill. Donations will be received gratefully and are eligible for Canadian charitable tax receipts.