#AllowAtena to Continue her Education in Canada
Donation protected
SOME BACKGROUND: The Economic War
The conflict between Iran and the US is a long, lengthy, complicated story- to say the least…
The most recent scandal involved Trumps withdrawal from the JCPOA.
In 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was established between the P5+1 (UK, US, Russia, France, and Germany) to limit nuclear production in the Iranian state.
Trumps was skeptical about Iran’s ability to follow through with the JCPOA, thus, withdrew from the agreement May 8 2018. As of now, the UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) verifies that Iran has kept up with JCPOA obligations, however many countries are still in denial.
Upon withdrawal, the US reinstated new sanctions to put an end to Iran’s aggressive agenda; hoping it will comply to be a more ‘civilized’ state.
The new sanctions target both Iran and the states that trade with it. Sanctions are put on dozens of major Iran banks, vessels, aircrafts, transport ships, and oil exporters; taking a toll on Iran’s largest economic income.
In turn, the Iranian state is currently in crisis. The currency has plummeted, and to make matters worse, SWIFT financial messaging service (responsible for communication for bank transactions across borders) has stopped services with Iranian banks blacklisted by the US. All-in-all, Iran has become absolutely isolated from the international financial system.
HOW CAN I HELP? : Atena's Situation
Whether or not the Iranian government truly followed through with their obligations, the media has failed to address how this political war has affected ordinary citizens, like my classmate, neighbor and best friend Atena.
Atena is a 3rd year university student in Canada. She is only a few semesters away from graduation, and more importantly, only 1 year away from attaining her work permit needed to become a permanent resident in Canada.
If Atena fails to pay for next semesters tuition soon, she will be forced out of Canada. Consequently, this would postpone her education, and worse, prolong the process for permanent residency in Canada IF the Canadian gov’t allows her to re-enter and try again.
Sanctions on Iran’s financial institutions and the withdrawal of SWIFT financial messaging service, has largely impaired the value of Iranian currency, making school almost 4 times the burden it once was. Likewise, sanctions on international banking makes it almost impossible for locals to transfer money outside the borders of Iran. In other words, this prohibits her family from sending money for her to finish her education.
At this point, all financial means have been exhausted. The only option left for Atena is to find a Canadian sponsor willing to pay for her tuition. Since she is an international student she doesn’t know a lot of people in Canada (except for students like us who can barely afford our own education!), this becomes quite a challenge.
With this is mind, I reach out to all of YOU to help my friend during this difficult time. Atena is truly adored by all of those in her community and it would be devastating for many of us to see her go for such unfortunate circumstances.
This plea is not trying to defend Iran/ US and take side in any political conflict. My biggest concern is that political conflict has local consequences… and citizens should not have to suffer in consequence of their governments inability to cooperate and negotiate peacefully. I pray that you can put politics aside and acknowledge this young girl’s aspiration for a better life in Canada.
If we can help Atena attain the money needed for her next semester, we can extend her time in Canada, help her graduate, give her access to a work permit, and change her life for the better!
For those of you who know Atena, you know she would do anything and everything to help someone who needs it. Let us show her how we much we appreciate her by donating or sharing this page on social media! All your help is beyond appreciated!! <3
EDIT: If our goal is not reached (But hopefully this is not the case) all proceeds will be forwarded to a charity with a similar cause. Updates on this is coming soon! #AllowAtena
The conflict between Iran and the US is a long, lengthy, complicated story- to say the least…
The most recent scandal involved Trumps withdrawal from the JCPOA.
In 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was established between the P5+1 (UK, US, Russia, France, and Germany) to limit nuclear production in the Iranian state.
Trumps was skeptical about Iran’s ability to follow through with the JCPOA, thus, withdrew from the agreement May 8 2018. As of now, the UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) verifies that Iran has kept up with JCPOA obligations, however many countries are still in denial.
Upon withdrawal, the US reinstated new sanctions to put an end to Iran’s aggressive agenda; hoping it will comply to be a more ‘civilized’ state.
The new sanctions target both Iran and the states that trade with it. Sanctions are put on dozens of major Iran banks, vessels, aircrafts, transport ships, and oil exporters; taking a toll on Iran’s largest economic income.
In turn, the Iranian state is currently in crisis. The currency has plummeted, and to make matters worse, SWIFT financial messaging service (responsible for communication for bank transactions across borders) has stopped services with Iranian banks blacklisted by the US. All-in-all, Iran has become absolutely isolated from the international financial system.
HOW CAN I HELP? : Atena's Situation
Whether or not the Iranian government truly followed through with their obligations, the media has failed to address how this political war has affected ordinary citizens, like my classmate, neighbor and best friend Atena.
Atena is a 3rd year university student in Canada. She is only a few semesters away from graduation, and more importantly, only 1 year away from attaining her work permit needed to become a permanent resident in Canada.
If Atena fails to pay for next semesters tuition soon, she will be forced out of Canada. Consequently, this would postpone her education, and worse, prolong the process for permanent residency in Canada IF the Canadian gov’t allows her to re-enter and try again.
Sanctions on Iran’s financial institutions and the withdrawal of SWIFT financial messaging service, has largely impaired the value of Iranian currency, making school almost 4 times the burden it once was. Likewise, sanctions on international banking makes it almost impossible for locals to transfer money outside the borders of Iran. In other words, this prohibits her family from sending money for her to finish her education.
At this point, all financial means have been exhausted. The only option left for Atena is to find a Canadian sponsor willing to pay for her tuition. Since she is an international student she doesn’t know a lot of people in Canada (except for students like us who can barely afford our own education!), this becomes quite a challenge.
With this is mind, I reach out to all of YOU to help my friend during this difficult time. Atena is truly adored by all of those in her community and it would be devastating for many of us to see her go for such unfortunate circumstances.
This plea is not trying to defend Iran/ US and take side in any political conflict. My biggest concern is that political conflict has local consequences… and citizens should not have to suffer in consequence of their governments inability to cooperate and negotiate peacefully. I pray that you can put politics aside and acknowledge this young girl’s aspiration for a better life in Canada.
If we can help Atena attain the money needed for her next semester, we can extend her time in Canada, help her graduate, give her access to a work permit, and change her life for the better!
For those of you who know Atena, you know she would do anything and everything to help someone who needs it. Let us show her how we much we appreciate her by donating or sharing this page on social media! All your help is beyond appreciated!! <3
EDIT: If our goal is not reached (But hopefully this is not the case) all proceeds will be forwarded to a charity with a similar cause. Updates on this is coming soon! #AllowAtena
Organizer
Madison Winter
Organizer
Abbotsford, BC
