At MacLachlan, learning has the power to reach far beyond the classroom. Three MacLachlan educators are putting that belief into action by volunteering their time and expertise to help young women in Afghanistan continue their education.

Mr. Paul Fox, Ms. Stephanie Zantingh, and Ms. Noreen Ameen volunteer with Classrooms Without Walls (CWW), an organization that provides online educational opportunities for young people who do not have access to school due to conflict or political circumstances.

Through CWW's GED program, the three educators meet virtually with a class of young Afghan women each week as they prepare to complete their GED exams and earn their high school equivalency credentials. Mr. Fox teaches Math, Ms. Ameen teaches Science, and Ms. Zantingh teaches Social Studies while also helping coordinate the program in Canada.

Mr. Fox, who brings 33 years of experience as a secondary educator in Physics, Math, and Computer Science, was recently recognized by Classrooms Without Walls in its Volunteer Spotlight.

For these students, access to education can mean overcoming barriers far beyond the challenges of a typical school day. Through weekly online classes, dedicated volunteer educators, and access to the technology and resources needed to participate, the program provides an opportunity for students to continue working toward their educational goals.

Classrooms Without Walls is currently raising funds to help students in Afghanistan access the devices they need to participate in their studies and cover the costs associated with completing their GED exams.

We are proud to recognize Mr. Fox, Ms. Zantingh, and Ms. Ameen for sharing their time and expertise, and for demonstrating the impact education can have across communities and borders.