Our Story

In its 18th year, Richmond Secondary School students are offered a course that focuses on global issues called Global Perspectives. Students engage in a year long study of a pre-selected developing country which culminates with a humanitarian field trip where students participate in a two-week community development project in the chosen country. This is will be the second year that a similar venture will be attempted by graduates of the Global Perspective program. The alumni come from varying years of this program and have remained committed to the goals and motivations of Global Perspectives. The intent of the trip is to interact directly with the local community and to help create more opportunities to improve their lives.

The Impact

In August 2006, the Maureen Matheny Academy officially opened its doors to 60 young pupils from all around the country. The elementary school is named after Daniel Igalis (Canadian Olympic Champion) friend and surrogate Canadian Mother, Maureen Matheny- a schoolteacher who believed in the inclusion of athletics in the school curriculum to provide students with a well-balanced educational experience.

In July of 2011, 10 Richmond Secondary School alumni will be traveling to Nigeria where we will be working in the rural village of Enwari located in the Bayelsa State. We will be adding an early education centre to the local school, the Maureen Matheny Academy. 

What We Need

Until our departure we will be undertaking a variety of fundraising projects to finance the project. We are looking for a total of $15 000 that will go directly to obtaining supplies. All year long, alumni have been busy fundraising in various ways including Scratch Cards, Pub Nights and Raffle Baskets. It is our hope that you will be able to support our fundraising efforts in some way.

All the money goes towards building the education centre which includes building supplies, transportation of supplies to the remote village, as well as hiring local workers. No fundraised money is used for travelling costs of the alumni; It is their responsibility to provide funding for themselves.

No donation is too small! We truly need our global community to pitch in and provide education for all, a right we believe every human should have.

Other Ways You Can Help

Spread the message! Tell your friends, neighbours, and co-workers about our cause. With everyone's help, we will be able to reach our goal.