Ron Cannan with Alaina Podmorow and her Mom Jamie Podmorow

OTTAWA – Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country welcomed 12 year old Alaina Podmorow, founder of Little Women for Little Women in Afghanistan (LW4LW), and her mother Jamie back to Parliament Hill this week for events surrounding International Women's Week which will culminate on March 8th, International Women’s Day.

 “Alaina returned to Ottawa, along with her hard working and supportive mom Jamie, to unveil LW4LW’s newest initiative entitled, "Through Our Eyes" a photo/poetry exhibit which brings attention to the plight of Afghan women and girls,” said Mr. Cannan.  

The beautiful and moving images created by graphic artist Christian Reiner, accompanied by the poetry of the girls from LW4LW is intended to further raise awareness of the need to help Afghan women and girls obtain an education by showing the emotional connection between young women in Afghanistan and Canada. 

LW4LW raises funds to help pay for teachers supporting the philosophy that education will lead to peace in this war torn country.

“So far Alaina and LW4LW have raised almost $85,000 which the Government has matched dollar for dollar resulting in the hiring of over 200 teachers,” said Cannan.

The Government made the commitment in 2008 for funds raised by Little Women for Little Women in Afghanistan and their affiliate Canadian Women For Women in Afghanistan to bring the number of female teachers trained to 500.

“She richly deserves the acknowledgement she is receiving for her efforts,” said Mr. Cannan, noting that in recognition of Alaina's continued hard work and dedication to the cause, Minister of International Cooperation Bev Oda presented Alaina with a certificate of Appreciation at the ceremony held at Canadian International Development Agency Head Office in Ottawa.

“Many of my colleagues had the opportunity to meet Alaina and were so encouraged and impressed with this young lady and her efforts to want to help others.  The more time I spend with Alaina and the other Little Women for Little Women in Afghanistan, the more encouraged I am about the future for our country and the world,” he said.  “There is hope and a young 12 yr old lady by the name of Alaina Podmorow is showing the world what one person can do to make a difference in the lives of other young women around the world,” he said.