Education Generation strives to recognize organizations that teach education differently.  While an innovative program may include an incubator for entrepreneurial ideas, a classic guitar and music session to accompany studies, or exam preparation for the Ivy League, we often look past half (or sometimes more) of the equation.  Girls!

Girls are a powerful means for social change, but there’s no doubt women everywhere have to fight for an equal share of opportunity.  Often a (more) neglected issue in the developing world, girls’ rights are set aside for the more favorable investment of boys education where a higher paying job may support the future of the supporting family.  Young girls are often forced out of school to marry young and attend to family chores, which deprives them of education and higher paid economic opportunities.  While we know girls everywhere have the power to change the world, they often lack the support to do so.  

Kathy Calvin, CEO of the United Nations Foundation, writes “A healthy, educated, empowered adolescent girl has the unique potential to break the cycle of poverty.  She is likely to have fewer and healthier children and earn higher wages to support her family and drive economic growth. All of this promotes more productive and stable communities and countries – enhancing global prosperity and security and benefiting us all.”

So it’s time to support this progressive education model, benefitting all with the women of the next generation for educational empowerment.  EdGen hosts many female student leaders knowing that girl power is in deed one of global developments most potent weapons against poverty.  We work together $20 at a time to make investments in girls’ education so that one day this is no longer a radical change for education systems.  

Want to Create Change?  The girls of Northern Ghana get the support to attend school with the Create Change Foundation.  These leading girls exemplify their desire to contribute by becoming leaders inside and out of the classroom.  Guided with a mentorship program, Create Change Club Days go beyond the walls of the classroom to support learning in governance and the power of democracy, social media and the power of the internet, health, hygiene and wellness, career planning and more. 

Support the girls of Create Change with Education Generation.

Support girls scholarships with Education Generation.

Read more from Kathy Calvin, CEO of United Nations Foundation, Global Change Starts with Girls.

From Kathy Calvin and the Skoll World Forum found at http://skollworldforum.org/2013/03/28/global-change-starts-with-girls/

Educate! has led a new path to bring their youth and Uganda’s future into light.  Developing a curriculum based on social entrepreneurship, the school builds students who in turn build their own communities.  Educate!’s curriculum gets students to identify a social or environmental problem in their community, then conceive a functioning venture to solve it.  

Government, faced with rising unemployment and a disengaged youth culture has since adopted Educate!’s leadership and entrepreneurship curriculum.  Circulating through nearly 1,000 schools and influencing more than 45,000 high school students, Educate! is helping Ugandan’s focus initiatives that build their own communities for an entire nation.

Education Generation is proud to be partnered with an organization making systemic change through education.  Focused on empowering youth, we believe there is no greater way to invest in the future than through education.  Education is an investment in people, communities and in future local economies, striving to reach the full potential of humanity.    

Meet two of EdGen’s Educate! students:   

Samuel Mwesigwa is an aspiring farmer. He sees a need in his community to provide jobs and has done so with a few projects to help his community while getting his farm started. 

 Support Samuel’s scholarship

Milton Mwesiga is an aspiring lawyer.  He created opportunity for his family’s pineapple farm by making jam. Already raising a profit, he hopes this will one day fund his continuing education into law. 

Support Milton’s Scholarship

Read more from Educate!

EdGen founder Shawn Smith was recently in Quito visiting the Condor Trust offices learning about the wraparound support for their students:

“It’s really impressive to see how Condor supports the whole student, and their family, to not only complete their educational programs but to contribute to their communities and understand what their opportunities are going forward. We’ve always been so impressed by how thoughtful the organization’s leadership is, and we’re thrilled with how things are going, including the graduation of Fatima and Gaby and the progress of all fourteen of those on EdGen scholarships this year.

In the short time we were in the Quito office, a student came by to pick up eyeglasses provided through an additional program, a mother stopped by for a sensitive conversation regarding her families struggles to support their daughter’s education, and a group of students took part in a regular guitar lesson delivered by a volunteer instructor. This is an organization that understands the success of their students is dependent on so much more than study time, and strives to ensure they have the support they need.”

 We Thank You for your continued support of Condor Trust students, and definitely get in touch if you’d like to learn more about Condor Trust!

Support a Condor Trust Student Scholarship

I decided to support EdGen through my birthday because access to education matters.  Education is one of the most important ways to fight poverty worldwide. 

EdGen partners with some of the best education models worldwide. I was really impressed with the thoughtfulness of EdGen in identifying really innovative educational models that went beyond just math and science to build up community leaders ready to tackle the problems they faced in their communities. Part of why I chose Harriet and Joshua was because I was really impressed with the education partner Educate! in Uganda. At Educate!, education goes beyond the classroom walls and students come away with the skills to run their own ventures.

I met many of my closest friends in university, and have been able to do what I do today only because I received an education. Birthdays are a time to gregariously celebrate with friends. I don’t need another bottle of wine or a package of socks from my aunt – but it is pretty cool that we were able to send two incredible students to school through all of this.

If you want to pledge your birthday just like Sean, email us info@educationgeneration.org. We’d love to hear how you plan to celebrate in support of EdGen scholars!

We build on partnerships with institutions that focus on a new education model, emphasizing leadership development, entrepreneurial training, creative thinking, and market relevant skills to foster the growth of students past string memorization methods.  Our partners excel in their communities as leaders and mentors, often being recognized globally for their innovations in the development education model and community feats.  

Our fellows have great experiences working internationally, building personal character as well as gaining real working experience with our partners.  Every day is an adventure where you’ll be sure to meet challenges head on, be part of the change for a community to call your own, and make lasting memories with every new face you’ll meet.  This is an incredible experience to be hands on with international development, honing your skills for social enterprise, community development, international relations and more.  Get experience while traveling the world, share your photos and stories to bring in the new Education Generation.  

To apply, visit our Fellows page and download the fellowship application.  We want to hear what makes you great, and why you care about international development.  Have any skills or talents to showcase? This is your time to shine.  Reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter @EDGen, or reach us at info@educationgeneration.org.  

We look forward to hearing from you!

EdGen Team

I’m overwhelmed by the sight of completed walls, a gleaming tin roof, and paint that invites life and learning into the large three room school.  I am blessed to know the joy of the children as they dance, and celebrate with the grande opening ceremony.  I can picture their joy to sit in class enjoying the fruit of the community’s hard work.  

I am delighted to see so many familiar faces in the crowd.  Students that posed for pictures, laughed at my Dagbani greetings, and played games with me in the sand.  The others who made this possible, leading a great community organization and hosting me for my time spent in Ghana.  Very proud of Samson, Emmanuel, Zach. Eunice, Fayuda, Mary, Benedicta, Beatrice, and Shannen of Creating Change Ghana for your hard work and dedication to changing the lives of these students with the power of education.  And Thank You Yapala for having me be part of this.

Congratulations Yapala Community, you built this.  It will be cherished for generations to come. 

Be part of our Fellows program to make a difference in a deserving community.  Contact me at Dylan@educationgeneration.org or @DRYSFU to speak about my experience.  Visit our Fellows page to learn more and apply to be an EdGen Fellow.  

Note that Education Generation does not build primary schools, but we do support the activities of our field partners that may engage in community building at all levels.   Be part of the New Education Generation.

Be part of the experience and donate your birthday in 2013 to deserving student leaders in the developing world.  To start the year off right, all student donations are being matched! This is a great time to double your impact for developing world education.

“The ability to share my birthday with EdGen and help celebrate the potential of young people to reach their dreams was amazing.” – Connie Chong
“I do believe that education is the route out of poverty.” – Carolyn Clarke

Our Birthday campaigns are simple to set up and are a rewarding and memorable way to make a meaningful contribution to students lives.  Fun too, you’ll be surprised how well received your campaign can be. 

“It was really easy. Simply through social media encouragement, my friends came through. In total we raised just over $2100.” – Connie Chong
“My friends donated much more than I expected.” – Robbie Hsieh

Thank you so much to all our Birthday Campaigners for their enthusiasm and generosity!

If you want to use your Birthday to change the world, nothing is easier!

Contact us at caroline@educationgeneration.org.  The Edgen team is here to help you set up your campaign to make an influential community drive for student leaders all over the world!

“Nothing beats celebrating your birthday with your closest friends and family. Better yet, nothing beats making a difference to the lives of two talented students.” Susan and Chantal, Birthday donors

Upcoming Vancouver Fundraiser!

Come join us this January 30th to celebrate a great year with Sam Thiara.  As a passionate community steward, Sam is also an EdGen birthday donor.  A night of celebration with appy’s and drinks, great friends and a big network.  Come join for a night of fun and inspirational story telling with Sam and friends.

Free Registration                                          Sam’s blog
http://sams5050-2012.eventbrite.ca           http://sams50-50.com

Remember all of our current donations to students are being matched!  This is a great time to double your impact to developing world education.  This is the new Education Generation.  

The EdGen Team

Photo courtesy nuchylee at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Education Generation has received the perfect Christmas present this week, with an offer from an anonymous donor to MATCH all scholarship donations up to $5000 between now and January 31st. That’s right – every $1 you put towards a scholarship in the next few weeks is worth $2, and we can double the number of students supported over that time. How’s that for a happy holiday!

How will we apply the match to students?

We will do our best to add the matches directly to each student supported, but as this is done manually (and over the holidays) scholarships may be fulfilled before we can do so – in this case we will apply the match to the next most urgent student. 

How can I tell?

You will see a donation from a donor named “ANONYMOUS MATCH” on any scholarship where the match is applied, and we’ll update the blog and social media feeds with how much of the match has been used. 

Who is this donor?

While the donor wishes to remain anonymous, they live in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, and this is their first donation to the organization. We’re really excited they’re willing to help us help you double your impact with it, and looking forward to the challenge of raising $5000 to earn the match.

What happens if you don’t raise $5000?

We will get matched for as much as we raise. We’re confident we can do it. 

Let us know if you have any other questions, but otherwise find a student who’s story speaks to you and make sure to let us know about your amazing gift giving skills on Twitter or Facebook, as we would love to share your stories with our online community.

Share with your friends and help us reach $5000 and let’s make this holiday season a memorable one!

Merry Christmas,

Shawn Smith (Co-Founder) and the EdGen team

Featured Students

I must start with ‘Thank You’ to the people in my life that sent me to Africa.  I owe everything to my friends and family who knew this would spark fire to my personal development and professional goals.  Thanks to Scot and Tricia Brady for orientating me in Accra.  A special thanks to my grandmother and grandfather for passing along the genes for social development.  Acting as missionaries in South Korea after war divided the area, my grandparents were instrumental in aid efforts bringing hundreds of rescued orphans to the safe harbour of the Canadian prairies.  I am so happy to have shared this experience with the both of you! (and thank you Skype )  Thanks to Creating Change Ghana (and Canada) for hosting me graciously in your home villages and making me instantly part of your community voice.  Our work together is just starting.  Thank You EdGen for believing in me to represent our work abroad and gain from hands on experience with our close partners and heart-stirring communities.  I have met so many people along the way that it’s overwhelming to think about.  I know we will all stay close and fate will inevitably bring us together again with our common passion for knowledge, social development and discovery.  

Slowly, life floats back to normal like a snowflake from the sky.  Knowing its origin, yet unaware of its destination, the snowflake knows only that it will change the landscape once it lands.  I am getting used to a new life in Vancouver Canada, only vaguely familiar to the one I had left.  With a new lens to my perspective, a focus to my efforts and a snap back to reality I hope to capture my ambition for social change.  Thanks to everyone who shared in my words, I will be sure to continue sharing my stories in every way possible.  Back to the snow where this little snowflake will dream of melting again in the hot Ghanaian sun.  

-Dylan

Thanks for following me!

Twitter @DRYSFU    Instagram@king_andi    Friend me on Facebook@Dylan.Hrycyshen
EducationGeneration on Facebook   And Tweet us @EdGen
Create Change on Facebook    And Tweet us @CreateChangeNow
Donate on the web to these projects and others @CreateChangeNow.ca     @EducationGeneration.org

That’s all for my Ghana Adventures Blog!!  Stay tuned to EdGen for more stories from our fellows and deserving students. 

People gather here for quiet reflection, using the viewpoint to inspire dreams without boundaries and make change as far reaching as the panoramic landscape below.  As a crown to the Greater Accra region sits Ashesi University.  This is a place of leaders, of thinkers, of doers and I’ve been summoned from above to view the pinnacle of Ghana’s educational facilities.  

Ashesi University boasts a very reputable liberal arts education program in a region where liberal arts is not the norm.  Teaching students how to think is the basis for learning, pushing leadership and personal development to ensure student success.  With programs in arts and science, business, and computer science, students are engaged in building robots and leading an African tech rush.  Pushing the country’s moral foundation is important too, with students practicing right from wrong through a student led and enforced honour code.  

I was happy to accept an invitation to be part of class, watching a handful of skits creating debate over hot ethical issues surrounding African life and work.  Full with the animation and humour surrounding Ghanaian life, the class was a treat. With only a few breaks to breathe between the laughter, class was effective to exemplify issues pressing to the young undergrads.  Empowering the youth of Africa for a greater tomorrow is not a cliche at Ashesi.  It is designed in every program, practiced with every class, and embodied with every student’s progression through academia.  Named after the Twi word for beginnings, Ashesi has started a revolution for African education that will continue to lead the people to new heights.  

See founder Patrick Awuah speak about his dream for Ashesi at TED

Explore the links below to discover more on Ashesi University.

http://www.ashesi.edu.gh/impact/why-ashesi-matters.html

http://www.ashesi.org/

Ashesi in Bloomberg Businessweek

Elevated heights will show me new beginnings as I make the journey back home to Canada.  Enjoying the view between the earth and the stars, I too can dream more freely of the opportunity and excitement surrounding African life.  It has truly been a fantasy to be part of Ghana.  Thanks to everyone I have met along the way for showing me the true beauty of Africa.  

-Dylan

Follow me on Twitter @DRYSFU    Instagram@king_andi    Friend me on Facebook@Dylan.Hrycyshen
EducationGeneration on Facebook   And Tweet us @EdGen
Create Change on Facebook          And Tweet us @CreateChangeNow

Donate on the web to these projects and others @CreateChangeNow.ca     @EducationGeneration.org
Stay tuned for more on my blog!! (Probably only one more to go!)