Education activist discusses Afghanistan
Lauryn Oates speaks at Shawnigan
Junior students heard an eye-opening presentation from a renowned Canadian development worker and human rights activist.
Lauryn Oates began working to improve women’s education and human rights in Afghanistan at the age of 14, and works with numerous international aid agencies including UNICEF, ASAID and Womankind Worldwide.
On Thursday morning, Dr. Oates spoke to Grade 8 and 10 students, painting a picture of life in Afghanistan during and since Taliban rule. She made both a moral and pragmatic case for access to education, suggesting that the empowerment of women is an undeniable indicator for the overall health of a society.
“Improving the status of women is good for everyone,” she said. “The Taliban know how much change girls education will bring to their society, and that’s why they’re still fighting it.”
Oates’ presentation was part of a Grade 8 Speakers Series, and also benefited Grade 10 students working on position papers for their upcoming Model UN event.
Lauryn Oates began working to improve women’s education and human rights in Afghanistan at the age of 14, and works with numerous international aid agencies including UNICEF, ASAID and Womankind Worldwide.
On Thursday morning, Dr. Oates spoke to Grade 8 and 10 students, painting a picture of life in Afghanistan during and since Taliban rule. She made both a moral and pragmatic case for access to education, suggesting that the empowerment of women is an undeniable indicator for the overall health of a society.
“Improving the status of women is good for everyone,” she said. “The Taliban know how much change girls education will bring to their society, and that’s why they’re still fighting it.”
Oates’ presentation was part of a Grade 8 Speakers Series, and also benefited Grade 10 students working on position papers for their upcoming Model UN event.
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Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
