Partners
Students who enter the Global Stewardship Program have diverse career goals: international development, (NGOs and IGOs), journalism, teaching, community development, politics, business and nursing, among others. But what they all share is a desire to make a difference in their world. Through a unique curriculum combining classroom study and engaged service learning, students learn how to become change makers while completing their first two years of university.
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Global Stewardship Program at Capilano University are working on an exciting new project aims to engage youth not only to raise awareness about the UN Millennium Development Goals (UNMDG’s); but create acommunity of young social entrepreneurs whose sole mission is to take action on the UN MDG’s. For more information check out this link.
*Previous Stratosphere participants that join the Global Stewardship program can receive Capilano University credit for their completed Stratosphere program!
The purposes of the (Independent School Association of BC) ISABC are to foster and encourage the establishment and operation of independent schools in BC. In a spirit of collaboration, the Association draws more closely together the Heads of Schools, school administrators, teachers, and students. The ISABC intends that the Association will be recognized globally as a leading voice in education and has adopted a strong process of advocacy for its member schools. The member schools engage in collaborative professional development as a basis for enhancing teaching and learning in the schools.
With over twenty years experience in the non-profit world, Saundra Schimmelpfennig of Good Intentions is intimately familiar with all sides of charity. Most recently Saundra spent four years in Thailand assisting with the tsunami recovery efforts. During her time in Thailand she saw the best and worst of aid. It became very clear that good intentions alone, are not enough. Because of this experience, Saundra has spent the last two years working to educate donors and volunteers to help ensure that their efforts match their good intentions.
Costa Rica is a world leader in biodiversity and has prioritized protecting its environment for future generations. Costa Rica is ranked #1 in the Americas in terms of the Environment Performance Index. It is an amazing example of environmental conservation. Our partner, Asociación de Voluntarios para el Servicio (ASVO) is a Costa Rican non-profit founded 20 years ago that seeks to raise awareness on natural resource conservation. ASVO volunteers are a vital component of maintaining Costa Rica’s stunning national parks and beaches. ASVO provides an opportunity to learn with rangers, scientists, and volunteers from different parts of the world. ASVO collaborates with national and foreign volunteers, local communities, schools, high schools, universities, governmental institutions and other environmental organizations.
There are an estimated 370,000 orphaned and abandoned children in Guatemala (a country of only 13 million people). Most of these children live in overcrowded state run facilities or on the street. Project Somos, a Vancouver based charity, wants to bring attention to this situation and do their small part in helping some of Guatemala’s homeless children. Project Somos is a new foster home community that will support 50 or more children in foster homes with Guatemalan foster mothers.
Did you know that in countries such as Uganda girls miss school every month during menstruation? This has a huge impact on their success at school.They fall behind in their studies and struggle to recover. Afri-Pads employs a primarily female staff to make high quality reusable cloth menstrual pads. Their pads are sold at a low price or provided free to local girls and women.
Solar Sister is a social enterprise that trains and supports Ugandan women in creating solar micro-businesses. The enterprise is described as “Avon style” where women sell solar lanterns part time. The solar lanterns are simple and inexpensive. They cost the equivalent of a 3 month supply of kerosene. And they are much safer and healthier than traditional kerosene lamps.
TASO (The AIDS Support Organization) is a world famous Ugandan run AIDS organization that has been instrumental in Uganda’s fight against the disease. TASO offers home-based care, outreach clinics, day care centres, and medical care. As well, they counsel people with HIV/AIDS, their families, and their communities. TASO also provides apprenticeship programs, youth groups, and support to AIDS orphans.They use drama, music and dance to reach out to Ugandan communities to teach them about AIDS and combat stigmas related to the disease.
Many Ugandans are subsistence farmers and farming provides the primary source of work for rural Ugandans. How do farmers move from subsistence based farming to making a profit? They need access to knowledge, training,and to inexpensive solutions for irrigation and fertilization.This produces a long term, sustainable solution to pay for housing, house supplies, their children’s education, and help families save for medical support and other emergencies. It also helps remove dependency on the UN World Food Program and other outside food resources to improve local food security. Tekera is an unusual form of a social enterprise founded by a Canadian nurse and her husband. Community members participate in a agriculture project in return for medical services. Since it started they have also opened a primary school, started a craft business, and started a farmer’s co-operative.
Passion Foundation’s mission is to help young women achieve personal success in life by supporting each other. By providing opportunities for self exploration and positive role modeling they help young women to connect with their life purpose while being part of a community of success oriented peers; building on leadership and mentorship skills. Passion Foundation has worked with young women in Canada, India, Kenya, and Uganda.