Ottawa, Ontario – Today, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced $250,000 in additional funding for the Afghan Canadian Community Centre (ACCC). This funding will allow the ACCC to continue providing successful literacy courses and training in Kandahar city. "The Afghan Canadian Community Centre has successfully helped more than 1,800 students, 57 percent of whom are female, gain the literacy and needed skills to earn a better income,” said Minister Oda. "As of October 2009, 83 per cent of ACCC graduates have found employment. This is the kind of development success that Canadians can be proud of in our work to improve the lives of the Afghan people, particularly young women." The ACCC is a private training centre in Kandahar City that provides professional education in such subjects as business management, information technology, English and health care. This additional support will enable the Centre to continue delivering valuable training, establish a resource centre, and implement a self-sustainability plan. For more information on Canada's Engagement in Afghanistan, please visit: www.Afghanistan.gc.ca. -30- Information: Justin Broekema Press Secretary Office of the Minister of International Cooperation Telephone: 819-953-6238 Media Relations Office Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Telephone: 819-953-6534 Email: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca