The Initiative To Educate Afghan Women Afghan Students and The Director
About The Initiative Press & News Publications Support Contact About The Initiative
Welcome... Featured Highlights
  •  

Dunes Club Event- Summer 2011

The prestigious Dunes Club in Rhode Island was the setting for a large gathering of 150 guests to hear our Freshmen and Founder speak. The title of their discussion was “Afghanistan- A Reason for Optimism .” This was the same topic that was introduced at the launch of the IEAW in 2002.

The Dunes event was hosted by board members Priscilla Wong, Dorothy Woodcock , and Peggy Smith. Our freshmen shared stories of their challenging lives. They radiate strength, and spoke of their thirst for learning. As well, the women bragged about their favorite aspects of their culture, country , and religion.

The attendees were touched by how gracious and optimistic these young women are, given their life experiences.

   
  •  
March 2011
 

Afghan Trip
Fundraising Event at V. George Rustigian Rugs, Inc., Providence, RI

Board Member Roz Rustigian hosted a warm event at her rug store on March 14th. IEAW student Fazila wowed audience members with her very personal story about how her education has changed not only her life, but also the lives of members of her family and their friends – she related a moving story about how her father has truly changed his attitude about the value of educating his daughter, and how this has trickled down into the community, slowly changing the way others think of the importance of education. Steve Landrigan, journalist and playwright, who has spent much time in Afghanistan, also spoke of the great need for educating women in this part of the world.

   
  •  
May 2011
 

Afghan Trip
UN Boston

On May 12, 2011, IEAW founder Paula Nirschel spoke at The Women's Forum @ United Nations Association of Greater Boston, which seeks “to raise awareness about the issues facing women in developing countries and to engage the Boston community about solutions and programs that work.”

A panel of experts and practitioners in the
field of social entrepreneurship discussed
the impact and implications on women in developing countries. Moderated by Dr. Joan Bragar of the Boston Center for Leadership Development, panelists included Paula Nirschel; President of Ubuntu at Work,
Dr. Vibha Pinglé; President and CEO of
Womenable, Julie Weeks; and Executive Director of the MicroLoan Foundation USA, Linda Thomson-Clem.

   
  •  
June 2011
 


The Family: A Musical About the Mob

Written by our own family/board member, the Honorable Arlene Violet, along with composer and lyricist, Enrico Garzilli, The Family had a highly successful, one-month run at Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, RI, eliciting superlative regional reviews. Kate Richardson organized an outstanding fundraising event that included premiere tickets. Guests gathered at a pre-show event at Bravo Brasserie for wonderful food and
convivial company. A silent auction helped raise additional funds for the IEAW. A standing ovation made us all feel proud to know and honor Arlene.

   
 

Graduates 2011

2010 Graduates

The IEAW proudly graduated 12 students this May 2011. These students are affectionately called the “Buffett Scholars ,” because Doris Buffett generously contributed to the women’s college education. Additionally, Anne Schmaltz and her Sweetbriar alumni friends helped to sponsor this year’s Sweetbriar graduates.

The partnering of Doris Buffett, Anne and friends, the IEAW, and our 13 partnering colleges provided these graduates a first rate college education in the US. We thank our Auxiliary group for providing dorm room provisions and helping to welcome our freshmen.

2011 Graduates include students
from the following colleges/ universities: University of
Richmond; Mt. Holyoke College; Juniata College; University of Mary Washington; Montlair State University; Ramapo College; Sweet Briar College; Randolph College.

Congratulations IEAW Class of 2011!

 
 
 

Our New Students

This year we welcome 9 new Freshmen into the IEAW fold. Students from Kabul, Helmand Province, Mazar-i-Sharif and Herat arrived in Providence, RI for this summer’s session of enrichment. Teachers Mary Goodman, English, and Heather MacLeod, Math, are always impressed by the academic talent and wisdom of our students.

An Auxiliary Group has been started to help organize dorm room provisions, provide extracurricular activities (like yoga; tours of the statehouse; US District Court with an introduction to the judicial system; visit to Big Nazo) and support these remarkable young women while they are in the States. THANKS to all involved – it takes a village – it’s true!

 
 

Trip To Afghanistan - Summer 2011

Founder/Director Paula Nirschel took her annual trip to Afghanistan this summer. During this year the IEAW received a couple hundred applications. Typically, Paula interviews eighty of the strongest candidates. This year she qualified twenty- two women who will now wait for an IEAW scholarship. The challenge now is to raise the money!

While in Afghanistan Paula also met with students’ families, and our alumni. A joyous family party capped the visit.

Please take a moment to read Paula's special report.

 

 

Summer Challenge

Many Thanks to all who generously donated to our Summer Challenge campaign..we made our match

 

Newsletter

Winter 2011

Previous Newsletters

 

 
...My Life, My Dream, My Country's Future.

The Initiative To Educate Afghan Women

About | Press & News | Publications | Support | Contact
Sitemap | Legal & Privacy