At the Afghan-Canadian Community Center (ACCC), a school that grants women the right to education every day, the celebration of International Women’s Day is particularly significant. Staff, students, families, media and honourable guests gathered to celebrate and discuss the role of women in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Young girls singing at the Women’s Day Celebration

This year, many of the speeches highlighted the amazing progress made by Afghan women and touched on broad themes such as the role of women in Islam, the universal human rights of women, and the increasing employment options for women in Afghanistan.

Ehsan, the Director of the ACCC, made a passionate speech about the importance of education as the “backbone of a nation.” He praised his students for their bravery, saying: “I am impressed by the courage women have shown in this remote corner of the world where the female population is still threatened by ultra-conservative cultural attitudes, the poverty and the ongoing war.” He also noted that many women have been rewarded for their persistence and dedication with positions in the Afghan parliament, provincial councils, and other institutions involved in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Ehsan awards a certificate of achievement

Several guests of honour were in attendance, including the Deputy Governor of Kandahar, members of Afghanistan’s parliament, the Director of Women’s Affairs, the Director of Kandahar Women’s Council and a representative from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The ACCC awarded certificates of achievement and gifts to several of the participants in recognition of their contributions to the ACCC and to the cause of women’s rights in Kandahar.

ACCC students address the crowd

Many of the ACCC staff and students are shining examples of what women can accomplish. They took this day to celebrate their achievements, to thank those who made it possible and to talk about the next steps for women in Afghanistan.

The participants enjoyed refreshments and received gifts of clothes, dictionaries and teapots courtesy of the Canadian Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) CIMIC Team, Kandahar Innovative Advertisements and the ACCC.

An ACCC student delivers a graduation speech

On November 2^nd, 2009 a landmark ceremony was held in Kandahar to celebrate the graduation of 140 female students from the Afghan-Canadian Community Center (ACCC). The ceremony was attended by over 350 guests including teachers, parents, students, prominent members of the local community and media, and representatives of the Afghan and Canadian governments.

Among the graduates were ten students who completed a two-year Business Management Program provided online through a partnership with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). These ten students also received certificates, signed by the Prime Minister of Canada and presented by Jess Dutton, Acting Representative of Canada in Kandahar (RoCK), to mark their achievements in business management, computer technology and English language training. The ceremony also celebrated the graduation of a further sixteen students from the SAIT program upon completion of a Project Management course.

Jess Dutton presents ACCC students with certificates signed by the Prime Minister of Canada

Mr. Dutton recognized the hard work and dedication of the SAIT students under challenging circumstances, noting that the students’ achievements were an inspiration to Afghans and Canadians alike. He further encouraged the students to use their education to give back to their community in Kandahar, and their nation of Afghanistan.

The accomplishments of these students and the ACCC are significant, particularly considering they took place in a country that is still trying to recover from conflict and amidst the threats of a narrow minority who oppose women’s education. This achievement was further recognized in several speeches by local employers, who thanked the ACCC for raising the overall standard of education for women in Kandahar.

The graduating class of SAIT students at the ACCC

Bibi Zhilla, a graduating student from the SAIT program, spoke on behalf of her class about what it felt like to graduate from an international learning program. She thanked ACCC Director Ehsanullah Ehsan and her many teachers for their support and encouragement throughout the two year program and noted how the program instilled a confidence in herself and her fellow students, along with the many practical skills that they learned.

She assured the crowd that: “…the end of this course is just one of the many great accomplishments I hope to achieve in my life. Graduation from this course is just the beginning of a new flight for all of us and from this day onward everyone tries to work harder and participate in the reconstruction of the country.”

Shamim, another graduating SAIT student, noted the significance of the Prime Minister’s signature upon the certificates, which she felt clearly demonstrated the importance placed by the people of Canada on empowering the people of Afghanistan with the gift of education. The Government of Canada provides most of the operating budget of the ACCC via a capacity-building grant administered by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

ACCC Director Ehsanullah Ehsan and CIDA Development Officer Karine Landry

The Deputy Governor of Kandahar spoke during the ceremony, emphasizing that “Canadian investment in education is truly building us. Education can really help us a secure a better future.” He further noted that the ACCC could be proud of its many remarkable accomplishments.

The Director of Information and Culture, whose own daughters were in the graduating class, also spoke of his pride in the women’s achievements and asked the graduates to “…make the best of the knowledge you received for the betterment of yourselves and the people of Afghanistan.” Many speeches personally thanked ACCC Director Ehsanullah Ehsan for his tireless efforts, as well as the ACCC’s many teachers and supporters in Kandahar, Canada and around the world.

In his speech, Ehsan thanked Canadian donors, volunteers, and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for their considerable support. He noted that Canadian support has been not only financial but had also provided invaluable expertise and guidance which was helping the ACCC move toward self-sustainability. He also thanked his female students for the courage and dedication they’ve shown, despite the many challenges that women in Afghanistan still face. He praised the brave example they have set for future classes of women.

ACCC Director Ehsanullah Ehsan delivers his speech

The ACCC awarded certificates of appreciation on behalf of SAIT and the Canadian International Learning Foundation to 19 Kandahar journalists from a diverse range of news agencies and networks for their promotion and media coverage of education efforts in Kandahar. Graduates expressed their appreciation with handmade gifts to CIDA and SAIT staff members, CanILF volunteers, and Ehsan and his family.

The event was also covered by local, national and international media, including Kandahar Television, Larawbar, Pajhwok News (English / Pashto),  Benawa Online Pashto World, Surgar Weekly Newspaper (First Story, Second Story), ReliefWeb, Benawa,  and the MILNEWS Canada blog.

Afghan girls sing at the ACCC graduation

OTTAWA - Despite recent insecurity, more than two hundred students at the Afghan-Canadian Community Center (ACCC) in Kandahar, Afghanistan graduated on November 2, 2009 from a professional education program funded largely by the Canadian International Development Agency.

“Through the education and support provided by the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, the Government of Canada and the Canadian people, the Center has given us hope for a better future,” said Class Valedictorian Bibi Zhilla, “Now it is our responsibility to share this precious gift with others in  need.”

The ACCC provides professional education to approximately 1,000 students in Kandahar, more than half of them women. A group of 30 students have had the opportunity to study Business Management with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) via the Internet.

ACCC Director Ehsanullah Ehsan travelled to Calgary to receive an honourary degree from SAIT in June 2009. ACCC students had planned to accompany Ehsan during the trip, but were unable to do so for security reasons. This group of students received graduation certificates from SAIT during this ceremony.

The ACCC was founded by Ehsan in early 2007 with the support of the Afghan School Project, which sponsors student scholarships and provides the Center with educational equipment, such as computers and textbooks.

The Project is managed by the Canadian International Learning Foundation (CanILF), a registered Canadian charity. The Foundation also provides Canadians with the opportunity to communicate with students in Kandahar via www.theafghanschool.org and an online Pen Pal program.

“We are incredibly proud of what our students have achieved under such difficult circumstances,” said Ryan Aldred, President of CanILF, “With the assistance of the Government of Canada, we have helped the people of Kandahar to create a vibrant and thriving school which has made a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of people.”

Several hundred students and graduates of the Afghan-Canadian Community Center have obtained long-term employment with local businesses and international organizations. On average, each employed student provides economic support to more than seven family members.

Ehsan meets the Governor General

A role model for many at the Afghan-Canadian Community Center met with ACCC Director Ehsanullah Ehsan in September, praising the programme for its many successes and saying Afghanistan needed the full participation of its women to succeed.

Michaëlle Jean, Canada’s Governor General, met with Ehsan on September 8th as part of a tour of Afghanistan that included a speech to Canadian troops and a meeting with aid workers at the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team.

She said that no nation can fully develop without the full participation of women in its economy, politics and social life. “The more empowered civil societies are, the more empowered the citizens are,” she added.

Jean said that it pains her when Canadian or Afghan lives are lost, but stressed that the military mission is not a waste, as Afghans deserve the peace and prosperity enjoyed by so many others in the world.

ACCC Director Ehsanullah Ehsan told Jean that he first heard about her when the school was celebrating International Women’s Day. Students, teachers and other women researched successful women, and included Jean in a presentation showcasing female role models.

Ehsan said Jean enjoyed hearing the story, and that he never thought he would have the chance to meet her. “But today is a day of great honor and privilege to meet your Excellency. We are deeply honored and proud to have you among us in Kandahar today. We very warmly welcome you,” he told her.

Ehsan also explained the many successes of the ACCC to the Governor General, as well as the Canadian Ambassador, military chief and other officers at the meeting. Jean said that two years ago she first heard about the plans and challenges of development in Kandahar, and was interested to hear about the achievements and successes that had since been made.

The Governor General and Ehsan

ACCC Director Ehsanullah Ehsan receives an honourary degree from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Ehsanullah Ehsan, Director of the Afghan-Canadian Community Center, was awarded an honourary degree by the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology on June 2nd in recognition of his contribution to women’s education and human rights in Kandahar. In his acceptance speech, Ehsan delivered a moving tribute to those who had helped him to create the Afghan-Canadian Community Center:

“Through the support provided by SAIT, the Government of Canada and the Canadian people, we have given people hope for a better future. We have created what has been called ‘an oasis of decency and civility’ – a place where women and men alike can go to discuss, explore, understand and learn. The sight of beautiful Afghan girls glued to computers and books at the Centre is a symbol of the drastic social change taking root in Afghanistan. Everyone at SAIT should be very proud of what they have helped to create.

You – the great people of Canada – have shown incredible generosity in supporting my country and my educational initiatives. Individual donors and the Government of Canada have made significant contributions through the Canadian International Learning Foundation’s Afghan School Project, and through the Canadian International Development Agency. With this generous support, we are proudly moving the Afghan Canadian Community Centre – and the people of Afghanistan – toward self-sustainability and gender equality.”

Ehsanullah Ehsan delivers his acceptance speech

He also had his own words of wisdom to pass along to the SAIT graduating class of 2009:

“By receiving the knowledge imparted to you by your teachers, you have been entrusted with a sacred gift, one that few people in this world have the opportunity to receive. The importance of this knowledge cannot be over stated – it empowers men and women alike to support themselves, their families, and improve their community. Knowledge is the backbone of society, and the key to peace and prosperity.

I hope that you will use this gift to realize your dreams – and to help others realize theirs. As one of the keepers of the sacred gift of knowledge, you have a remarkable opportunity to share this gift and, by doing so, to save humanity from the threat of oppression, war and deprivation. I urge you, as citizens of the world, to use this knowledge not only to benefit yourselves, but to also create hope for those who would learn, if only given the chance.”

To view the speech in its entirety, please click here.

Ehsan also collected certificates on behalf of the ACCC students studying at SAIT, who were unable to make the trip to Canada for security reasons. Ehsan has since returned to Kandahar, and will soon be holding a ceremony to present the first cohort of SAIT students with their academic certificates.

Ehsan’s visit to Calgary was covered by numerous media outlets, including Global National, the Toronto Star, CBC, the Calgary Sun, the Calgary Herald, Canada AM, and the Winnipeg Free Press.

The Afghan School Project would like to thank everyone at SAIT, CIDA, and the Government of Canada who made his visit possible. To help us offer life-changing education to a greater number of women in Kandahar, please Donate.

As the leading centre for women’s education in Kandahar, the ACCC plays an important role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. ACCC Director Ehsanullah Ehsan delivered a speech praising the Afghan women “who are sacrificing for a peaceful and violence-free Afghanistan.” In just over two years, over 1,000 women have received an education under Ehsan’s direction that would have been unthinkable in Afghanistan a decade ago.

Several of the students gave speeches that highlighted the achievements of women in Kandahar and throughout the country. Thus far, over 90 female ACCC students have been hired by non-governmental organizations, development agencies and the Afghan government. Groups of students sang national songs and awards were given to students who have made a special contribution to the ACCC and the development of women’s rights. Globes were also presented to the students as gifts.

In honour of International Women’s Day, the Afghan Wireless Communication Company donated ten Internet-enabled SIM cards to the ACCC. In addition, Rohullah and Sultan Agha generously donated $1,000 towards program expenses at the school. Both of these donations will go a long way in helping the ACCC continue to provide education and Internet access to the women of Kandahar at no charge.

Following the ceremonies, all guests were invited to a potluck meal prepared by some of the ACCC’s students. Several students had prepared rice and others provided fruit and beverages. The refreshments provided were greatly appreciated by those in attendance.

The ACCC’s International Women’s Day ceremonies provided an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of Afghan women, and to recognize the challenges that still lie ahead. In the words of Mr. Ehsan, only “action without personal interest can bring not only the female population, but the entire nation of Afghanistan, a brighter future.”

Students and prominent women from across Kandahar attend the ACCC's International Women's Day celebrations

A group of Afghan girls sing in celebration of International Women's Day

Rona Tarin, Director of Women's Affairs in Kandahar, delivers a speech at the International Women's Day ceremonies

Ehsan Ullah delivers a speech at the ACCC's International Women's Day Ceremonies

I do not know where to begin, but I do know that you are the best. You have been working very hard to improve the education level in Afghanistan, teaching not only the English language, but also subjects rarely taught here, such as Human Rights and Women’s Rights. It is wonderful that you provide education specifically for girls in an area which was the center of the Taliban regime and female education was banned. Still, the security situation is not good yet, especially for girls to go outside and get an education. Every moment you are taking a risk, but I know you are working day and night to make women aware of their rights and educate the youth, especially the girls, in different programs like Business Management, Computer Skills and English.

I am one of those girls who have learned the English language directly from you and some of the computer programs you provide. Because of the English instruction I received from your school, I am doing my B.A. in India and am ranked fourth in my class of more than 100 students. Everything I am able to accomplish is because of you. Hedayatullah Rahmati, my classmate, is the first-ranked student in our course, and he also studied English and computers under your supervision.

“Stars like you, Mr. Ehsan, will take the place of moon.” Hopefully we can find more people like you, Mr. Ehsan. In political science, Lord Morley has called the prime minister “First among equals,” but I want to give this title to you, for spreading enlightenment in such a difficult, illiterate, backward and strict area of Afghanistan.

You have educated thousands upon thousands of students in the fields of English language, Management and Computers, both in Pakistan as well as Afghanistan, and most of them are in much better positions and places now, just because of your hard work, management skills, and the sincere feeling which you have inside for the helpless Afghans.

In every education center where you have worked as a leader, director or teacher you have brightened that place. For a long time, I was wondering how to show my appreciation for you. Finally, after visiting the site of the ACCC, I have the opportunity to write something about you. What I have written, though, can barely express my appreciation. You are a light of peace and motivation for the progress of people, especially women and girls, in Afghanistan.

Thanks for everything,

With lots of love and respect,

Wishing you all the best and praying for your further success,

By Hamdia Hamdard a scholar Student of B.A (program) final year in Jamia Millia Islamia University and a member of INDO-AFGHAN YOUTH FORUM initiated by WISCOMP (Women in Security, Conflict Management) engaging the Youths of the two countries on issues of peace building and conflict transformation.

 I would like to thank Ali Raza for creating this wonderful picture, and for his expression of hope for the future. We are proud to work hand-in-hand with the people of Afghanistan to build a better future for us all. The courage and dedication of the students and staff of the Afghan-Canadian Community Center (ACCC) is an inspiration to people around the world who seek to create a better life through the light of education.

Best Regards,

Ryan
Director
The Afghan School Project

The auction was organized by Conor, Oliver and other volunteer members of the Afghan School Project. Close to 100 guests took part in spirited bidding on a wide range of auction items. More than 30 donations were generously provided by businesses and individuals in Ottawa, from restaurant gift certificates and event tickets to a designer jacket provided by Ottawa fashion designer Paddye Mann.

“The auction accomplished exactly what we had hoped,” said Oliver, “The funds we raised will have a significant impact at the Afghan-Canadian Community Center. This was also an important step in establishing the Afghan School Project in the community and raising awareness for this worthy cause.”

The event was attended by Afghan Ambassador Omar Samad and representatives of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). In his speech, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of organizations like the Afghan School Project and the Afghan-Canadian Community Center in promoting long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The original goal of the auction was to raise $2,500, enough for 20 students to attend the Afghan-Canadian Community Center for a full year. By exceeding that goal by more than $700, the school will be able to provide a further six students with valuable education in business management, Information Technology, English and health care.

“The courses provided by the Afghan-Canadian Community Center have helped many of our students secure high-paying employment with a wide range of organizations, many of which participate in the reconstruction of Afghanistan,” said Ryan, Director of the Afghan School Project, “The salaries earned by these students are enough to support their extended families, and have helped improve the quality of life for thousands in Kandahar.”

The Afghan School Project intends to make the charity auction an annual event, and will be organizing additional events over the coming year. Photos will be published as they are available.

My country had been in war for the past 37 years so it obvious how it has become mismanaged from the top to bottom. Each department has an absolute-empowered leader who runs projects by forcing and threatening the employees; no team work, no co-operation, no meetings, no internal or external supervision in order to get their employees ideas, suggestion and make them more independent, creative, and responsible for the enhancement of their Department.

In each department the super-empowered civilians work for their own good, hiring their own relatives. They don’t work for the communities. For example; countries try to convince the Afghan students in school by giving them packages of oil monthly, biscuits daily, school uniform once a year, tooth brush and tooth paste in order to improve their health and help their economic situation. Once the supplies are in the school, students get the package of oil for the first month and the rest of the packages are gone. No one knows where, when and who got the rest of the donations, but when you go out in the market, you will see the oil, the biscuits, the tooth brush, tooth pastes as well as the dates that they have been sold in the markets and the money in the pockets of ?????. Furthermore, there is no one to supervise what is going on in the schools or any other departments.

As I mentioned mismanagement and corruption is ongoing in each department of Afghanistan. All human rights is being corrupted everywhere because of the lack of well-skilled managers to manage the atrocious circumstances and to ask responsible persons what they have done so far with the projects that had been given to leaders who don’t care about the quality of their performances.

As there is a lack of qualified project managers all over Afghanistan, therefore one of my personal milestones, after I studied hard, is to be a qualified project manager. In this way, I can effectively manage the entire situation and bring projects to completion while keeping a tight restriction on budgets (costs), schedules (time), and, quality. I can be a quick decision maker for the purpose of having a well-prosperous Afghanistan that needs to acquire a person with theses set of skills to manage projects and solve variety of problems during the execution of a project.

My ambitions to be a project manager is to manage my future, my family, my society, my country and the world by:

- building community energy and capability for local and sustainable elucidations
sustaining community success continuously

- encouraging and enabling partnership between communities, government and foreigners
taking local success to local and national scale.

- train community leaders and literacy teachers through training programs

- train government ministries in the process of mobilizing and community participation.

In order to support the recovery process in which the entire country is now engaged, the future generations of Afghanistan have the responsibility to build the capacity of communities, predominantly women, to develop locally sustainable development programs in literacy, health and other needed sectors.  It’s not necessary that a project manager should always carry long term projects such as; managing Organizations, NGOs, companies, etc. A project manager can also be, for example, a housewife, a teacher, a cook or a tailor. What matters is how you manage yourself, your work, your performance, your organization, your society and your country.

- Suhila