Family endures great loss to come to Canada, surviving member still not safe

For most of her life, Razma Zafari’s biggest dream was something most Canadians take for granted: to go to school and learn English. And for more than two decades, the universe conspired to prevent it. Read Vancouver Sun article

The Canucks Family Education Centre provides help to families through high school upgrading classes for adults and the Get Ready 2 Read (GR2R) program for preschool children. Read Vancouver Sun article or Unabridged version

In 2007, Margarita fled a dangerous situation in El Salvador, leaving behind her baby son without knowing when or if she would see him again. In 2013, the Canucks Family Education Centre played a prominent role in reuniting Margarita with her son Mariano in Canada.

Barakzai is studying English and math through courses offered via a partnership between the Canucks Family Education Centre and the Vancouver school board. Her preschool children take part in CFEC’s Get Ready 2 Read (GR2R) early learning program, which runs concurrently while the parents are in class. Funds from The Vancouver Sun’s Raise-a-Reader campaign help…

Donations from generous Vancouver Sun and Province readers have resulted in over $23 million in funds for Raise-a-Reader beneficiaries since 1997. This year’s campaign runs Sept. 20 to 27. Read the Vancouver Sun Article