Date: Saturday, March 31st, 2012

Time: 10 a.m. - 5p.m.
Place: Imam Hossain Community Centre
323 Deer Hide Crescent, North York Ontario, M9M 2Z2

Afghan Community Conference Invitation
Dari & English Press Release PDF Version

The aim of the conference is to address a number of important issues -- obstacles that interfere with establishing a healthy and peaceful life for all segments of Afghan community. Four workshops will deal with topics such as family relations, domestic rifts and violence, inter-generational gaps, youth and their future, the living conditions of seniors, and questions/concerns of the newcomers.

The purpose of this one-day conference is twofold:

1. The internal problems/matters of the community to be discussed from various perspectives in order to find viable solutions that are both acceptable to the norms of the community and in accordance with the standards of Canadian society. How can Afghans benefit from access to education, workforce and other services while preserving their own values such as respect and care for elders, responsibility towards women and children as well as those who are vulnerable members of the community?
2. How can the community-based organizations work together with members of civil society (immigration and citizenship, school boards, police, and social serves) in identifying areas of common interest and/or concern in order to improve the settlement and adjustment of the growing Afghan community into their new home? How can Afghans contribute more positively to the society at large and how can they be more active and involved in all sectors of Canadian society?

The goal is to recognize/pinpoint issues that need urgent and immediate attention and those which require long-term solutions. Each workshop will come up with a list of problems/concerns and suggestions as how to go about improving the situation. Further practical steps will be set out at the end of the conference and a team to follow up the next steps.

The Afghan Community Conference is a first serious attempt at discussing matters pertaining to the community. It will be an open forum for exchange of ideas. Diversity of opinion is valued and critical thinking is encouraged. The Conference is open to all and free of charge. All members of the organizing committee are volunteers.

For more information please contact the Afghan Community Conference organizing team at:

• (416) 826 0307
• (416) 261 4994
• (416) 230 6660

Dyana Afghan Women's Fund (DAWF), Canadian Afghan Council (CAC),
Imam Hossain Community Centre (IHCC).