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April 2013 - Jennette Affleck School Inaugurated On April 23rd, 2013, the community of Talchacote celebrated the inaguration of the Jennette Affleck School. Jennette Affleck was one of the pioneers of SchoolBOX. She helped support SchoolBOX in the beginning and has watched the organisation mature and help over 15,000 children at present. She has been a volunteer 6 times with SchoolBOX in Nicaragua. In February of 2013, Jennette Affleck was part of a group that volunteered to build the school. She made an amazing connection with the community, and they were impressed with her dedication to education in Nicaragua. The Ministry of Education and the community approached SchoolBOX to have the school named after her. SchoolBOX worked hard with government officials to switch the name of the school from Chague 2 to the Jennette Affleck School. Jennette was very touched by this gesture. The first phase of the Jennette Affleck School has 3 classrooms, and 2 washrooms. SchoolBOX was so impressed with the community's involvement, that the 4th classroom including a mini-library will be built in the Fall as planned. SchoolBOX wishes to thank all of the volunteers who helped helped build the school, and who helped raise money. The volunteer groups' impact will be felt in the community for many years to come. SchoolBOX is very thankful for the generous contributions of Bill Kennedy, the SchoolBOX Ambassadors, and Building Walls of Wisdom.
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April 2013 - Ground Broken on Two Schools! SchoolBOX had an exciting month of April. One school was completed and two construction projects were initiated. It marked the first time in SchoolBOX history that two school build projects were initiated in the same month. The Equator School was initiated on April 17, 2013 in Northern Nicaragua. The community support has been through the roof on this project. Our team is excited with the progress of this one room schoolhouse, that will serve the children of the San Antonio community. Construction is slated to finish in May.
The Brett 2 School was iniated on April 29, 2013 in Central Nicaragua. The community has been fighting for a school for many years, and were excited to see the land being prepared for construction. The four classroom school will include a playing field and a library and will serve the community of '15 de septiembre'.
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April 2013 - Over 5000 Educational Packages Delivered Thus far in 2013, SchoolBOX has delivered over 5000 educational packages to 33 communities across 4 zones in Nicaragua. Students and teachers in Leon, Chichigalpa, Telica, and Sauce have received education packages containing notebooks, pencils, an eraser, a ruler, and a pencil sharpener. The students and teachers could not be happier that they have the tools to get a basic education.
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March 2013 - New Energy, Same Heart - SchoolBOX Leadership Transition Letter from Tom: After seven of the most eventful, rewarding years of my life, I have decided to step back from the leadership of SchoolBOX. Reflecting on all that we have accomplished together, I have an incredible sense of personal fulfillment, and realize that it is time for new leadership in our organization. To strengthen the SchoolBOX mission moving forward, the organization will benefit from new energy and vision to build upon the wonderful work we have done. I could not be more grateful for all that we have achieved together over the last 7 years. SchoolBOX has provided 50,000 packages of educational supplies, including 200,000+ notebooks, to students and teachers in some of the poorest communities in Nicaragua. Our community has built 40+ classrooms and six mini-libraries, developed a school soccer program, hosted nearly 300 international volunteers, and invested over a million dollars directly into the Nicaraguan economy. These numbers are quite miraculous when you consider that we started in 2006 with no money and little hope of survival. Our success is a true testament to the power of community and the fact that amazing things happen when we step out in faith together to make a difference for others. The SchoolBOX Board of Directors has chosen Sarah Kerr as the best person to lead SchoolBOX for the future. I whole-heartedly agree, and I am pleased to report that she has accepted the challenge. I know she will find it as rewarding as I have. Sarah is the right person to lead this great organization on the next leg of its journey. Since joining us in 2007, Sarah has helped build SchoolBOX from the ground up. She knows our organization inside and out, and has earned the sincere respect of our staff and community. Sarah is well versed in the realities of operating an international organization, having worked her way up from intern to International Operations Manager. She is also credited with creating some of our most successful programs (International Volunteer Program & I.Y.E.S.). Invest Ottawa recently recognized Sarah as one of Ottawa’s Top 100 Rising Stars for her work with SchoolBOX. In addition to her impressive experience and accomplishments, Sarah brings a tremendous amount of love and energy to our organization. Personally, I could not be more thankful that Sarah has accepted the invitation to be SchoolBOX’s new Executive Director. By doing so, Sarah is helping to ensure that SchoolBOX remains the heart driven, love powered organization that it has always been. She believes in the grassroots, community approach that we have grown from, and is passionate to see all children access a basic education. I invite you to join me in supporting Sarah in her new position. Speaking from experience, I know that Sarah’s principle concern in this new role will be fundraising. I hope that you will join me in being a monthly donor to SchoolBOX. For $20 a month you can provide 48 Nicaraguan children with packages of educational supplies each year. You can also help Sarah and her team, plan and budget for programs to support 15,000 students and teachers in Nicaragua. More than anything else, my desire in writing this letter is to say thank you. I cannot even begin to express my gratitude to each of you for helping to make the SchoolBOX dream come true. We have been truly blessed and together we have made a wonderful difference. I am so excited to see how the SchoolBOX dream continues to unfold in the future. Of course, I will always be a dedicated and passionate supporter of SchoolBOX and our mission, and will be involved in a number of capacities going forward. Thank you again for being part of SchoolBOX. With thanks and love,
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March 2013 - SchoolBOX Golf For Kids Charity Tournament - May 5th! The SchoolBOX Golf For Kids Charity Tournament takes place on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at the Canadian Golf and Country Club. SchoolBOX is inviting all of their supporters to attend this great event. The event is a best ball, 18 hole format. There will be a closest to the pin contest, a longest drive contest, and lots of prizes. The day will be capped off with a delicious dinner. The schedule is as follows: SchoolBOX encourages you to bring your friends and family for a beautiful day of golf, while 'Making Education Possible.' Golf and Dinner tickets cost $125, while dinner only tickets cost $50. To register for the tournament, or for dinner only tickets, please click here.
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March 2013 - Construction on Chague #2 School Well Underway March has been an amazing month for the community of Talchacote. There has been an amazing amount of progress at the Chague #2 School. As per March 15, the entire outer structure of the school has been completed, and welders were working on the windows and doors of the school. Our construction team has started filling in the floors of each classroom. With the help of two volunteer groups, the construction team, and community members the school structure is being built right on schedule. SchoolBOX would like to thank all their volunteers, Bill Kennedy, the SchoolBOX Ambassadors, and Building Walls of Wisdom for making the Chague #2 School a reality. For more information on the Chague #2 School, please click here
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February 2013 - Volunteers are making an impact! The first group of volunteers for 2013 descended upon the Chague #2 School in Talchocote near Leon in February. They dug holes, sifted sand, made rebar columns, and had an amazing time. The students, teachers, and community members came out to help construct alongside the volunteers, and to interact with our group of Canadian and American volunteers. The volunteer group were so attached to the community when they left, and lots of tears were shed. The community will remember these amazing volunteers for many years to come. If you are interested in volunteering with SchoolBOX for this year, check out the available dates on http://www.schoolbox.ca/volunteer_program.htm
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February 2013 - Georges Vanier School in Ottawa is 'Making Education Possible'! Georges Vanier School in Kanata is 'Making Education Possible'. The Grade 3 and Grade 6 classes were inspired to raise money for the Supplies 4 Success Program after learning about educational situation in Nicaragua. The children knew that for every $5 they raised, it would supply an educational package for a student or teacher. Each educational package contains notebooks, pencils, an eraser, a ruler, and a pencil sharpener. The Grade 3 class held an amazing movie night, where all the teachers, students and parents were invited. They sold snacks, and had a donation table for SchoolBOX. In total, $1055 was raised at the movie night. The Grade 6 class were empowered by the success of the Grade 3 movie night, and decided to donate 50% of the proceeds from their white elephant sale to SchoolBOX. In total, $880 was raised through their efforts. In December, 2012, The Grade 3 and Grade 6 classes presented SchoolBOX with a cheque for $1935. They also learned that since a SchoolBOX representative presented to their school, their donation was matched, and a total of $3870 was raised. In total, 774 students will receive educational packages because of the efforts of Georges Vanier School. SchoolBOX and the recipients of these packages are grateful for their efforts. For more information on SchoolBOX presentations at your school, please go to http://www.schoolbox.ca/presentations.htm
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Throught the efforts of the students at Georges Vanier School, 774 students will receive educational packages in 2013. |
January 2013 - Chague #2 School Construction Begins On January 14, 2013, the ceremonial first blocks were laid at the site of the Chague #2 School in Leon. The community was overjoyed as SchoolBOX staff, members of the Ministry of Education, and teachers attended the great kickoff event. The community is excited to welcome volunteers from abroad, who will help with the construction. The community of Talchocote is happy that their children will get a chance to get a basic education in a safe and learning-enabling environment.
For more information on the Chague #2 School, and to learn how to donate, please visit www.schoolbox.ca/projects2013
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January 2013 - SchoolBOX article in The Globe and Mail SchoolBOX was very fortunate to have their story featured in Canada's National Newspaper, The Globe and Mail in December. The article chronicles how SchoolBOX founder, Tom Affleck was inspired to help after giving a little girl a pencil and a notebook. This event was the catalyst that has propelled SchoolBOX into an organisation that is helping thousands of children in Nicaragua to get a basic education. Please click on the following link to read the story, and share with others: |
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January 2013 - Spanish Language Media SchoolBOX has been getting a lot of media attention lately. We have had a great 2012 full of wonderful stories that were covered in the Canadian media. Near the tail end of 2012, SchoolBOX started receiving coverage from Spanish language media outlets. We have created a new section to highlight the attention SchoolBOX receives through newspaper and television outlets in the Spanish language. Check out the new section here: http://www.schoolbox.ca/media.htm#SpanishMedia Below is a report from La Prensa on the opening of the Brett School in Managua:
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December 2012 -Brett's School Complete! Brett's School is finally complete. On December 4, 2012, hundreds of students, teachers, community members, and SchoolBOX supporters poured into the new eight classroom school for its inauguration. Many community members were very emotional, as they have waited ten long years for a school to call their own. The original school was started in 2002, under a tree. In 2007, SchoolBOX found the school in an alley. It did not have walls, floors, or teaching resources. Since 2007, SchoolBOX has been helping the community of La Primavera, and fighting to build them a safe and secure school. In October of 2011, ground broke on Brett's school. Just over one year later, the school is complete. The school is named after Brett B. Crawford, a good friend of SchoolBOX President, Tom Affleck. Her life was tragically cut short by an accident at the age of 19. Her spirit will live on at this school. SchoolBOX wishes to thank all of their supporters, including all of the volunteers that personally visited this community in the past.
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December 2012 - SchoolBOX Christmas Newsletter - Fresh off the Presses The SchoolBOX Christmas Newsletter and E-Newsletter were recently sent out! These two updates contained information and stories from 2012. If you missed either of these newsletters, please click below: If you wish to subscribe to our e-newsletter, please click here and fill out the form
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November 2012 -Sarah Kerr named to Invest Ottawa's Top 100 Rising Stars List SchoolBOX is pleased to announce that Operations Manager, Sarah Kerr has been named to the Top 100 Rising Stars List by Invest Ottawa. We are all very grateful for Sarah's work with SchoolBOX over the last few years. This year, Sarah relaunched the Indigenous Youth Empowering Students (IYES) Program, and it was a great success with a group of young students helping to build the Shirley Case #2 School in Leon. Her work with the IYES Program is being recognized by Invest Ottawa. SchoolBOX salutes Sarah for her hard work with the IYES Program. For more information on the IYES Program, please visit: http://www.schoolbox.ca/iyes
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November 2012 -Amazing People Gala an Amazing Success! The Amazing People gala took place on October 27th. It was a fantastic event full of laugher, inspiration, and some tears. Almost 500 people were in attendance to support SchoolBOX, and to learn about CTV Ottawa's Amazing People. A large amount of funds was raised to support the Tools 4 Schools Program, and a large amount of awareness was raised for SchoolBOX in the process. SchoolBOX wishes to thank the entire organising committee of Kimothy Walker, Eric Collard, Michelle Kay, Lucie Vignola, Sue Wilson, and Marco Pagani. For a great recap of the event, check out this news story:
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November 2012 -Brett's School nearing completion As we approach the end of November, the Brett School in Managua is getting closer and closer to completion. Construction started in October of 2011, and the entire construction crew has been working hard over the last year to finish the 8 classroom/1 office school for hundreds of children in the Primavera community. The school is named after Brett Bentley Crawford, a close friend of SchoolBOX President, Tom Affleck. Her life was cut short tragically at a young age, but her light will continue to shine on for the students and teachers of this school. The Brett School is slated to be completed at the beginning of December. Stay tuned for videos and pictures of the completed school.
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October 2012 -Toronto Event - Songs for SchoolBOX Join us for an evening of fantastic cabaret music in support of SchoolBOX! Performers include: Great silent auction items, food, and a cash bar. Date: Saturday, November 3, 2012. To buy tickets online, click here
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October 2012 - 2 more mini-libraries inaugurated On Oct 1 and 2, 2012, SchoolBOX delivered a mini library to Union España School in Telica, and La Cenicera School in El Sauce. The teachers and students were overjoyed to receive the books. All of the teachers enjoyed the teacher training, and are now equipped to use the books as teaching materials within the classroom. SchoolBOX has delivered 5 mini-libraries in 2012 to 5 deserving communities. The schools within these communities lacked basic learning materials, and these books will inspire students for many years to come. To read more about the Books 4 Kids Mini Library program, click here
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October 2012 - AP Gala Tickets going fast The 'Presented by CTV - Amazing People Gala in support of SchoolBOX' is just weeks away. Join us for an amazing event of entertainment honouring amazing people from around the Ottawa Region on Saturday, October 27. Ticket are going fast! Check out http://www.schoolbox.ca/gala for more details.
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September 2012 - Delivery of Notebook #200,000 In the first half of September, SchoolBOX celebrated a momumental milestone. The 200,000th notebook was handed out in the community of '15 de septiembre' about 50km North West of Managua. The lucky recipient was 14 year old Elvin. He is only two children in the 5th Grade at the 15 de septiembre School within his community. The other child is his twin brother. Elvin and his brother are behind in school because their family is so poor that he needs to often work to put food on the table. They remain committed to finishing their studies, and the notebooks they received in their educational packages will go a long way towards helping them acheive their goals. Elvin dreams of becoming a teacher, so that he can help those in his community. He wants to become a leader in the community, and help others acheive the dream of an education. Click here for the full media release Photo slideshow of Elvin receiving notebook #200,000, and the two little girls who received notebook #1 and notebook #2.
Video of Ronald Chavarria handing out notebook #200,000 to Elvin within his educational package. English translation of video: We are here with Elvin Daniel Novarra Gonsoles, handing out the education package that corresponds to notebook #200,000 in Nicaragua. SchoolBOX is delivering education packages to the '15 de septiembre' School.
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September 2012 - Grand Opening of the Shirley Case #2 School and Laurie's Library in Leon On August 30, 2012, SchoolBOX celebrated the inauguration of the Shirley Case #2 School in Leon. The joyous occasion also marked the official opening of Laurie's Library. The entire community of Roger Deshon was on hand for official ribbon cutting. Although the weather did not cooperate, everyone was in good spirits. The children were so excited for their new flush toilets, and their two large slides, and two see-saws. In total, over 50 international volunteers travelled to Nicaragua to help with the construction of this amazing school. SchoolBOX wishes to acknowledge the efforts of Jessica Chaikowsky and Shirley's Superninjas, along with a plethora of Shirley's friends and family. Thanks go out to the Tranter Family, Kelly Parascandalo and the Hamilton Community Foundation for making Laurie's Library possible. Laurie's Library is being housed in the far classroom, and includes over 260 books, two weatherproof cabinets, two large tables, and 20 chairs for the students to take part in different activities with the books. The Shirley Case #2 School features four classrooms, three bathrooms, eight water fountains, four playground games, 90 student desks, 4 teacher chairs/desks. The last classroom featured Laurie's Library For more details on the Shirley Case #2 Build, check out our Completed Classrooms Section: Take a quick look at this video, which gives you an outside glance at the school amidst the heavy downpour.
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September 2012 -Latin Fiesta! - A Celebration of SchoolBOX September means many things. Back to School for the kids, soaking up the last bit of warmth left over from the summer, and of course - The SchoolBOX Latin Fiesta. On Friday Sept 28, 2012, SchoolBOX will celebrate their 7th annual Latin Fiesta sponsored by Equator Coffee Roasters. Join the SchoolBOX community in a fantastic celebration to raise funds and awareness for education in Central America. Listen to live latin fusion music, and mingle with the SchoolBOX team. This year, SchoolBOX will welcome a very special guest to the festivities! Details are as follows: Check out the live auction items (Remember to bring your cheque book!):
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August 2012 - Amazing People Commercial Airs! The 'Presented by CTV' Amazing People Gala in support of SchoolBOX commerical started airing on CTV Ottawa on August 21st. Check out the embedded clip below, and make sure you share it with your friends. For more information on the Gala, please go to www.schoolbox.ca/gala, where you will be able to find more information on how to buy tickets, and also sponsor the event. SchoolBOX wishes to thank CTV and their other sponsors for helping put on this wonderful event.
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August 2012 - Soccer Dreams Success! Goooool! Gooooool! Gooool! The chants were loud and frequent during the most recent Soccer Dreams tournament in Chichigalpa last week. SchoolBOX hosted 4 teams from around Chichigalpa at the El Socorro School in La Isla. Several of the schools brought their own cheering sections. It was definitely a sight to see! Esuela Santa Fe were eventually crowned the champions in a low scoring final game. They were victorious over host school El Socorro 2 to 1, scoring the winning goal in the final minute. Sante Fe will represent Chichigalpa in the finals and will be joined by Ruben Dario from Leon, La Cenicera from El Sauce, and Los Maribios from Telica. SchoolBOX wishes all 4 schools the best of luck in the finals. The Soccer Dreams Program was initiated to get children excited about school. Every child is motivated by different reasons to attend school, and many are excited to go to school to be part of a soccer team. Only children with good grades, and good attendance records are allowed to be part of their school's team.
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August 2012 - Love for Books The SchoolBOX team was happy to provide library training for the Nuevo Amenecer School, and the Shirley Case #2 School at the beginning of August. Each school received training on book organisation, using silent reading as a tool, different ways to read to children, and how to use books as a classroom tool. Nuevo Amenecer received their collection of reference books, text books, novels, and story books in their sturdy weather proof bookcases immediately, while the Shirley Case School #2 will receive their books when the school and Laurie's Library are inagurated at the end of August. The majority of public schools are not equipped with the essentials such as books. The books provide the tools to succeed for both students and teachers. SchoolBOX, and the students and teachers of Nuevo Amenecer and the Shirley Case #2 School containing Laurie's Library wish to thank all for their ongoing support!
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Children from La Primavera enjoying the new playground equipment at Brett's School
SchoolBOX congratulates Sarah Kerr for her work with the IYES Program
The children of La Primavera will soon be able to study in a beautiful new school!
5 mini libraries have been inaugurated thus far in 2012.
Excitement is building for the 7th annual SchoolBOX Latin Fiesta
Click here to play the Hope video
Please send comments and questions to info@schoolbox.ca
