PeaceForward Newsletter 2026
A Message from Our President
Dear Supporter,
I am delighted to share that PeaceForward has officially received charitable status in Canada.
This milestone represents more than a designation—it reflects the collective support, encouragement, and belief of the many individuals who have stood alongside us since our founding. Thank you for being part of this journey.
PeaceForward was established with a vision of advancing peace, education, and empowerment in communities affected by conflict, displacement, and poverty. While we are a young organization, we are already supporting initiatives in Gaza, Burkina Faso, Lebanon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo that promote education, sustainable livelihoods, and community resilience.
Receiving charitable status strengthens our ability to expand this work and provide tax receipts to our generous supporters. More importantly, it positions us to deepen our partnerships and increase our impact in the communities we serve.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to supporting locally led solutions that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for lasting peace and development.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future.
With gratitude,
Dr. Samra Sheikh
President & Co-Founder
PeaceForward
Celebrating a Major Milestone
We are delighted to share that PeaceForward has officially received charitable status in Canada.
This important milestone strengthens our ability to advance peace, education, and community resilience in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities around the world while providing tax receipts to our valued supporters.
In this first edition of the PeaceForward Newsletter, we are pleased to share updates from our work in Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Lebanon, along with opportunities for you to support lasting, community-led change.
Thank you for being part of our journey and helping us build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future.
Our Impact So Far
Burkina Faso
One of the world’s most neglected humanitarian crises, the security situation in Burkina Faso remains unstable. PeaceForward is happy to have focused some attention on this vibrant and energetic country that has seen tremendous challenges in the past few years.
- PeaceForward funded the establishment of a nutrition center
- Completion of borewell outside of Ouagadougou
- We continue to sponsor school children, with a new cohort of elementary school students beginning this Fall.
- Supporting potato-farming co-operatives to increase production
How You Can Help
Sponsor a Child in Burkina Faso
Help provide education, school supplies, healthcare, and protection for orphaned and displaced children affected by conflict.
Support Safe Learning Environments in the DRC
Help rebuild schools, provide educational resources, and promote peace education for children affected by conflict in North and South Kivu.
Women Empowerment Project – Lebanon
This program aims to support vulnerable and displaced women in Lebanon. Through tailored toolkits and trainings, the program enables women to initiate or strengthen sustainable home-based income-generating activities.
Other Ways to Support PeaceForward
- Become a monthly donor
- Share our projects on social media
- Introduce PeaceForward to potential partners and sponsors
- Volunteer your skills and expertise
- Fundraise within your community
Thank you for supporting PeaceForward’s mission to advance peace, education, and opportunity in communities affected by conflict and displacement.
Together, we can help children stay in school, support women rebuilding their livelihoods, and strengthen communities striving for a more sustainable, just, and peaceful future.
We look forward to sharing our progress with you in future editions.
Join Our Board of Directors
As PeaceForward continues to grow, we are seeking a volunteer Board Member to serve as Treasurer/CFO.
We are looking for an individual with a professional accounting designation (CPA preferred) and experience with Canadian charitable organizations, financial oversight, CRA compliance, and nonprofit governance.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing Canadian charity dedicated to advancing peace, education, and community resilience in conflict-affected communities around the world.
If you are interested or would like to learn more, please contact us at contact@peaceforwardcanada.org or samrasheikh@peaceforwardcanada.org
PeaceForward
Registered Charity No. 77370156RR0001