Join us as we change the world.
We traditionally think about literacy as simply the ability to read and write. But, literacy comes in many forms including financial literacy, computer literacy, health literacy, and more. Peacework and our partners world-wide are developing and implementing programs to enhance global literacy and education from many perspectives.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is in its 5th year of partnership with Peacework and the Ministry of Education in Belize providing financial literacy camps and workshops to thousands of students and teachers in Belize City.
Oklahoma State University is pioneering a long-term program with Peacework to enhance health literacy along with counseling and education.
Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business is conducting technology trainings for teachers and students in collaboration with Peacework and ITVET.
The University of Arkansas’ Walton College of Business, along with the Peacework Village Network, established a micro-loan program for education and a small-business development grant with the POWA women’s project in Hopkins.
The Peacework 2011 Annual Report starts with the Bloomsberg Businessweek headline, “The Kids Are Not Alright!” While global development organizations try to address conditions that lead to extreme poverty around the world, a new generation is feeling hopelessness and desperation because of global economic disparities. We believe that the solution is the alliance of institutions and villages, of needs and resources, that Jeffrey Sachs talks about in The End of Poverty.
Peacework has teamed up with numerous institutions around the world to foster economic development through entrepreneurship. The University of Texas McCombs School of Business, Peacework, and ITVET in Orange Walk, Belize (Institute for Technology & Vocational Education & Training) are educating students about entrepreneurship, and also providing grants from the Youth Business Trust Belize for start-ups. As a result of this project, two of the McCombs business students have compiled a small business development module to be used by ITVET regional programs throughout the country.
Nutrition and exercise are of paramount concern in any community seeking to improve the health and happiness of its residents. Peacework medical projects offer assistance to local health professionals in treating a myriad of illnesses, but oftentimes, the root causes of illness stem from malnutrition and lack of healthy exercise. School gardens and playgrounds offer an opportunity to learn, grow, eat, play, and even generate income for improved health of school children, teachers, and their families.
Growing Together
Many students currently do not get enough food to stay healthy and alert for school. School gardens offer support to the school’s feeding program while also offering an incredible opportunity for teachers and students to explore topics related to math, science, literacy and many other subject areas outside of the classroom. When managed effectively, school gardens may provide income to cover basic needs like books, paper, pencils, and supplies.
Exercise, Health, Social Skills, and Fun!
Children around the world, no matter their background, language, or culture, all understand one thing… PLAY! On the playground, kids learn to interact with one another, they learn friendly competition, they learn to be creative, and they learn to enjoy healthy exercise. Community leaders and school teachers understand the need for children to have an outlet for their energy and a safe place to congregate together.