Orchard Park Exhibits Afghanistan
Military engagements can be extremely controversial subjects, and with the recent WikiLeaks scandal, Afghanistan is a particularly touchy subject. So we’re intrigued to see the Afghanistan 360 traveling multimedia exhibit arrive at Orchard Park Shopping Center.
The exhibit discusses the presence of the Canadian military in Afghanistan, and tells the story of “Why We’re There.” It takes a close look at areas Canadian forces are involved with in Afghanistan: training Afghan National Security Forces, assisting the Government of Afghanistan in providing basic services to its population, providing life-saving humanitarian assistance, enhancing border security, facilitating political reconciliation, and helping the Afghan government to increase the capacity for democratic governance and national institutions.
The exhibit also showcases Canada’s three signature projects in Afghanistan—the rehabilitation of the second largest source of water for agricultural irrigation, the Dahla Dam, the rebuilding or construction of 50 schools in key districts of Kandahar province, and the effort, along with international health partners and other donor countries to work to eradicate polio from Afghanistan. Visitors to the exhibit can also send messages of support to the Canadian civilians and military members in the country.
With many tough questions being asked about Afghanistan in recent days, the timing for this public relations attempt couldn’t be better. Hopefully Orchard Park will only benefit.
