Our goals

• providing a source of income & encouraging women’s economic empowerment
• reducing isolation in the Afghan community
• building bridges between the Afghan community and wider community
• testing new ways to address social and economic needs of immigrant women

Coordination & Implementation

Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISS) has provided the initial support by providing opportunity through the Afghans Together program in 2004 for community capacity building, which resulted in the emergenc of CED ideas by community members and leadership role in coordinating CED ideas inducing a sewing group. Since December 2004, ISS Settlement Services in partnership with the Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) provided coordination and implementation support with the goal of building the capacity of members to run the coop autonomously.

Since February 2005, ISS provided management and administrative support including financig the Co-operative. ISS Community Economic Developer continues to coordinate Malalay Co-operative since late 2004. This included increasing link and funding opportunities, preparing work plans and reports, developing funding applications, coordinating and facilitating learning plans and activities, developing support networks, facilitating learning for Co-op members to participate in various leadership capacities, liaising with the community partners and fundi agencies and participating in peer learning networks, advocate and raising awareness on the specific needs of immigrants and policy recommendations to address the barriers for social, economic, cultural and political inclusion of new immigrants.

Funding

Vancity, as the largest financial contributor with multi-year commitment, provided financial support since February 2005 to Malalay Co-operative which contributed to building the infrastructure of the Co-operative including operational, initial capital cost for sewing machines and equipment, training as well as part of project coordination.

Status of women Canada provided financial support since June 2005, which was essential for translation, interpretation, childcare and coordination.

The Canadian Community Economic Development Network, as a partner with ISS has been involved with the Co-operative since December 2004. CCEDNet financial support for project monitoring, evaluation, training opportunities r the coordinator as well as networking with immigrant co-operatives across Canada has been instrumental.

Unitarian Church of Vancouver (UCV) provided financial support for sewing machines/serger.

Women Future's direct contribution to the Co-operative will be managed by members and will be used for building sewing and crafts skills.

Vibrant Burnaby has provided initial financial contribution in 2004 for training on co-operative model.

BC Co-operative Association's direct financial contribution is being managed by members for sewing supplies.

Donations

• Afghan Canadian Women's Network (ACWN)
• Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISS)
• Burnaby Learning Network
• Housing Families in Need Society
• BC Muslim Association - Women's Chapter
• Shaunassey Heights United Church
• Burnaby School District - Edmonds Community School
• City of Burnaby
• And many individuals