The Honourable Flora MacDonald Presenting “The Other Afghanistan” at Trent University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Invited to Attend Special Presentation on November 23 at 7:30 p.m. – Free Admission

November 14, 2006, Peterborough

The Honourable Flora MacDonald will be delivering a special presentation entitled “The Other Afghanistan: Building Peace in Mountain Villages based on Grassroots Community Activism” in Morton Hall (Room 117), Gzowski College at Trent University on Thursday, November 23, 2006, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  This presentation is open to the general public and admission is free of charge.

Renowned as a lively public speaker and former Tory cabinet minister, Ms. MacDonald has recently worked in Afghanistan under the auspices of Future Generations, a non-profit educational institution that specializes in teaching sustainable community development in high-altitude regions.  Her presentation will reveal a contrasting portrait of Afghanistan and its people, showcasing the progressive efforts of Afghanis as they rebuild their own country. 

“Afghanistan is much more than the beleaguered country we watch on newcasts" says Dr. Betsy McGregor, senior research associate at Trent who organized Ms. MacDonald's visit to the University. "Flora's breath-taking photos and provocative presentation will challenge us to consider constructive models for getting rid of the opium and armaments - by building vibrant village-based approaches to peace-building."  Ms. MacDonald will shed special light on the fundamental role of girls and women's literacy and activism for a sustainable future in Afghanistan.

Materials for Ms. MacDonald’s presentation are drawn from her own experiences working overseas, and will feature her own photography.  Now 80 years old, Ms. MacDonald is actively involved in development projects around the world, including Tibet and India.

Gzowski College is located at 2510 Pioneer Road on the east bank of Trent University campus. Pay and display meters are available beside the parking lots.

This presentation is sponsored by Trent University.

-30-

For further information, please contact Brittany Cadence, (705) 748-1011, ext. 5371.