About IWEN

History:

A dream for many was put into motion in November of 2004 in a Kelowna, British Columbia living room over coffee and international goodies. Those that gathered had the common goal of valuing education. Those present that evening all held the belief that education was one of the answers to women's dilemmas especially in developing countries. Together they decided to start an "Educational Society for Women".

The opportunity arose to take an existing society and expand its objectives to include overseas education. In June of 2005 the society was reborn as IWEN, "Inter-cultural Women's Educational Network "

IWEN is a Non-Profit Society, directed by eight Board Directors. The Directors as a group have extensive experience and knowledge in the non-profit sector, education, counseling, social work and living in third world countries.

November 2005 IWEN received charitable status as a Registered Charity. All donations over $20.00 are acknowledged with tax-deductible receipts.

IWEN Believes that…

Human beings, in particular women, have within themselves the capacity to change their lives for the better if given an opportunity.
Women hold a central role in shaping the personal, social and emotional welfare of their children within the family context.
Education for women not only promotes a better life for her but assists the development of the whole family.
Nepalese culture, traditions, and customs surrounding women need to be respected in their entirety.
Women can choose for themselves what cultural traditions and customs they want to incorporate into the changes they wish to make in their lives.
Education promotes personal and social responsibility.
Education facilitates the option of having choices in life.
Females awarded scholarships need to be connected to IWEN in a personal manner through the Nepal Director.
Education is not affiliated to any specific religious group and thus IWEN is unaffiliated with any religion

IWEN's Management is Accomplished by….

Using donor and membership funds wisely and efficiently.
Distributing and/or initiating female scholarship programs only when the proper funds are secured.
Connecting people with a program they believe in - Click here for 'How Can I Help?'
Minimizing IWEN's operational expenses in order to maximize the distribution of female scholarships.
Using high standards of financial reporting and accountability
Developing female scholarship programs that are true to IWEN's Vision statement. Click here for main Page
Investigating the trust-worthiness of local non-government organization prior to collaborating in any scholarship sponsorship programs.
Respecting the culture of the female students in all its aspects of their lives.
Distributing and supporting female scholarships without regard to caste, religion, disability, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
Working in a collaborative manner within IWEN's Board structure.
Maximizing the social, educational, third world experience and management skills of each Board Director.
Listening to any recommendations, opinions and/or ideas of members through the use of various types of communication available.
Communicating with the membership in an effective and timely manner