Count to 100: 100 Classrooms in Afghanistan

Everyone has the right to education.

—Article 26, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UN

During the Taliban regime, by law, girls in Afghanistan were not allowed to go to school and it was punishable by death. Even though this law was lifted, there is very limited access to schools and a proper education.

A Better World,an Alberta-based international development organization, and 100 Classroom Project have organized the Freedom Run 5000.

Register for a 10K, 5K, or Kids Run this June 26, 2011. The run begins at Fraser Valley Adventist Academy in Aldergrove. You can also plan your own biking or running event! So sign the Pledge and let’s get building!

Freedom Run 5000 is a fundraising event for the 100 Classroom Project . The goal of the 100 Classroom Project, as you might guess, is to build at least 100 Classrooms in Afghanistan over the next three years.

Freedom run 5000 began after Azalea Lehndorff read Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. Now, the partnership between ADRA Canada and A Better World has made education for girls in Afghanistan more of a reality.

Think about it: $100 from 5000 Canadians will build 100 classrooms.

You can also support education worldwide:

• Brick by Brick, build a school.  Free the Children encourages you to participate in a fundraising effort to help children go to school in the country of your choice.  Visit their Facebook page to learn more!
• If fundraising is not your thing, volunteer overseas and witness the progress Free the Children’ projects are making.
• Build a Global Classroom Project. UNICEF has partnered with Canadian teachers and Universities across Canada to support learning for global citizenship and human rights. Sign up for the E-Newsletter!

Everyone deserves an education. Participate, volunteer, and make a difference!

By Leslie Pineda