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About the association
Our belief is captured in this motto:
Preserving cultural identity, social integration, and defending human rights and human dignity
1. History and introduction
The Association of Afghans in Finland (KANUN ry) was founded in 1382 in the Solar Hijri calendar, i.e. in 2003, on the initiative of a number of cultural figures and social activists of the Afghan community living in Finland. During its first four years the association operated under the name “Afghanistan Development and Cooperation Association”, and at the annual congress in 2008 its name was changed to “Association of Afghans in Finland”.
The Association of Afghans in Finland (KANUN ry) is a non-governmental, independent and democratic organisation working in the fields of culture, education, social affairs, sports and human rights. Its activities cover the whole of Finland, and through its website and communication networks it also keeps in contact with Afghan citizens in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world.
In cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organisations, the association works to preserve cultural identity, raise awareness and social participation, and improve the living conditions of Afghan citizens.
2. Three main areas of our work
A. Preserving and developing Afghan culture and identity
Preserving and strengthening the mother tongue, culture, history, customs and cultural heritage of Afghans and passing them on to future generations, especially children and young people.
B. Adaptation and social integration
Supporting the adaptation and integration of Afghan citizens through language teaching and an introduction to the culture, laws, rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and creating opportunities for their active participation in education, society and working life, while preserving their cultural identity and mother tongue.
C. Defending human rights ideals
Defending human rights values and human freedoms, fighting racism and discrimination, and supporting social justice.
3. Structure and governance
The association is governed according to the principles of democracy, member participation, transparency and accountability.
Annual meeting of members
Provides the opportunity to present the activity report, evaluate activities, exchange views and review the association’s future plans.
Executive board
Responsible for running day-to-day affairs, managing activities and implementing the association’s programmes and decisions within the framework of the statutes.
Board of founders
Holds a historical, supportive and moral role in the association’s activities.
4. Main goals of the association
- 1. Defending human rights, fundamental freedoms, social justice and human dignity.
- 2. Preserving, strengthening and promoting Afghan culture, mother tongue, history and identity.
- 3. Supporting the adaptation and social integration of Afghan citizens into Finnish society and raising their awareness of the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of citizenship.
- 4. Developing cultural, educational, social and sports activities, especially for children, teenagers, young people and women.
- 5. Supporting women, children, ethnic and religious minorities, migrants and asylum seekers, and working to eliminate discrimination and injustice.
- 6. Strengthening the unity, solidarity, cooperation and civic and social participation of Afghan citizens.
- 7. Taking part in humanitarian work and working to improve public welfare.
- 8. Cooperating with organisations and institutions towards shared goals.
- 9. Providing information and raising awareness in the cultural, educational, social and human rights fields.
- 10. Introducing Finland’s experiences and achievements, especially in the scientific, educational, cultural and social fields, and creating opportunities to share these experiences with Afghanistan.
6. Financial resources
The association is funded from the following legal and legitimate sources:
- 1. Membership fees and voluntary donations from individuals and organisations.
- 2. Grants and project support from government bodies, municipalities, foundations and relevant organisations.
- 3. Carrying out cultural, educational, social and sports projects and programmes.
- 4. Income from permitted activities and from producing and selling cultural and educational products, publications, books, films and handicrafts.
- 5. Organising gatherings, festivals and cultural and sports events, and the voluntary participation of members and supporters.
All of the association’s financial resources are used to achieve its goals, and its finances are managed and supervised in accordance with the statutes and the relevant regulations.
Become a member
Membership is open to everyone who supports the association's purpose. Fill in the membership form on the Contact page.