Jan 2012 SchoolBOX community prepares to celebrate the construction of its 30th classroom in Central America

In February, SchoolBOX will inaugurate 3 classrooms in the community of Nueve Amenecer. The inauguration will be significant, as it will mark the construction of SchoolBOX's 30th classroom in Nicaragua. These classrooms provide a safe, secure and enabling environment for children to get a basic education.

Stay tuned for more news on these completed classrooms. SchoolBOX thanks you for helping 'Make Education Possible'.

Jan 2012 SchoolBOX celebrates being recognized as an International Charity in Nicaragua

After 3 years of hard work, struggles and tears, SchoolBOX is finally registered as in International Charity in Nicaragua. Ronald Chavarria worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality. SchoolBOX is now able to own assets, and gain tax relief in Nicaragua.

Jan 2012 SchoolBOX Guy - Cycle 4 SchoolBOX in Ilan's words

The Cycle 4 SchoolBOX has raised over $90,000 to date. Although Ilan finished his cycle on August 26th, he continues to find ways to raise money for SchoolBOX. SchoolBOX Guy is taken directly from Ilan's daily blog and diary about his journey before and during the the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX. Relive the ups and downs of his journey towards 'Making Education Possible' for the children of Central America.

Click on here to purchase the book. All proceeds will benefit SchoolBOX and the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX campaign.

Dec 2011 Christmas E-Newsletter Released

The entire team at SchoolBOX wishes you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season. We look forward to a great 2012 of Making Education Possible. The Christmas e-newsletter can be viewed here.

Dec 2011 - SchoolBOX re-launches the Indigenous Youth Empowering Students Program (IYES)

SchoolBOX is excited to announce that it has re-launched the Indigenous Youth Empowering Students Program (IYES) with a school build and cultural exchange taking place July 19th – 28th 2012. The unique volunteer experience, created by SchoolBOX in 2009, is designed to cultivate the leadership abilities of Indigenous youth and expand their horizons. IYES is a cultural volunteer program that provides First Nations, Metis, and Inuit youth with the opportunity to create meaningful change in the lives of Central American children through education.

The program is open to Indigenous Youth that are Canadian residents and are over the age of 18. Interested applicants should download the application form and submit them to our IYES Program Coordinator, Helen Knott. Read more about the program here.

SchoolBOX aims to minimize the barriers in part taking in this program by offering participants IYES Flight Scholarships. We are actively seeking partnerships and sponsorships to make this a possibility for the participants.

If you are interested in donating to the Indigenous Youth Empowering Students Program, you can do so online through our Canada Helps Giving Page or by cheque with IYES in the memo line submitted to:

SchoolBOX Mill St. PO Box 201 Almonte, Ontario Canada, K0A 1A0

 

Nov 2011 - SchoolBOX Christmas Newsletter Released!

The 2011 SchoolBOX Christmas Newsletter is fresh off the presses. Click the following link to take a look. Please share with friends and family. Together, we can Make Education Possible.

Nov 2011 - Ground Broken on the Brett School in Managua!

Saturday October 29th will always be a special day for the SchoolBOX family. It marked the day that ground was broken on the Brett School in 'Barrio La Primavera' in Managua. The school is named after Tom Affleck's dear friend Brett Bentley Crawford, who had her life tragically cut short. Her name will live on in the hearts and minds of all students at the new school. The groundbreaking was a labour of love, as over 3 years and hundreds and hundreds of hours were put into this project by the SchoolBOX team. Congrats to all of our supporters!

Nov 2011 - A classroom with windows!

On Oct 13th, ground was broken on Nuevo Amenecer School. The school is located in North West Nicaragua in a very poor community. Parents work in the agriculture sector earning about $75 a month. There is hope in the community that the children can break out of this cycle of poverty.

The current school has no windows, and chilren often suffer from heat exhaustion during the year. The children are so happy that their new school will have windows. The new school will provide a safe and secure learning environment for 63+ children.

Oct 2011 - A Joyful Occasion: Second classroom in Cenicera completed!

On October 10th, the second classroom for Cenicera was completed. The community showed their commitment to education after the first classroom was completed. The enrollment of children attending school skyrocketed over 66% after the first classroom was completed. The second classroom was a huge gift for this community, as they worked tirelessly with SchoolBOX staff to get it completed.

Oct 2011 - SchoolBOX Latin Fiesta in Almonte raises over $30,000

Friends, families and supporters from around the Ottawa Region attended the SchoolBOX Latin Fiesta on September 30th. It was a fun-filled evening for all that highlighted the successes of SchoolBOX during 2011. Young and old alike enjoyed great music, and informative presentations from SchoolBOX Ambassadors. The $30,000+ raised was a testament to SchoolBOX’s network of supporters. Thanks to everyone, for making education possible.

Oct 2011 - Cycle 4 SchoolBOX created a media frenzy for SchoolBOX

On Aug 26th, Ilan Levy completed his 8000km cycle across Canada. The campaign raised an unprecedented amount of money towards making education possible in Central America. Ilan’s drive and determination were key to the success of this campaign. Over 40 cross Canada media pieces were attributed directly to the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX. Thank you to all SchoolBOX supporters and to Ilan to help bring SchoolBOX to the next level.

Oct 2011 - CBC Radio SchoolBOX Update

Tom Affleck is interviewed on CBC Radio and discusses the successes of SchoolBOX over the last few years. He also speaks about the future of SchoolBOX.

Listen to interview here.

Oct 2011 - A Celebration of Success: 26th Classroom in Cenicera completed

Recently the SchoolBOX team celebrated the completion of its 26th classroom in Cenicera, outside of El Sauce. Two volunteer groups, the SchoolBOX construction team, and countless community members and students made this dream a reality. The construction of the new classroom has instilled a sense of pride in the community, and has spurred an incredible growth in the student population. Before construction started, the student population sat at 33 students, after the construction ended, 55 children were now attending school. SchoolBOX is proud to announce that they have begun construction on a second classroom in Cenicera to fuel the growing need.

Thanks to all of our supporters for making this happen

 

Oct 2011 - Over 11,400 Educational Packages Delivered

As September 2011 drew to a close, SchoolBOX can add over 11400 happy students and teachers to their list of successes for the year. The school packages were delivered by Carolina Chavarria, who performed a motivational talk to all of the students to inspire them to stay in school and of the possibilities a good education affords. The children who received the package of notebooks, pencils, a pencil sharpener, ruler and an eraser are afforded the opportunity to study, as the cost of school supplies is a large barrier to education for a large number of Nicaraguans. SchoolBOX wishes to thank its volunteers and donors for their continued support.

 

Sept 2011 - Jon's experiences with SchoolBOX

Check out this story about SchoolBOX Communication Manager Jon Tam, written for the Telfer School of Management Alumni Association.

 

Sept 2011 - Cycle 4 SchoolBOX Complete - nearly 87K raised thus far!

On Aug 26th, Ilan completed the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX. 81 days and 8249km later, the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX has raised nearly $87,000. This total will increase as the campaign continues until the end of the year. Check out this clip of Ilan cycling the last few metres up Signall Hill in St. John's Newfoundland. For more information or to donate, check out the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX blog at www.cycle4schoolBOX.com.

 

September 2011 - The 6th Annual SchoolBOX Latin Fiesta!!!

The Latin Fiesta is an evening of fun combined with an opportunity for SchoolBOX to say thank you to a very supportive community.

One can dance, enjoy a presentation of Salsa Dancing and participate in a Salsa Dance lesson, enjoy varied Silent and Live Auction opportunities and learn something about the work of SchoolBOX through Youth presentations, and words from Tom and (hopefully this year) Ronald while enjoying potluck snacks donated by members of the community!!

Dance Music - Star Tools

Salsa - Demonstration and lesson by Salsa Ole

Live Auction

Silent Auction - wide variety of crafts (some made by area artists and artisans, some items from Nicaragua), services, entertainment, restaurant vouchers, etc.

Presentations - by youth who volunteered in Nicaragua the past year.

Tickets:
$20 - Adults,
$10 - Students
Free - Under 13 years

Tickets are available at the door and at Blackbird in Almonte and Read's Bookstore in Carleton Place.

Click here to view the flyer for more information.

August 2011 - Support Local Artists and Help Fund the Second Shirley Case School!

Rideau Valley Art Festival, 30th Anniversary Show, Westport
Aug 26-28, Fri 6-9 pm, Sat. 10-5 pm and Sun. 10-4 pm.
Location: The Community Centre, Concession Street, Westport

Sixty-five professional artists will also be displaying their work including special guest James Kierstead.

For a map, go to www.rideauvalleyartfestival.com
For additional information, call 613-272-5111 or email Mary at mary_chaikowsky@hotmail.com

A portion of the profits will go to the Shirley Case School - a SchoolBox Project

August 2011 - Skydive 4 SchoolBOX presented by Skydive Toronto - If Not Now, When?

Ever thought about jumping out of a plane? Does it scare or excite you? Skydive Toronto presents Skydive 4 SchoolBOX on Saturday Aug 27th. SAVE THE DATE! You can jump alone, or go with a group of your friends to gather up the courage!

Skydive Toronto is initiating a fundraising event Saturday August 27, 2011, called Skydive 4 SchoolBOX. The focus is to raise funds and awareness for SchoolBOX, a small Canadian non-profit that provides funds to build classrooms and distribute educational supplies in Central America.

The aim of SchoolBOX is simple: to build dreams and hopes by ‘Making Education Possible’. By doing this, locals are empowered to lift themselves out of poverty. This mission statement of helping people to help themselves is one that we should support because it has a long lasting positive impact.

We are looking for skydivers to raise funds and awareness for our event.

August 2011 - Shirley Case School Complete!

July 24, 2011 was a momentous occasion for SchoolBOX. It marked the completion of SchoolBOX’s 25th classroom construction. The 25th classroom is part of a 4 room school in Monte Olivo, Nicaragua. The school is named after Shirley Case, a Canadian aid worker, who was tragically killed in 2008. Her friends and family worked tirelessly to raise funds to build the school in her honour.

This school is a beacon of hope for the community, as it replaces their old school which was housed in an old coffee roasting facility. The children will now be able to enjoy learning in a clean, and safe environment. The 59 international volunteers that travelled to Nicaragua to help build this school can be proud that their efforts will education generations of children in Monte Olivo.

August 2011 - Updated Tally of almost $75K for the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX presented by Sleep Country

As per August 9/2011, almost $75K has been raised for the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX campaign. The campaign is 75% of its way towards meeting its goal of raising $100K which will provide 8000 educational packages and build 8 classrooms across Central America. Ilan has been biking hard, and is now in the province of Quebec.

Countless individuals have been empowered across Canada to organise dinners, bbqs, speaking events, and cycling events. SchoolBOX thanks you for 'Making Education Possible'

For more information on how to help reach our goal, please visit www.cycle4schoolbox.com

July 2011 - Supplies 4 Success Program Well Underway

188 Educational Packages were handed out last month to El Guanacastal Sur School in the township of La Isla, Nicaragua. Carolina Chavarria Arauz handed out the 188 educational packages to the students and the teachers. Before she handed them out, she belted out an amazing inspirational speech about staying in school, and the value of a good education.

SchoolBOX is well on their way to handing out 12000+ educational pacakges in Nicaragua this year. These educational packages can be the difference between staying in school, and leaving.

For more information, please visit: http://www.schoolbox.ca/supplies.htm

July 2011 - Telfer School of Management Alumni Association presents: An Evening with SchoolBOX

Time: between 6pm and 8:00pm - Thurs Aug 4/2011

Place: Metropolitain Restaurant and Brasserie - 700 Sussex Drive (Sussex at Rideau)

Premise: Tom Affleck, President of SchoolBOX, and Ilan Levy (the gentleman who is cycling across Canada in support of SchoolBOX) will also speak. Jonathan Tam - BCOMM (2004) of SchoolBOX will speak about volunteerism.

There will be a small silent auction table, as well as an opportunity to donate to the cause.

Light appetizers to be served. Cash Bar.

To RSVP: please email jon@schoolbox.ca as soon as possible.

July 2011 - Almonte Mini Cycle 4 SchoolBOX Event

Time: August 5th · 14:00 - 17:30
Location: Gemmill Park, 182 Bridge Street, Almonte, ON

This event is taking place in conjunction with the Canada-wide Cycle 4 SchoolBOX campaign which aims to raise awareness and funds in order to purchase 8000 educational packages and build 8 schools in Nicaragua.

There will be 2 fun rides for participants of all ages/abilities to choose from:

1. Mississippi Mills Tour (20-25 km) A scenic ride with Ilan Levy to Blakeney and back.

2. Almonte Fun Rally Tour (5-10 km) in town with options to bike/walk/jog.

BBQ at 5:30 pm on the lawn of St. Paul's Anglican Church (62 Clyde St.)
Menu: Hamburgers $3 Hot dogs $2 Drinks $1
Prizes for the rides will be awarded at the BBQ + 50/50 Draw

Pledge forms and instructions for donations are available directly through the Pledge form link:
http://www.schoolbox.ca/C4SB_Pledge.pdf

Participants are encouraged to set a goal amount and to ask family, friends, and co-workers for pledges. Please note all pledge forms and donations will be collected on Friday, August 5.

Online donations can be made through Canada Helps.org Giving page:
http://www.canadahelps.org?/GivingPages/GivingPage.as?px?gpID=13491

All funds will be directed and tallied directly towards the Amonte Mini Cycle 4 SchoolBOX Event.

Entry fee for non-pledgers (people who wish to participate in the event without fundraising): Adults $10, Youth 8-16 yrs. old $5, Children under 8 yrs. old free.

Registration and Waiver Release forms along with tour maps and directions will be handed out the day of the event.

Help us support the right of every child to receive a basic education. All proceeds from this event will support the Canada-wide campaign.

For more details and to register contact:
Sara Cardona Email: scardona@magma.ca + Facebook
Rachael Gardiner, campaign coordinator Email: cycle@schoolbox.ca
Carol Bruce Email: cebruce@gmail.com

To follow Ilan Levy's journey go to: cycle4schoolbox.com

Let's extend a warm welcome to Ilan and put the friendly town of Almonte on the map!!

June 2011 - Cycle 4 SchoolBOX presented by Sleep Country launched

On June 7th, 2011, Ilan Levy embarked on his 8000km+ journey across Canada for the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX. His endeavour will take him through 10 provinces, and will take 81 days. The goal of this campaign is to raise $100,000 to purchase 8000 educational packages and to build 8 classrooms for needy children in Central America.

Check out the media release here. For more information click on www.Cycle4SchoolBOX.com to see how you can help.

June 2011 - Cycle 4 SchoolBOX Media storm is brewing

Ilan has been busy fighting exhaustion and oncoming traffic during the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX. He has also been busy doing radio and newspaper interviews. As the campaign rolls along, Ilan will get busier and busier. Check out one of the first newspaper articles from the Coast Report in Sechelt, British Colombia. Click on the adjacent image to read it.

June 2011 - Cycle 4 SchoolBOX breaks the $20,000 barrier

The Cycle 4 SchoolBOX campaign has started out strong. Ilan Levy is currently on day 8 of 81 and the campaign has raised over $21,500. Help 'Make Education Possible' and visit www.cycle4SchoolBOX.com to find out more aout this fantastic campaign. You can donate directly online, or find out other ways to raise awareness.

June 2011 - CHANCE foundation to fund Pre-school for Brett's School.

C.H.A.N.C.E (www.chancefoundation.ca) has committed nearly $20,000 dollars to build a two classroom pre-school for La Escuela Brett (Brett's School). El Prescolar CHANCE (C.H.A.N.C.E Preschool) will be a wonderful addition to Brett's School which will include a total of 8 classrooms and a small office. This amazing new facility will empower 100's of children to learn how to read and write. For more information please see our Projects Section.

June 2011 - Shirley Case School construction on track thanks to amazing international volunteers.

Family, friends and admirers of Shirley Case joined SchoolBOX in Nicaragua in April and May to help build a school in her honour. Over 25 people from Canada and Australia have worked along side community members in an isolated region of Nicaragua to build the 4 classroom school. It has been a wonderful, life changing experience for all involved. Construction is scheduled finish in July.

May 2011 - Tom Affleck hits the airwaves!

Tom Affleck was interviewed on CKNW Vancouver recently. He spoke about starting SchoolBOX, and the growth of the organisation due to the passion of its volunteer base and ambassadors. He also touched on Ilan Levy's quest to cycle 8000km across Canada during the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX campaign. Check it out!

Listen to the Interview (4.2MB MP3)

May 2011 - Sleep Country Canada and SchoolBOX live on the radio!

Sleep Country Canada has again gone above and beyond by helping SchoolBOX. As the title sponsor of Cycle 4 SchoolBOX, they are directly helping over 2000 children get an education in Central America. Sleep Country Canada is also providing nationwide commercial airtime to aid in increasing the awareness of SchoolBOX and education in Central America. We are all so grateful support. Please click on the below link to hear our SchoolBOX Public Service announcement that went live on Monday across Canada

Listen to the Announcement (1.5MB MP3)

May 2011 - SchoolBOX summer job posting: Gain experience and 'Make Education Possible'

Do you have 20-25 hours a week to dedicate to SchoolBOX for the next 4 months (May-Aug)? Are you organised, self-motivated, and outgoing? Do you believe in 'Making Education Possible'? If you answered yes to all 3 questions, you are an ideal candidate for the position of Campaign Coordinator for the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX presented by Sleep Country.

Click here... for more information.

April 2011 - Stories that will make you smile! SchoolBOX’ Spring 2011 E-Newsletter

Please take a look at our Spring 2011 e-newsletter. It is full of stories that will make you smile. Feel free to pass it on to anyone who might be interested. If you wish to receive our e-newsletter directly , please subscribe on the right hand side of the this page. (Under Join Our Mailing List) Click here... to read the e-newsletter.

April 2011 - ‘Students build a school, while feds fake a lake’, The Guelph Mercury, Monday April 18th

This newspaper article is bound to make you smile or make you mad. Whatever your political cup of tea might be, Owen Roberts article in the Guelph Mercury certainly puts SchoolBOX spending in perspective. Thankfully, a dollar can still go a long way...

April 2011 - Construction of the ‘Shirley Case School’ begins

Friends and family of Shirley Case have joined SchoolBOX staff in Nicaragua to begin the construction of an amazing new school in her honour. The Shirley Case School will be built in Monte Olivo, North West Nicaragua. Shirley’s school will have 3 classrooms and a multi-purpose room. For more information on the Shirley Case School please see out 2011 projects section.

March 2011 - Bella Vista School Complete!

The Bella Vista school is complete. Thanks to Team Princess and Viaje Nicaragua- 2 amazing volunteer groups from Canada - 32 children in Bella Vista have a new school. Before the school was built, students received classes in a small structure made from palm leaves. Thank you to everyone in Cedar Hill and beyond who made the Bella Vista school possible!

March 2011 - Amazing people = Amazing stories.

We are so grateful to have had over 100 volunteers and visitors join SchoolBOX in Nicaragua to see our work first hand. These adventurous individuals have come from far and wide to share their talents and resources to help Make Education Possible. Thankfully many of these amazing people have written about their experiences with SchoolBOX. Here is one of their stories:

Link: http://www.photocs.net/blog/?p=1161

February 2011 - Pancakes and Maple Syrup! A perfect combination for a SchoolBOX Fundraiser!

Fulton's Pancake House partners with the Pakenham United Church to satisfy your sweet tooth, and raise money for SchoolBOX!
Cedar Hill / Pakenham United Church service & fundraiser at Fultons Sugar Bush. Enjoy delicious pancakes and maple syrup after the service with a donation to SchoolBOX. Funds will be used to help Ottawa Valley area residents build a school with SchoolBOX.

When: Sunday Feb 6: 10 am
Where: Fulton's Sugar Bush: Directions, see www.fultons.ca

February 2011 - business partnership makes difference in developing world

Equator Coffee Roasters has been a long time partner of SchoolBOX. Their most recent Beans 4 Dreams program is making a difference in the lives of thousands of Nicaraguan children and communities. Check out this news story in the West Carleton EMC.

Read the article at here

January 2011 - SchoolBOX celebrates the 20th classroom built in Nicaragua at the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus public school

On January 3rd, SchoolBOX celebrated the completion of the L.L. Kennedy classroom at the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus public school. The new classroom is named after Laura Lee Kennedy who has generously supported SchoolBOX since 2007. SchoolBOX has built a total of 2 classrooms and 3 washrooms for the School. The lives of the children are changing thanks to your support.

This is the 20th classroom that SchoolBOX has built in conjunction with its generous donors, and the community in Nicaragua. What a great acheivement for SchoolBOX in such a short period of time!

January 2011 - Hot off the Presses - SchoolBOX Christmas 2010 Newsletter.

Take a look at our Christmas 2010 Newsletter. Please pass it on to anyone who would be interested. If you wish to receive this newsletter in your inbox each time it is published, please subscribe on the right hand side of the this page. (Under Join Our Mailing List) Click here... to read the newsletter.

December 2010 - SchoolBOX and Equator Coffee Roasters Present the ‘Beans 4 Dreams’ Program

SchoolBOX has partnered with Equator Coffee Roasters to “Help Make Education Possible” for the children of Nicaragua. Purchase a bag of coffee and $5 will be donated by Equator to SchoolBOX. If you buy one bag, it is enough to purchase a package of school supplies for one child. By purchasing a minimum of 6 bags, Equator will also cover the shipping in Ontario. The $30 donation for this purchase is enough to buy a whiteboard and marker set for one classroom. This is a great last minute Christmas present for that special someone. By purchasing Beans 4 Dreams fair trade coffee, you are supporting small farmers in Nicaragua, small business in Canada and aspiring young students in Nicaragua. Order before December 20th and have the coffee shipped to your door before Christmas! Please click on the following link for the order form. Beans4Dreamsorderform.pdf

November 2010 - A Different Christmas Gift This Year!

SchoolBOX is offering you the opportunity to provide the gift of education during this holiday season. Instead of offering a predictable gift this year, you are able to offer the children of Nicaragua an Educational Package, a Tooth Brush Kit, or a desk. Donate money to SchoolBOX in the name of your loved ones this year. In addition to you and your gift recipient being happy, the children of Nicaragua will have an extra reason to smile this holiday season. For as little as $2, you can make a difference. Please click here to view the SchoolBOX Gift Ideas. The children of Nicaragua and SchoolBOX thank you for your continued support.

November 2010 - Another Successful Classroom project completed

November was a special month for the community in Telica Nicaragua (near Leon). SchoolBOX was able to finish the construction of a classroom, and 3 new washrooms at Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Public School. Tom, and Ronald from SchoolBOX, in conjunction with community leaders, students, teachers and family members were on site. The most exciting part came for the kids, as they loved flushing the toilets! SchoolBOX thanks the community of Telica, and especially all those that gave their time and money to help this project come to fruition.

October 2010- A night out in Toronto on November 2nd for SchoolBOX!

The ‘Things I Have Been Meaning to Do’ fundraiser for the construction of the Shirley Case School in Monte Olivo, Nicaragua aims to be a ton of fun! Live music, amazing auction items, great food; this event has it all. Check out the website: www.meaningtodo.ca for details and see you there!

October 2010- A new school construction begins!

SchoolBOX began the reconstruction of the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus public school in Telica, Nicaragua on the 11th of October. 95 children from Kindergarden - Grade 6 will enjoy the new washrooms and improved classrooms. Thanks to Performers for Progress (www.performersforprogress.com) for making this project possible. As you can see from the picture- there are a lot of improvements to be made!

October 2010- Almonte FUNdraiser Run, October 30th

Enjoy a beautiful run for a great cause. There are 1km, 5km and 10km options. All proceeds from the event will be shared between Almonte Olympian Perianne Jones and SchoolBOX. Please visit www.runalmonte.ca for more information and online registration.

October 2010 - Want a job that really matters?

SchoolBOX is hiring its first Fundraising Communications Manager. Put your skills to use with SchoolBOX and help to Make Education Possible for 1000’s of amazing children. This dynamic position will be based out of SchoolBOX’s head office in Toronto. Click here for a complete job description.

September 2010 - 10,000 educational packages for teachers and students in 2010!

This year SchoolBOX has given educational supply packages to 10,084 students and teachers in Nicaragua. Most of our partner students live on less than $1 / day and these simple supplies make a HUGE difference in their lives. They often mean the difference between a child staying in school- or not.

September 2010 - Buy a book and help SchoolBOX!

Mill Street Books, an amazing independent book store in Almonte Ont. is holding a HUGE BOOK SALE for SchoolBOX. 50% of sales will go to SchoolBOX: Sept. 18th 8am - 1pm, Sept. 19th 1pm - 4pm. Click here to view the flyer for more information.

September 2010 - Announcing SchoolBOX' 5th Annual Fiesta …with a Twist!.

Please join us on Friday September 17th at the North Lanark Agricultural Hall in Almonte, Ontario for an evening of live music, dance performances and presentations. Participate in a silent auction, enjoy some food and beverages and perhaps bid on a vacation in the live auction. Celebrate the fact that SchoolBOX is now helping 10,000 children get a primary education in Central America. Click here to view the flyer for more information.

July 2010 – The Shirley Case School

Shirley Case was one of 2 Canadian aid workers tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2008- she was 31 years old. Shirley devoted her life to helping and loving the children who needed her most all over the world.

In celebration and remembrance of this true Canadian Hero, SchoolBOX is helping Shirley's friends and family to build the 'Shirley Case School'. This beautiful new school will empower 100's of children to get a basic education in an isolated community in Nicaragua, Central America. Shirley's light will continue to shine!

If interested, you may contribute to this cause via our donate page.

June 2010 - The Great Wall of Leon.

SchoolBOX began working on the construction of a perimeter wall to provide protection for hundreds of children in the Cristo Salvador public school in Leon, Nicaragua. Located in the middle of a very poor neighbourhood, the School is being overrun by everything from cows and dogs (wandering around the school yard), to thieves (stealing everything including the Schools toilets), to taxis (using the playground as a short-cut). The new wall will keep the kids in and everyone else out.

June 2010 - SchoolBOX AYES (aboriginal youth empowering students) participant continues to ‘Make Education Possible.’

After returning from volunteering with SchoolBOX in Central America, Helen Knott raised over $500 in her community to help children living in Nicaragua’s largest trash dump to go on a trip. Staff from our partner Juntos Contigo and SchoolBOX accompanied 39 children from the dump on an amazing trip to the colonial city of Leon- the highlight of the day was a huge lunch. Thanks Helen!

May 2010 – Team ACE dances its way into SchoolBOX history.

A team of 13 young professionals from Ottawa joined SchoolBOX to build the 7th new classroom for the Rueben Dario School. While we are forever grateful for their work, this amazing group will be most remembered for their ‘HUGE’ dance performance. Amidst the overwhelming cheers and requests for autographs from the students, it was clear that this group had danced their way into our hearts. Check out this great video on the groups experience: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX3DkZRCN1Y

April 2010 - Changes for the Rueben Dario School in Leon Nicaragua

They are finished- Two new classrooms, One amazing soccer pitch, and Four functioning washrooms. The SchoolBOX community has helped to literally transform the Rueben Dario School in Leon Nicaragua. We are currently building the 7th and final classroom for the school.

April 2010 - So far this year, 6091 students in 33 communities have received SchoolBOX educational packages

These basic supplies- notebooks, pencils, erasers, rulers, ect. – can literally mean the difference between a child getting an education- and not. In Nicaragua , 75% of the population lives on less than $2 a day and nearly 50% of children do not finish Grade 5.

April 2010 - Michelle Kay joins SchoolBOX staff

Michelle´s SchoolBOX credentials are amazing- she has fundraised to build a school, traveled twice to Nicaragua to work on our projects, and championed our cause in the media. Michelle is an accredited management accountant in England and an incredible Mom with two wonderfully bright children (George & Alexandra). Welcome Michelle!

April 2010 - SchoolBOX in the Media!

We have been very fortunate to get some great coverage in the media recently. Have a look at three CBC pieces (written, radio, TV) here. Also, check out a great 1.5 page article published in the Ottawa Citizen on a family's volunteer experience with SchoolBOX in Central America - here.

March 2010 - Notebooks for all !!!

Thus far in 2010, SchoolBOX has provided educational supply packages to 3271 children and 142 teachers in Nicaragua. Containing notebooks, pencils and other basic supplies, these packages literally make education possible in our partner schools. In 2010, SchoolBOX aims to provide 10,000 children with educational supply packages!

March 2010 - Aventura Nica is AWESOME!

Aventura Nica, a 16 person Anglican Church youth group from Almonte, Ontario did an awesome job of building two classrooms with SchoolBOX in Nicaragua. The group worked hard, inspired young students, met community members, hiked volcanoes, visited a Pacific Beach, and experienced a whole new way of life. Amazing!

February 2010 - SchoolBOX Volunteers Make it Possible!

An amazing group of SchoolBOX volunteers, ranging in age from 13 to 65, joined us in Central America to build 2 more classrooms for the Rueben Dario school in Leon. Working alongside students, parents and community members, the group did an awesome job of moving the construction forward.

View a short video at youtube

February 2010 - Press Release - Sleep Country Canada embraces SchoolBOX expansion to Toronto to help Central American children access an education

Read the press release here...

February 2010 - SchoolBOX releases its February newsletter.

SchoolBOX's February newsletter is available here...

January 2010 - SchoolBOX is delighted to announce the arrival of Bryant, our newest member.

SchoolBOX Director of Operations, Ronald Chavarria Arauz and wife Yasmine Lopez welcomed their new son Bryant into the world in December. Ronald and Yazmine live with their two sons in the SchoolBOX office in Managua, Nicaragua.

January 2010 - Union Espana's new classroom is finished!

Working alongside dedicated community members, SchoolBOX staff has successfully completed the construction of a new classroom for the Union Espana School near the city of Leon in North West Nicaragua. Construction was challenging, as there was no water available in the community. Thankfully, this challenge was overcome by transporting water to the site in plastic barrels. SchoolBOX has now built 15 classrooms in Nicaragua! Thank you for making it all possible.