Freshly returned from spending Christmas with the troops in Afghanistan, Minister MacKay spoke passionately about reforming Afghanistan.
I have had the opportunity to have lunch with a few local members of the force who have served in Afghanistan. Their stories affirm the good that is being done by the mission in Afghanistan.
When I hear about what they do and realize what they are willing to risk to do it, I can see why Minister MacKay describes them as “our best citizens” and is so committed to making sure our troops have the funding and equipment they need to do a difficult job.
Canada is one of only seven countries with a presence in the dangerous southern region of Afghanistan but the Minister remains hopeful other leading nations will join the peacekeeping efforts.
In the meantime, Canada receives a great deal of respect and gratitude among the international community for our role there.
Canadians take pride in being a nation that is committed to helping people around the world. We do it in big ways like our military commitment and in smaller ways too.
A network of young girls in the Okanagan who call themselves 'Little Women 4 Little Women in Afghanistan' are raising funds to support education in Afghanistan.
The goal is to pay for the hire of additional teachers, to convey awareness of the world so that young Afghans, especially young girls, have the knowledge to become a generation of free and well-informed people.
So far, 'Little Women 4 Little Women in Afghanistan' have raised over $22,000 and it was a pleasure to participate in a ceremony that honoured the 17 elementary students who received the "Order of Lake Country" award for their outstanding citizenship and community work.
Six years ago, Afghanistan was the biggest incubator of terrorism in the world, and human rights did not exist there. Now, girls are in school and women are able to vote. In fact, more women are represented in the Afghan government than in Canada's Parliament.
Big commitments or small, we all want to see Afghanistan stand on its own as a free and democratic society and our efforts make it possible to believe there is a chance for lasting peace in Afghanistan.
Canada is doing what it can and so is a group of young girls in the Okanagan. It is proof that no matter what your age or resources, we can all work together to make the world stronger, safer and more peaceful.
To learn more about Little Women 4 Little Women in Afghanistan and how you can help, please feel free to visit this website:
LW4LW in Afghanistan
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.