Baden Guy said:
Sorry to be Mr.Crotchety but I really can't see the point of the "event."
We are out of there in 2011 and I don't honestly think any western power is sorry to be leaving.
As for General Lew being a speaker I'm guessing he comes cheap, as well as Doug Bland.
$30.00 regular and $15.00 student admission sounds like your usual university presentation of speakers.
Thoughts?
The point of the event is to continue educating children and adults in Afghanistan (and other locations) because some believe that's key to helping Afghanistan and other floundering nations help themselves.
In this way, when the political will/public interest of richer nations wanes, these efforts leave something enduring and tangible behind in ravaged countries as opposed to leaving behind the detritus of war and bad memories. Education is that
something that provides hope: Muslim children able to read and understand the REAL history of Islam, for example, are less likely to become radicalized; women educated in medicine and first aid and even basic sanitation can heal entire villages.
So fundraisers like these are designed to continue efforts to raise money for schools. Yes, it may be another typical university event; I imagine each speaker was picked because they have a unique perspective to share. Some Canadians (though probably not enough Canadians) are still hungry to glean as much information as they can to support Afghanistan so speakers who have unique insights are important. The Canadian military has been the single most important factor contributing to Canadian understanding of the Afghanistan mission--in my opinion--so perhaps that's why Mackenzie and Bland have been invited for their general Canadian military knowledge/insights.
Here is the story of the Canadian International Learning Foundation. I believe its co-founder Ryan Aldred is ex-Canadian military (please correct me if I'm wrong, anyone?)
The
CILF follows in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and his famous book
Schoolhouse in the Clouds. Hillary's work continues to this day with
Himalayan Trust established in the 60's, it supports 63 schools:
Sir Edmund Hillary's first school:
A quote of a conversation between Hillary and Urkien Sherpa from
Schoolhouse in the Clouds that explains part of the author's motivation for building schools:
"Tell us, if there were one thing we could do for your village what would it be?"
"With all respect, Sahib, you have little to teach us in strength and toughness. And we don't envy
you your restless spirits. Perhaps we are happier than you? But we would like our children to go
to school. Of all the things you have, learning is the one we most desire for our children."
Like Ryan Aldred, here's an American man following in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary,
Greg Mortenson Mortenson created the
Central Asia Institute that's founded 131 secular schools and educated 58, 000 students in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Mortenson with school children in Korphe:
A school in Afghanistan supported by The Canadian International Learning Foundation:
