Students at Children’s Montessori and Preparatory School in Peterborough organize their own Afghan Market in their classroom

A student-run Afghan Market organized by teacher Sarah Cook was held Wednesday at Children’s Montessori and Preparatory School on Murray Street.

Students recently finished a study of the novel The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis, which takes place in Afghanistan during the time it was controlled by the Taliban.

The upper elementary one students (Grades 5 and 6) at the school continued their understanding of the Afghan culture by hosting the Afghan Market and fundraiser in their classroom.

The students showcased Afghan culture to their fellow students, parents and special guests by providing art, food and drinks to purchase in a market-like setting.

As part of the novel study, the students have been discussing the difficulties women and girls face in different regions of the world.

They decided the market proceeds will go to Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, which has a chapter in Peterborough, and whose goals are to advance education and educational opportunities for Afghan women and their families and to educate Canadians about human rights in Afghanistan.

Red pashminas from the Red Pashmina Campaign were also sold with proceeds from the sale being directed to advancing education and educational opportunities for Afghan women and their families.

About 75 students participated in the market event.

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