Siena Construction is hosting a benefit screening and discussion of the award-winning documentary What Tomorrow Brings (Principle Pictures, 2015). The film focuses on Razia Jan and the founding of the Zabuli Education Center, the first all-girls school in rural Afghanistan that has become a celebrated symbol of progress and the advancement of women.

The screening takes place on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016 at 7:30 PM at the Brattle Theatre (40 Brattle Street) in Cambridge. The screening will be preceded by a welcoming reception from 5:00-7:00 at Alden & Harlow, adjacent to the theatre. After the film, Razia Jan and the film’s director Beth Murphy will be on hand to discuss community-based education and the film-making process.

What Tomorrow Brings provides unprecedented access to one year in the life of the first all-girls school in a remote, conservative Afghan village. From the school’s beginnings in 2009 to its first graduation in 2015, the film traces the interconnected stories of students, teachers, village elders, parents, and school founder Razia Jan.

Born in Afghanistan, Jan moved to the United States in 1970 and is a longtime Massachusetts resident. She is the founder of the Zabuli Education Center, having worked for many years to forge connections between Afghans and Americans. Razia has received many awards for her humanitarian work, including being named a CNN Top 10 Hero in 2012.

Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation is a nonprofit organization that empowers young women in Afghanistan through community-based education. Founded on the belief that education is key to positive, peaceful change for current and future generations, the Foundation provides young Afghans with the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment, so that they may work toward brighter futures — in their own villages and beyond.

Siena’s president Terrence Hayes reflected on the firm’s ongoing support for this life-changing international organization.

“Razia’s Ray of Hope is an inspiring non-profit that is dedicated to improving the futures of young women and families through education,” said Hayes. “For those who don’t know about Razia’s story, the program will surely be an inspiring call-to-action for educational awareness and equality. We’re honored and humbled to lend support to Razia, and we hope you will join us in November.”

Registration and attendance for the event is free and via invitation only. For media inquiries, or more information about attending, please contact Siena’s Andrew Peterson at apeterson@sienaconstruction.com.

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