Afghanistan360, a multimedia exhibit touring Canada, is currently set up in Place d’Orléans Shopping Centre. The exhibit, which features a person to answer questions during mall hours, will be in the east end until Oct. 22.
The purpose of the interactive display is to bring the development story to Canadians, said Anne Larrass, communications advisor for the Canadian International Development Agency.
She explained many Canadians don’t know about development taking place in Afghanistan. Based on written responses collected at the touring exhibits, about 90 per cent of people are unaware of the humanitarian projects, Larrass said, adding it’s hoped the exhibit will elicit more positive support for the mission.
Ottawa-Orléans MP Royal Galipeau also noted there’s a bigger focus on the military presence, attributing that to the number of casualties in Afghanistan.
“Each casualty is a reminder of our military presence,” he said.
Yet it’s important for people to know and understand Canada’s goals in Afghanistan, he continued, adding the government’s prime purpose is humanitarian.
“Canada is in Afghanistan to help Afghans rebuild their country as a stable, democratic and self-sufficient society,” Galipeau said. “The ultimate goal remains the same; to leave Afghanistan to Afghans, in a country that is better governed, more peaceful and more secure.”
When the military mission ends in 2011, Canada will remain in Afghanistan because humanitarian work will continue, he indicated, noting Afghanistan has become Canada’s single largest development program, with $1.9 billion in development assistance committed over 10 years, of which $1.3 billion is already pledged.
Canadians are already on the ground building dams, immunizing children and educating girls, Galipeau continued, noting civilians as well as military personnel are making a difference.
“It’s all illustrated here in an interactive way,” he said of the exhibit.
In addition to learning about the various programs, another “pleasure” the exhibit provides is a means of talking directly with engineers, educators and others making a difference in Afghanistan, Galipeau indicated.
Using computers and webcams at the exhibit, residents can record a short 15 second message that will be posted online for those in Afghanistan to see.
When asked what message he delivered, Galipeau replied he said “thank you.”
-- Training and mentoring Afghan national security forces -- Delivering basic services -- Humanitarian assistance -- Enhance Afghanistan-Pakistan border security -- Elections and strengthened public institutions -- Political reconciliation
Signature projects:--Dahla Dam and irrigation system -- Polio eradication -- Education in Kandahar For more information, visit http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/multimedia/360.aspx?lang=eng
