The Paywand Social and Cultural Network (PSCN) envisions a thriving and empowered newcomer’s Canadian community, with the following objectives:
To uphold and celebrate Afghan heritage, cultural traditions, and spiritual values, while nurturing the growth and preservation of a unique Afghan Canadian identity.
To support community members in healing from the trauma resulting from more than four decades of war and conflict in their homeland.
To establish a shared space where individuals and families can voice their personal, family, or community concerns and work collectively to address them.
To empower the community by providing access to resources and opportunities that enable active participation in Canada’s socio-political and economic spheres.
Guided by our vision, we are committed to promote personal independence, good citizenship, community interdependence, and collaboration in the Afghan-Canadian Community through empowerment, and equal participation with mainstream Canada.
To achieve this in a holistic and culturally appropriate approach that includes education, orientations on awareness raising, referrals, direct counselling, outreach, and intervention programs.
To achieve our vision and mission, the Paywand Social and Cultural Network (PSCN) is committed to the following objectives:
Strengthen Afghan cultural, religious, and historical values while nurturing a unique Afghan Canadian identity.
Encourage good citizenship, democratic values, and alignment with Canadian principles of equality and freedom.
Develop culturally sensitive educational, empowerment, and awareness initiatives for youth, seniors, and families to foster self-sufficiency and resolve conflicts.
Assist newcomers and families with integration, reunification, and access to settlement resources.
Promote coexistence and unity within the newcomers community and broader Canadian society.
Muslim funeral practices, including Janazah prayers, washing, shrouding, and prompt burial, honor the deceased with dignity and respect. These rituals fulfill religious duties and reflect the belief that the body is a divine trust.
Mourning practices, such as communal condolences and Quranic recitations, offer emotional and spiritual comfort. They remind mourners of God’s mercy and encourage patience (sabr) and trust in His will (tawakkul).
Funeral rituals strengthen communal ties through collective participation in prayers, burials, and condolences. This fosters unity and mutual care (bradari), reinforcing compassion and empathy.
Mourning rituals remind Muslims of life’s temporary nature and the afterlife (akhirah). They encourage spiritual reflection, good deeds, and acts of charity to honor the deceased and earn spiritual rewards.
Collaborate with government, NGOs, and experts to enhance service quality and community growth.
Implement long-term strategies to address socio-political, economic, and cultural needs of Canadian newcomers.
Provide inclusive, non-discriminatory services in partnership with other agencies to meet individual and family needs.