In Afghanistan, the recent return to power of the Taliban has affected and displaced millions of families, especially threatening important progress towards gender equality and women with unique challenges. While immigrant and refugee women come to Canada seeking safer futures and better opportunities, they still face barriers and discrimination due to their gender and newcomer … Read more
Meet Carolina: Carolina first learned about PIRS when she saw an ad for our Women’s Leadership and Development program: After graduating from PIRS’ programs, Carolina became one of the three women to receive the George Sisters Bursary to pursue her education! She is currently finishing her first semester of BCIT’s Airport Operations diploma program: “This … Read more
Meet Virginia! Virginia joined our Community English Class with very few digital skills. When the pandemic began, Virginia’s husband bought her a tablet so she could attend our classes online. Mariana, our Outreach Support Worker, patiently guided Virginia through step by step instructions and taught her about Zoom, cameras, microphones, and all the necessary tech … Read more
With issues like the Afghan Refugee Crisis, there can be an overwhelming amount of information that also quickly loses steam. PIRS knows that you want to help, but might not know how to! We are here to help update you with information specific to our local BC context and with a gendered lens. We tell … Read more
“The news coming out of Afghanistan is about how women leaders are fleeing for their lives, and girls are being denied the right to education” PIRS, a grassroots organization focused on local action, is one of the few organizations across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland dedicated to addressing the needs and challenges of migrant women … Read more
Raising funds to support Afghan women is a community wide effort! We are grateful to Old Crow Coffee and Elm Ave, who have partnered with other local businesses to put together a basket of prizes sourced from local businesses and organizations. The raffle was a tremendous success, raising over $1135 for the Afghan Women Fund. … Read more
Monday, September 20th, 2021 – Old Crow Coffee and Elm Ave have partnered up to put together the ‘GÜD GOODIE BASKET,’ packed to the brim with locally sourced goods and valued at $423! All of the proceeds from this raffle will go towards PIRS’ Afghan Women Fund. We are so thankful to all the local … Read more
Monday, September 20th, 2021 – PacificSport Fraser Valley is donating a portion of the registration fees for their September Lunch & Learn Series to PIRS’ Afghan Women Fund, taking place on September 23rd at 12PM. This event is an opportunity for women in the sport and physical activity sector (and beyond) to advance their leadership … Read more
On September 9, 2021, Mariam Bouchoutrouch, Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS)’ Executive Director, was interviewed by CBC for a segment on Radio Canada to discuss PIRS’ recent award, the Council of the Federation Literacy Award. To watch the full segment in French, visit Radio Canada. PIRS is honoured and grateful to have been awarded the … Read more
OTTAWA, Wednesday, September 8th, 2021 Released by Canada’s Premiers Canada’s Premiers Announce 2021 Literacy Award Recipients On the occasion of International Literacy Day, Canada’s Premiers today announced the recipients of the 17th annual Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Presented in each province and territory, the Award celebrates exceptional achievement, innovative practice and excellence in … Read more