Who is responsible for creating the Reach Lesotho Program?
The Reach Lesotho Program is a joint initiative between the Upper Grand District School Board, Bracelet of Hope, and Student Reach International.
Who is Student Reach International?
Student Reach International is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing students with humanitarian opportunities. SRI envisions students playing an integral role in overcoming global poverty. By providing means to show compassion and global awareness, SRI motivates students to better the lives of communities, families and children who are living in impoverished conditions. We believe that encouraging students to be aware and involved will have a lasting impact not only in communities overseas, but also in communities here in Canada.
Founded in 2007, Student Reach has motivated thousands of students to take advantage of humanitarian opportunities. Through Stand Up’s leadership development programming, Student Reach International is inspiring young people to Reach In. Each and every day, our campaigns empower students to Reach Out. By supporting and assisting students with their humanitarian efforts, students are able to Reach Beyond obstacles and truly make a positive impact in the world.
Who is Bracelet of Hope?
Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik is a mom, a family doctor and an HIV physician in Guelph, Ontario. In 2005, she founded and now directs the Masai Centre for Local, Regional and Global Health, in response to the growing numbers of HIV/AIDS patients in the Guelph area. The birth of an HIV negative boy named Masai to two HIV positive parents from Ethiopia in 2003 turned Anne-Marie into an international AIDS activist.
In 2005, Anne-Marie launched the Bracelet of Hope campaign with a goal of raising $1 million in Guelph for the OHAfrica Tšepong Clinic in Lesotho. With the help of over 100 volunteers, that goal was reached in October 2008. Anne-Marie’s dream now is to take the campaign national, across Canada, with the ultimate goal of freeing Lesotho in southern Africa from the death grip of HIV/AIDS.
Anne-Marie graduated from the University of Guelph and McMaster University Medical School. She’s a regional HIV specialist and is a member of the Board of Directors of OHAfrica, the Canadian-based international AIDS service organization that provides leadership support to the Tšepong HIV/AIDS Clinic in Lesotho.
For more information visit: www.braceletofhope.ca
What kinds of things will the students be participating in throughout 2009-2011 (up until departure for Lesotho)?
The students will be participating in ongoing curriculum material as they work towards the completion of the Grade 12 University credit Issues in Human Rights.
They will also be participating in various fundraising initiatives, including the organization of community events and initiatives, presentations and workshops for other students and schools and finally, team-building group sessions.
These students are expected to still maintain a full course load at their respective high schools and are encouraged to remain involved in any other extra curricular sports/ activities that they choose to pursue.
What kinds of things will the students be doing in Lesotho?
Students will be involved in three different community initiatives while in Lesotho. These initiatives will have been previously set up by the community and will be highly sustainable both before and after the students’ arrival and departure from the country. These volunteering initiatives are set up to allow for students to interact with local community members and other Basotho students.
We hope to be able to match our 12 canadian students with twelve basotho students who also share a passion for volunteerism and cross- cultural understanding. Together they will learn about each other, issues that face both countries and what solutions they can see in their future. Moreover, we encourage that they develop lasting friendships and hope that they can use the tools we provide them to further their understanding of our world, human interaction and youth activism.
Who will be going to Africa in the summer of 2011?
Twelve students (see home page) have been selected to travel to Lesotho, Africa in the summer of 2011. Three teacher advisors from three different Guelph high schools and three student leaders from the Guelph area will also be traveling with the students to provide supervision, encouragement and support. To meet the team who will be facilitating the high school credit, the fundraising efforts, trip preparation and travel experience, please visit our Who’s Involved page.
How long is the trip to Africa?
The trip to Africa will last for approximately three weeks.
How do you pronounce “Lesotho?”
“Le- Soo- Too”
How much does the Reach Lesotho Program cost per participant?
The 12 selected students are expected to pay a total of $2,000 per student. This price is all- inclusive, however outside of this $2,000, students are expected to participate in group fundraising initiatives to help off-set the cost of the entire program itself.
What if I have more questions?
Further questions can be directed to: info@reachlesotho.com
