Search This Blog

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Engagement strategy

Our engagement strategy is informed by A Framework for Action, a working document outlining drivers of change.

 

Key considerations guiding the National Engagement Strategy

1.     The process is premised on a strengths-based approach that recognizes the sector's many assets and seeks to maximize the contributions of charities and nonprofits to Canada and the world.

2.     Events and activities associated with this process are being planned, hosted, implemented and evaluated through shared leadership with colleagues and organizations from across the sector.

3.     Imagine Canada advocates joint ownership with the sector of the success or failure of this process, recognizing that this is a social experiment where many lessons will be learned and where course corrections will be required along the way.

4.     Momentum for the process is being developed by initially engaging a coalition of the willing, recognizing that organizations across the sector will have differing levels of ability and desire to engage as early adopters and that engagement is expected to grow over time.

5.     Even as this process focuses on strengthening the voice, capacity and effectiveness of charities and nonprofits in Canada, the motivating purpose is to maximize the sector's ability to contribute to the quality of life, self-fulfillment and prosperity of Canadians and citizens around the world.

http://www.imaginecanada.ca/node/239

Monday, September 23, 2013

Reach Out and Read - First Winners of Library of Congress Literacy Award Winners Announced

September 22, 2013

First Winners of Library of Congress Literacy Award Winners Announced

Reach Out and Read, 826 National and PlanetRead Receive Prizes

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has chosen the winners of the 2013 Library of Congress Literacy Awards, a new program originated and sponsored by philanthropist David M. Rubenstein.

The recipients are:

David M. Rubenstein Prize ($150,000): Reach Out and Read, Boston, Mass.

Reach Out and Read encourages early-childhood literacy by capitalizing on the relationship between parents and their children's pediatricians. By integrating basic literacy awareness into regular office visits, children are exposed to books and reading at the earliest age, well before they start school. Free books are distributed during the visit as well. Reach Out and Read achieves sustainability because it has integrated literacy education into a widely practiced experience (the well-baby visit).

Today, 12,000 medical providers serve 4 million annually in 5,000 clinics in all 50 states.

The American Prize ($50,000): 826 National, San Francisco, Calif.

826 National uses unique storefront offices in eight cities nationwide as bases for addressing community problems of both literacy and aliteracy. One-on-one tutoring for at-risk K-12 students is offered along with a range of free core programs, including storytelling, bookmaking, in-school writing workshops and publishing projects. 826 has offices in San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Ann Arbor/Detroit, Seattle, Chicago, Boston and Washington, D.C., serving more than 31,000 students and publishing more than 1,000 student books annually.

The International Prize ($50,000): PlanetRead, Mumbai, India

PlanetRead in India is an innovative program that reinforces literacy skills, primarily through subtitles for popular musical television programming. SLS (Same Language Subtitling) was developed in India based on solid research. It is simple to implement and easy to replicate, reaching 200 million low-literacy TV viewers in India. SLS is notable as a highly motivational approach for getting low-literacy adults to read, particularly where access to books is difficult.

The Library of Congress Literacy Awards were announced in January 2013 as a program to help support organizations working to alleviate the problems of illiteracy and aliteracy (a lack of interest in reading) both in the United States and worldwide. The awards seek to reward those organizations that have been doing exemplary, innovative and easily replicable work over a sustained period of time and to encourage new groups, organizations and individuals to become involved.

"The generosity of David Rubenstein in instituting this literacy awards program will have a profound impact not just on the winners and their programs, but also on literacy programs everywhere that can benefit by replicating some of the best practices of those who applied for an award," said Billington. He noted that the Library is producing a publication that highlights the best practices in a number of categories as exemplified by the top applicants.

"Literacy opens doors to life's great opportunities," said Rubenstein, a co-founder of The Carlyle Group and a major donor to the Library of Congress National Book Festival. "I am pleased to support the work of these outstanding literacy organizations that are making a profound difference in the lives of so many individuals."

The Literacy Awards Advisory Board, which comprises a broad range of experts in the field of literacy and reading promotion, provided recommendations to Billington, who made the final selections. The award-winning organizations best exemplified the intent of the awards:

• The David M. Rubenstein Prize, for a groundbreaking or sustained record of advancement of literacy by any individual or entity worldwide

• The American Prize, for a project developed and implemented successfully during the past decade for combating illiteracy and/or aliteracy

• The International Prize, for the work of an individual, nation or nongovernmental organization working in a specific country or region

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress administers the awards, and John Y. Cole, the center's director, also serves as the chair of the Literacy Awards program.

Since its creation by Congress in 1977 to "stimulate public interest in books and reading," the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress (www.Read.gov/cfb/) has become a major national force for reading and literacy promotion. A public-private partnership, it sponsors educational programs that reach readers of all ages, nationally and internationally. The center provides leadership for affiliated state centers for the book (including the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and nonprofit reading-promotion partners and plays a key role in the Library's annual National Book Festival. It also oversees the Library'swww.Read.gov website and administers the Library's Young Readers Center and the Poetry and Literature Center.


www.loc.gov  newsreleases

Health Information Translations

Health Information Translations provides education resources in multiple languages for health care professionals and others to use in their communities. Resources are easy to read and culturally appropriate.

 

www.healthinfotranslations.org


Friday, September 20, 2013

Kid kit

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) — Camden County public libraries are have come up with a way to entertain preschoolers while making library time quicker and easier for their parents.
Busy parents can run into a Camden County public library and grab a “kid kit” — a bright red satchel stuffed with four books, a craft idea, and songs designed to educate the active preschooler and keep him entertained.

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2013/09/20/camden-county-creates-grab-and-go-library-kits-for-parents-with-kids/#!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

ArtsSmarts Seeks Youth for Adjudication Committee

ArtsSmarts Seeks Youth for Adjudication Committee
ArtsSmarts is seeking submissions from grade 9 to 12 students across Canada for its Youth Committee. Members will adjudicate the Youth Creativity Challenge. To nominate someone or yourself, contact Ava at 416-848-1882, extension 16 or email amarkus@artsmarts.ca

International Peace Day is September 21

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by resolution 36/67PDF document of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September. The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982.

In 2001, the General Assembly by unanimous vote adopted resolution 55/282PDF document, which established 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire.

MAJESTA Trees of Knowledge Competition - Win an Outdoor Classroom

Win an Outdoor Classroom
 

To help get kids excited about learning and being outdoors, the MAJESTA Trees of Knowledge Competition is back for its fourth year. From now until January 20, 2014, Canadian schools can enter for their chance to win an outdoor classroom valued at $20,000. From all the submissions, 10 finalist schools will be selected. Canadians will get four weeks to vote online daily to help their favourite school come out on top and take home the $20,000 outdoor classroom.

Museum Assistance Program


Museum Assistance Program

The Museum Assistance Program is accepting funding applications until November 1, 2013.  Applicants are encouraged to contact a program officer directly before submitting an application. You can contact 1-306-780-7656 or kate.johnson@pch.gc.ca 

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Career Enhancement Program (CEP), an initiative of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL).

Graduate library science students from racial and ethnic minority groups are invited to apply to the Career Enhancement Program (CEP), an initiative of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). The host includes schools such as the University of Arizona and North Carolina State University. Each "fellow" in the CEP benefits from THREE great reasons that make it worth applying to:

1) Paid internship: Students get paid to work in an ARL member research library for 6-12 weeks, getting valuable educational and professional experience while in library school. (Each host institution will have 2-3 fellows.) The total compensation package could be over $10,000 for some fellows. As someone who has done my fair share of unpaid internships, this is priceless!

2) Leadership Development: Fellows will participate in the annual ARL Leadership Symposium at ALA Midwinter, during which they'll have an opportunity to explore major strategic issues facing research libraries and discuss appropriate strategies for finding a job in a research library after graduation. ALA conferences are also great for making new contacts, and fellows will also have a chance to do invaluable networking at the symposium (and other conference events).

3) Career Placement: ARL staff will help fellows connect with member libraries and with job search and networking.

The deadline for applying to this program is Oct. 15, 2013. For more information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, click here.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Call for Proposals for 2014 Alabama Library Association Convention

Call for Proposals for 2014 Alabama Library Association Convention
 
ALABAMA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CONVENTION 2014
April 22-25, 2014, at the Embassy Suites and Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Alabama

CALL FOR PROGRAM PROPOSALS

THEME: Libraries—The Crossroads of Information and Literacy

We invite your proposals for contributed presentations, table talks, poster sessions, pre-conferences, and research papers. You need not be a member of ALLA to offer a proposal, but registration for the conference is required should your proposal be accepted.

Deadline: Friday, September 20, 2013

Contact: Abby Carpenter
2014 ALLA Convention Programming Subcommittee
Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
350 North Wood Avenue
Florence, AL 35630

Phone: (256) 764-6564 ext. 27
Fax: (256) 764-6629

Sunday, September 15, 2013

efundraisingonline.ca


Register
It's easy to start earning more profits with less effort! To start your FREE online fundraiser, simply:

1. Enter your information below to create your secure online magazine store.
2. Personalize your store with your own text, color and image (optional).
3. Send emails to your group members inviting them participate by inviting their friends
   and family to visit your fundraising store and purchase their magazine subscriptions at
   up to 85% off newsstand prices.
4. Receive a monthly profit for 37%* of all magazine subscriptions sold!
 

Saturday, September 14, 2013

National Reading Campaign

 

Reading is essential to the quality of our lives and to our ability to take our place as citizens in a democracy. Over the past four years, hundreds of Canadians: readers, educators, librarians, publishers, parents, and writers from every part of the country have worked together to create a National Reading Plan. The National Reading Plan addresses ways to ensure that each of us — regardless of age, background, income level, level of education, or location — has access to reading of all kinds and in all platforms. The National Reading Campaign will begin the work of putting this exciting and challenging plan into place from coast to coast.

Download the PDF

About the National Reading Plan

Why is reading important?

  • Reading has an impact on every part of Canadian life. Our democracy, our economy, and the quality of our daily lives are all enhanced by reading well and critically.
  • Reading is essential to the well-being of society and to our functioning as a democracy.
  • Reading is a lifelong source of pleasure for individuals.
  • Reading empowers the critical thinking skills of every individual.
  • Reading can enhance empathy and lead to greater understanding of people who are different from ourselves. It increases our emotional intelligence and helps us to appreciate other points of view.
  • Reading is essential to being able to function. It helps reduce barriers to access. It allows people to make meaning of their world.
  • Reading lays the foundation for future learning. It increases our self-worth. It gives us the capacity for critical thinking.
  • Reading inspires. It is a trigger for the imagination.
  • Reading increases individuals' health and economic well-being.
  • Reading preserves the culture for the next generation. It creates a shared connection to the community.
  • It is important for society to have a large portion of the population engaged as readers so they can exercise power over their lives and understand how to make effective changes. It allows them to be active citizens.

What is the mission of the National Reading Plan?

To make reading a national priority.

What is our vision?

To create, sustain, and grow a society in which each of us has an equal opportunity to become and remain a lifelong reader.

Underlying principles of a National Reading Plan

  1. Equal access for all to reading materials
  2. Freedom to read any content
  3. No distinction between types of reading materials or the different platforms
  4. Access to reading materials in mother tongue, official, and Aboriginal languages
  5. Promotion and access to Canadian-authored materials of all kinds. This is essential to our self-knowledge, culture, and democratic practice
  6. Early access to joyful reading is the right of all children and in a democracy schools are the place where such access can be guaranteed

Who will be involved?

Readers, parents, young people, academics, librarians, educators, publishers of all media, booksellers, literacy organizations, writers, community organizations, business (both large and small), trade unions, elected officials, Aboriginal elders, child-care providers, NGOs/associations, all levels of government, and members of the community who care passionately about the power and pleasure of the written word.

Where do we start?

By asking, "What did you read today?"

"What did you read today?" is a three-year campaign to raise an awareness of reading's importance, and to encourage governments at all levels to take policy steps to make Canada a nation of readers.

What are the roles involved?

Our National Reading Campaign board and secretariat will:

  • Champion reading and policies to promote reading at all levels of government
  • Research and bring together research about Canadian reading patterns, trends, demographics, the impact of digital media, existing programs, and gaps in services in order to inform the development of policy
  • Act as a resource and clearing house for and support for the work being done by the wide range of groups in each province and municipality
  • Work with existing associations, organizations, and all levels of government
  • Work with educators to ensure that all children have the chance to become good life-long readers
  • Work to ensure that nobody is excluded, regardless of ability level, ethnicity, country of origin, economic status, age, or location
  • Undertake research and demonstration projects to further the goals of the National Reading Plan

Our partners and local communities are encouraged to:

  • Promote the program
  • Engage community leaders
  • Encourage community members to become involved
  • Bring National Reading Campaign materials into existing programming
  • Spread the word through newsletters, blogs, talks
  • Use the campaign as a way to support public libraries, schools, and other institutions in their efforts to promote reading

Policy-makers are encouraged to:

  • Continue to support existing publishing programs
  • Eliminate GST/HST on reading materials at all levels of the production and distribution chain
  • Support translation into official languages and other languages when it is appropriate
  • Enhance funding to public libraries
  • Ensure that teacher education at all levels includes training in reading promotion
  • Re-invest in school libraries and training teacher-librarians
  • Support ways to allow writers to write
  • Support the development and maintenance of Canadian databases
  • Support e-book formats and their use in Canadian libraries
  • Invest in programs that support reading and commit to incorporating reading into government-funded activities
  • Commit to taking special measures for those Canadians who, due to disability, ethnicity, country of origin, economic status, or location, face barriers to becoming readers
  • Assess all funded programs for their impact on reading
 

The Calgary Public Library Foundation today announces a $1.5 million donation from CNOOC

CALGARY, Sept. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - The Calgary Public Library Foundation today announces a $1.5 million donation from CNOOC Limited, through its wholly owned subsidiary Nexen Energy ULC, the largest gift in the Foundation's history.

The company is a founding partner for Add In, the Campaign for Calgary's Library. The gift will support the creation of a learning commons in the new Central Library, a technology rich space featuring leading edge and emerging, educational applications that support group learning, collaboration and study. The learning commons will become a key gathering area within the new Central Library, currently in early planning stages of development within Calgary's East Village.

The donation will also support a new Automated Materials Handling System for the current Central Library which sustained significant damage caused by Calgary's flood. This new technology will greatly help the Central Library's delivery of service and support to all 18 Libraries across the city and will be relocated to a new branch upon the closing of the current Central Library.

"We are proud to play a leadership role in helping to build the Library of the Future here in Calgary," said Mr. Li Fanrong, CEO of CNOOC Limited.  "This investment in educational excellence and innovation will provide significant benefits for Calgarians for years to come."
 
  

What is open data?

"Open data is data that can be freely used, reused and redistributed by anyone – subject only, at most, to the requirement to attribute and sharealike." OpenDefinition.org The Open Definition gives full details on the requirements for 'open' data and content. Key features are: Availability and Access: the data must be available as a whole and at no more than a reasonable reproduction cost, preferably by downloading over the internet. The data must also be available in a convenient and modifiable form. Reuse and Redistribution: the data must be provided under terms that permit reuse and redistribution including the intermixing with other datasets. The data must be machine-readable. Universal Participation: everyone must be able to use, reuse and redistribute – there should be no discrimination against fields of endeavour or against persons or groups. For example, 'non-commercial' restrictions that would prevent 'commercial' use, or restrictions of use for certain purposes (e.g. only in education), are not allowed. - See more at: http://okfn.org/opendata/?sthash.SWjMRyHU.mjjo#!

Friday, September 13, 2013

SSHRC’s Knowledge Synthesis Grants


(Ottawa, September 9, 2013)—The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of State for Science and Technology, and Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, today announced investments in research that will help expand our understanding of labour market issues in Canada. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) has awarded 16 Knowledge Synthesis Grants to researchers at postsecondary institutions across Canada. The goal of the grants is to combine or "synthesize" new and existing academic knowledge, and to make that information accessible to a broader audience.

"Our Government remains focused on what matters to Canadians: creating jobs, continuing economic growth and promoting long-term prosperity," said Rickford. "With a better understanding of labour market issues, employers and individuals will be better equipped to identify the skills our workforce needs, and to develop new opportunities for jobs that will grow our economy while strengthening Canada's research advantage."

In total, more than $375,000 is being awarded through SSHRC's Knowledge Synthesis Grants to 16 projects at postsecondary institutions across Canada. The projects involve Canadian and international collaborators across the academic, public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Together, they will advance knowledge on one of two themes: future demand for skills in tomorrow's Canadian labour market; and supply and development of skills for the future Canadian labour market.
 

Thursday, September 12, 2013

ArtsSmarts Youth Creativity Challenge

ArtsSmarts Youth Creativity Challenge

YCC New LogoTEACHERS! Engage your students in a creative approach to learning.
ARTISTS! Put your expertise to work and assist a youth-led art project.
STUDENTS! Collaborate and devise a project that is relevant to you.

ArtsSmarts' Youth Creativity Challenge (YCC) is an initiative firing up the imaginations, inquisitiveness, and creativity of students across the country. Engage an entire classroom, grade, school, or community with a youth-led art project allowing grades K-12 students to collaboratively express their ideas and become active creators of their future.

With a contribution from the Department of Canadian Heritage's Youth Take Charge Program, the third round of this fund will support students as they build projects exploring themes and or issues around their Heritage and Culture.

The Youth Creativity Challenge Fund will provide cash support of $1,000 to $5,000 per project. These projects must engage at least one class and include at least one arts discipline and one curriculum subject matter.  Applications will be accepted from all Canadian private and public schools and families who are home-schooling. (If you are home schooling, we suggest that you collaborate with at least one other family in your community who is also home-schooling.) You can read the 2013-2014 Youth Creativity Guidelines here (PDF)

Using the ArtsSmarts approach to teaching and learning this youth-led initiative will bring together teachers, artists and students to work in collaboration. Through a project-based method, the Youth Creativity Challenge Fund inspires creative inquiry, allowing students to explore their Big Questions or Big Ideas that may span many different subject areas of the curriculum, and where evaluation, assessment and documentation are an inherent part of the creative process.

In 2012, the Youth Creativity Challenge engaged over 2600 students from across the country that devised and led 26 projects. ArtsSmarts is gearing up to fund even more projects for the 2013-2014 year!

Students! Teachers! Artists! Create and submit your project proposals today!

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  November 15, 2013.

http://www.artssmarts.ca/en/projects/artssmarts-youth-creativity-challenge-.aspx

 

 

Projects must be completed between January 6 and March 21, 2014.

McKesson Foundation launches its 2014 Canadian Regional Grants Program

McKesson Foundation launches its 2014 Canadian Regional Grants Program MONTREAL, August 30, 2013 – The McKesson Foundation announced today the launch of its 2014 Regional Grants Program, a Canada-wide campaign that each year provides a number of non-profit organizations with financial assistance to non-profit organizations whose mission is to assist children and youth in the areas of health, education and poverty.

McKesson Canada would like to encourage the submission of grant applications for one-time specific projects or programs. The Canadian Regional Grants Program typically awards grants that range in size from $2,500 to $25,000. The McKesson Foundation is operating from the United States and grants are paid in US dollars.

McKesson Canada cares about the communities in which it operates and is deeply committed to building healthier and stronger communities by making a difference in the lives of children, youth and their families. The Canadian Regional Grants Program awarded close to a total of $250,000 to charities in 2013.

The McKesson Foundation wishes to congratulate the following Regional Grant Recipients for 2013:

  • Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg ($10,000) – Manitoba
  • Hull Services ($5,000) – Alberta
  • Jennifer Ashleigh Children's Charity ($20,000) – Ontario
  • Kawartha Lakes Food Source ($5,000) – Ontario
  • Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta ($11,000) – Alberta
  • New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, Inc. ($25,000) – New Brunswick
  • Père Sablon Foundation ($20,000) – Québec
  • PLEA Community Services ($25,000) – British Columbia
  • Portage Atlantic ($10,000) – New Brunswick
  • Shediac Public Library Board ($5,000) – New Brunswick
  • Special Olympics Québec ($25,000) – Québec
  • Toronto Foundation for Student Success (TFSS) ($25,000) – Ontario
  • West Island Cancer Wellness Centre ($12,000) – Québec
  • York Region Food Network ($20,000) – Ontario

About the McKesson Foundation

Founded in 1943, the McKesson Foundation is an initiative of McKesson Corporation, based in San Francisco. It is envisions a world where affordable, quality health care is available to all.

About McKesson Canada

Founded more than 100 years ago, McKesson Canada is dedicated to delivering vital medicines, supplies and information technologies that enable the health care industry to provide patients better, safer care. Our solutions empower pharmacies, manufacturers, hospitals and other health care institutions by enabling them to get closer to the millions of patients they serve every single day, while contributing to the quality and safety of care in Canada.

For further information:

Danièle Dufour
Director, Corporate Communications
McKesson Canada
514.832.8473
daniele.dufour@mckesson.ca

http://www.mckesson.ca/en/corporate-citizenship/mckesson-foundation

 

 

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Energy industry addresses issue of rising workplace fatigue with launch of guiding principles

CALGARY, Sept. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - The energy industry took a significant step today to address the issue of rising workplace fatigue with the official launch of a set of guiding principles, the Fatigue Risk Management Guiding Principles. Six industry associations applied their stamp of approval to the document which represents a foundation for advancing awareness and mitigating the risks.

 

"Compounded by the labour shortage, fatigue is a growing safety issue in the workplace," said Enform President and CEO Cameron MacGillivray. "Today's launch is an important first step - it represents an industry consensus and recognition that managing the risks associated with fatigue is a top priority and a shared responsibility."

 

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1221759/energy-industry-addresses-issue-of-rising-workplace-fatigue-with-launch-of-guiding-principles

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Elder and Youth Legacy Program

The Canada Council for the Arts is committed to equity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from diverse Aboriginal, cultural and regional communities, including people with disabilities.

Please refer to the complete Program Guidelines [PDF, 425 KB].

Program Description

Through this program, Aboriginal arts organizations can help Elders pass on the many art forms being practiced to the next generation.

The program will also increase the Canada Council's capacity to serve Aboriginal Elders of this country, giving them opportunities to work with youth and pass on their legacy of artistic practice.

Generally, projects should be designed as follows; the organization will choose the Elder who will work with their youth. That Elder will then help to decide the number of young people he or she will work with, and will help to select them.

Strong applications will demonstrate a clear link between the Elders, participants, the artistic practice being shared, and the expenses to be covered by the grant.

Ineligible Applicants

  • First Nations Band Councils
  • Educational Institutions (schools, universities)

Further Information

Noël Habel  

Program Officer
Aboriginal Arts Office

1-800-263-5588 (toll-free) or 613-566-4414, ext. 4178

TTY: 1-866-585-5559

 

 

 

http://canadacouncil.ca/en/council/grants-and-prizes/find-grants-and-prizes/grants/elder-and-youth-legacy-program

 

 

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Books With No Bounds Boosts NAN Communities

Books With No Bounds Boosts NAN Communities

Youthful Enthusiasm and Determination Fuel Books With No Bounds

THUNDER BAY – Books with no Bounds is a project that gets books into the hands of young people across Northern Ontario.

The mission of Books With No Bounds is to provide Aboriginal children and teens living in remote communities, with books donated by publishers, authors, schools, individuals and organizations. Books With No Bounds organizes, catalogues, packs, and sends appropriate books to the Nishnawbe Aski Nations so that Aboriginal children and teens are given critical building blocks for literacy success.

Putting the Hope into Fort Hope

Every Child Deserves Opportunity

Books With No Bounds believes that every child deserves the opportunity to read and should have access to an enormous supply of books. By providing sorely needed reading material and other learning tools, Books With No Bounds refreshes the shelves of Aboriginal school libraries, community groups and organizations, and ensures children and teens have access to good books, regardless of where they live.

The two inspiring young ladies, Julia and Emma Mogus, who founded Books With No Bounds have shared, "Prime Minister Harper's Office sent us this letter after we mailed hundreds and hundreds of letters, signatures and a huge banner in support of First Nation children; so that they may grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy and be proud of their cultures.

"Our hope is to see our brothers and sisters in the north be given the same funding for education, access to affordable healthy food and much more".

"My sister and I continue to give as much as we can so that First Nation children, living on the reserves of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, will have good books and other learning tools for education success".

"We just paid our Wasaya Airways invoices for our last shipment and continue to box thousands of more books during our free time," the Mogus sisters share.

"We are preparing to build and revitalize school/ community libraries with the help of kind and generous people, schools and organizations. We are working to shed light on the inconceivable cost of healthy food in the 'fly-in' communities, the unimaginable high rates of suicide among Aboriginal youth, the impoverished 'third world' conditions First Nation families must endure… while sharing with the world the beauty of Aboriginal cultures, the kindness and generosity of First Nation people and the incredible courage and strength of all Aboriginal people in our country".

Julia and Emma Mogus state, "We believe in PEACE, fairness and equal rights to all … and nothing less!

 

 

One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada

 

One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada

A core program of The Belinda Stronach Foundation (TBSF), OLPC Canada strives to empower Aboriginal youth to play an active role in their own education through access to learning centered technology. Canada's first National One Laptop per Child program, OLPC Canada has provided 3600 laptops to Aboriginal youth 6-12 years of age in rural, remote and urban communities. For more information about the international OLPC movement, please visit www.laptop.org

OLPC Canada is a testament to the strength of partnerships and the important role the private sector, government and NGOs can play in strengthening communities and strategically investing in Canadian children. The program has been generously supported by Vale, the Bank of Montreal Financial Group and the Government of Ontario.

http://www.olpccanada.com/