CUSO INTERNATIONAL’S MAGAZINE THE ON GLOBAL VOLUNTEERING

CATALYSTAUTUMN 2017 Get back in the game Volunteer again!

cusointernational.org THE CATALYST | 1

INSIDE LETTER 2 FROM THE CEO

CANADA 3 150

YOUR VOICE 7 COUNTED

THE IMPACT 8 AT HOME

THE GLOBE-RUNNING 11 FUNDRAISER

PRACTICAL SKILLS FOR 12 MAKING A DIFFERENCE

13 ALUMNOTES

The Catalyst is published by Cuso International Cuso International is a registered Cuso International is a non-profit international development charitable organization. organization, working to improve the lives of people living with : No. 81111 6813 RR0001 poverty and inequality around the globe. Each year we mobilize hundreds of volunteer professionals who work with local partners to create positive, lasting change. Established in 1961, Cuso Inter- national is a registered charity in Canada and the . We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. We wish to thank the many volunteers, alumni, partners and staff who have contributed to this edition of The Catalyst.

Please send your comments, ideas and submissions to: [email protected] Le Catalyseur est également disponible en français | The Catalyst © Cuso International, 2017. Printed in Canada is also available in French 2 | THE CATALYST

LETTER page 7 from the

CEO page 11

was recently in Winnipeg to take part in the launch of a new project for Cuso International with the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre and the Winnipeg Foun- dation. Called “Mino Stat An”, Cree for ‘making things Iright’, the project will help non-Indigenous people take page 15 pleased to meet several Cuso International alumni at the eventtheir first and stepshear abouton the the road experiences to reconciliation. they had I was while so serving as volunteers. After the event, a group of us gathered at a spot called Do you have a colleague or friend who volunteered Neechi Commons, a community store based around the with Cuso International who has inspired you with the principles of an Indigenous owned and operated worker impact they made when they returned to Canada or co-operative. While there, someone came over to us and elsewhere? I invite you to nominate them—look for more asked: “Are you the group from Cuso? I’m sorry I couldn’t information on how to do that in this edition of The be at the event earlier today but I was busy here at Neechi.” Catalyst. Dennis Lewycky, who was in from 1974–78 We’ll be recognizing inspiring alumni to the end of joined us to discuss his role as a volunteer at Neechi and 2017 and beyond. Check our Canada 150+ Volunteers elsewhere in Winnipeg. This is one of the things that website: alumni150.cusointernational.org. really strikes me as the new CEO of Cuso International, the effort and time alumni put into their communities. So many alumni have told me that not only did they see an impact in their placement communities but they were also changed. And many of you, like Dennis, have used your experience and inspiration to bring change to your own communities back in Canada and around the world. CEO, Cuso International C. Glenn Mifflin As we recognize Canada’s 150 years of Confederation, we believe that that one of this country’s greatest achieve- ments is the support it provides to the world through its skilled volunteers. This year, Cuso International has Cuso International uses the term Canada 150+, launched Canada 150+ Volunteers to highlight this and Aboriginal Peoples Advisory Committee, to re- to recognize 150 volunteers and more who returned from as first suggested by the City of Vancouver’s Urban their volunteer placements and created positive change cognize the long history of different nations who in Canada and the world. comprise what we recognize today as Canada.

We need your help to find those inspiring individuals. THE CATALYST | 3

hen Tim Brodhead accepted a volunteer placement in 1965 to teach in , he was a new graduate at the time and had no idea the impact this experience would have Won his future career—or the mark he would leave on his home country, Canada. “My placement in Nigeria was undoubtedly a launching pad for my career,” he said. “After my placement, I felt I had a responsibility to apply what I learned in our own society. I had a sense that very important changes were required here and that became the motivation for every- thing I did afterwards.” Tim dedicated 25 years to international development, including six with Inter Pares, a social justice organization he co-founded in Canada. Over the years, he took lead- ership positions with several organizations, including the Canadian Council for International Co-operation. Today, he is a board member with seven organizations, including for a New Partnership. In 2001, his contributions were recognized with his appointment to the Order of Canada. For many volunteers like Tim, their Cuso International placement was the catalyst to help them become some of our country’s leading activists, business leaders and public servants inspiring other Canadians to volunteer, give and make a difference. 4 | THE CATALYST

Tim Broadhead Sally Ravindra

Keith Spicer Nora W. Murdock

As Canada marks its 150th and beyond, Cuso International up. Diefenbaker picked them up and handed to me—that’s is celebrating the contributions volunteers have made how green I was.” overseas and here at home by launching a new Canada 150+ Volunteers website (alumni150.cusointernational. org). Whether they were teaching in Nigeria in the 1960s program Following was that later meeting, taken over the by first the 16 Canadian volunteers, Association known like Tim, or supporting agriculture projects in in as Canadian Overseas Volunteers, were deployed. The the 1980s, this site takes viewers through the decades dedicated his career to journalism and public service to learn more about the difference Cuso International throughof University the Presidents.Canadian Radio-Television Keith left the CUSO Commission project and alumni continue to make. Launched in time for Canada Day, the site will continue following the collapse of the Meech Lake Accord. to be updated with volunteer stories until the end of the (CRTC) That andmeeting later waswith a Keithkey figure and Diefenbakerin the Spicer Commission was key for year. Cuso International. It demonstrated what Canadian youth are capable of, and the Prime Minister demonstrated a HUMBLE BEGINNINGS commitment to volunteerism, which continues to be a It would be remiss to talk about Cuso International core value for many Canadians. A few years later, Prime through the decades without acknowledging its humble Minister Lester B. Pearson was on the record recognizing beginnings. Now a global organization recognized for Cuso International as a “trail-blazer in Canada’s voluntary supporting communities around the world, Cuso Inter- efforts.” Today, the Government of Canada continues to national started in the 1960s as an idea from a 25-year-old acknowledge the value of volunteers by maintaining its university student, Keith Spicer. commitment as a key partner. Keith raised a hefty $36,000 to start a project that would send Canadian students to volunteer placements VOLUNTEER IMPACT around the world. He even took his idea to the Prime Since 1961, Cuso International has deployed around Minister at the time. “John Diefenbaker was intimidating 13,000 volunteers to more than 16,000 different place- and gruff,” Keith said. “I told him we wanted him to send ments globally. From coast to coast in Canada, volunteers word to embassy staff that we were sending volunteers, have travelled to , , and the and we wanted them to be treated seriously. He said: to integrate in communities for months, even ‘alright, I’ll do that.’ I was so nervous that I dropped all years, to share their professional skills.

my papers on the floor and was too nervous to pick them “Volunteers often tell us when they return from their THE CATALYST | 5

placements that the experience was transformative, not she met a potter and learned how to create out of clay. just in the community they served, but personally as For 35 years Sally has been a ceramic artist, with shows well—and that is what inspires them to make change For volunteer Nora W. Murdock, her volunteer stint in thein Canada, 1980s wasEurope, life-changing. Japan and “Mythe Unitedvolunteer States. experience (nowhere at Ravindra) home,” said who Glenn was Mifflin, the women’s Cuso International sports editor CEO. for with Cuso International was completely transformative. Amongst the first 16 volunteers was Sally Bambridge As a Cree First Nations from Northern Manitoba, my assigned to go to an event that I didn’t know anything volunteer experience opened up the world. It helped to about,”the University recounted of Toronto’sSally. “It was Varsity with Keithnewspaper. Spicer and“I was Dr. make me who I am today. I am proud of what I achieved Donald Faris, who was speaking about grassroots inter- and the experience continues to impact my work in First national development. I barely took a note because I was so captivated with what they had to say.” By the end of Nora now works for the Manitoba First Nations the event she had put her name on the list that sent her EducationNations Resource in Centre significant as a director ways.” of system devel- to in 1961. “I was there for two years, mostly at a opment, which involves establishing an education system for the First Nations schools in Manitoba. “I initially had ambitions to be in medicine,” said Sally. These are just a few of the 150 stories from Cuso “Buthealth ended centre up along studying the Varanasocial work.” River nearSally Varanasi.taught social International alumni in the new Canada 150+ Volunteers website. Read more about the incredible work of Cuso School of Social Work. During a sabbatical in New York, International alumni at alumni150.cusointernational.org. work at both Dalhousie University and the Maritime

NOMINATE A VOLUNTEER

Do you know a Cuso International Alumna or Alumni who has helped shape Canada? Nominate them to be profiled as part of Canada 150+ Volunteers

Visit: alumni150.cusointernational.org/nominate

Or email us: [email protected] with a few details about this person’s contribution to their community. 6 | THE CATALYST Chef’s Tour Recipe for Changing Lives INGREDIENTS

1 cup Intrepid Volunteer 2 cups Life-changing Experience 2 cups Good Friends 1/2 cup Funny Photos 1/3 cup Comfortable Setting A dash of Social Justice 3 cups Great Food 1 clove of Lasting Change

Recipe serves unlimited fun and laughter

hare your passion for Cuso International with the people closest Sto you. Dust off your old photos, host a dinner and let others know how your volunteer placement changed your life. You don’t have to be a culinary wizard to share photos and stories of your experience while raising funds for a cause you believe in.

REGISTER NOW

Register now or to get more information contact Amie. [email protected] or 1-888-434-2876 ext. 245 or visit cusointernational.org/chefstour. THE CATALYST | 7 Your VOICE Counted!

you for voting as part of Cuso International’s Seven finalists, three projects chosen. Thank • BuildingVOICE Innovation Resilience Fund. & Adaptability Our projects are: Through Volunteer Organizations (BRAVO), • Feeding Lima from Within, Peru • Building up Climate Resilience of Women Farmers,

Building Resilience & Adaptability Through

in the Philippines, a country prone to natural disas- Volunteer Organizations (BRAVO), will be piloted strengthen the recruitment and retention of disaster reliefters. BRAVO volunteers will introduceand explore innovative new approaches activities to volunteer management. The Feeding Lima from Within project responds to issues of urban growth, migration, livelihood and climate change by drawing attention to the role and potential of urban agriculture. The three-year project aims to increase the income, savings and access to safe and nutritious food for the urban poor, as well as reduce environmental degradation. Building up Climate Resilience of Women Farmers aims to narrow the gap between male and female farmers in Cameroon through a pilot model village. Female farmers in Cameroon are less likely to have access to weather information and innovations in agriculture, which results in lower productivity than their male counterparts. The model village will help farmers become more resilient to the effects of climate change and improve food security. We’re excited to show you how Cuso International is putting innovation at the forefront of its programs. We’ll update you on these projects as they progress. 8 | THE CATALYST THE IMPACT AT HOME VOLUNTEERS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO CANADA

ember of the Legislative Assembly, college of the Centre for Research and Education in Human instructor, environmentalist: what do these three Services. The report included a survey of 647 returned leaders have in common? Their life paths were volunteers and interviews with 40 respondents in Canada. M The research shows that a large portion of volunteers Cuso International. continue to give their time to organizations when they For moreinfluenced than 55 years, by their volunteers volunteer have placements worked around with return home. the world through Cuso International. In many cases, the “Two thirds (67%) of Canadians who have volunteered work has had an incredible and sustainable impact. What overseas get involved in volunteer activities in Canada often goes unnoticed, through charitable or non- however, is the impact on Cuso International volunteers community groups,” the study once they return home to shows.profit organizations and Canada and the substantial Nearly half (44%) of the impact volunteers have had returned volunteers in on Canada. Canada went on to work with three or more organizations, International CEO, points out, and “85% offered their ser- As Glenn Mifflin, Cuso vices to two groups.” home with memories, stories In fact, the research sug- and“Volunteers anecdotes often to share return of 90%said their volunteer experience gests that returned overseas their time abroad, but there volunteers are some of “the changed their life for the better most active volunteers in that shows how Cuso Inter- Canada,” transferring their nationalis also quantifiable plays a researchrole in passion for community shaping the lives of volun- involvement from abroad to teers at home and in shaping Canada.” their own backyards. A study from the Knowledge Development Centre titled “The Overseas Experience: A Passport to Improved who says he has seen Cuso International’s These statistics don’t come as a surprise to Mifflin, 2007 by Sean Kelly of Cuso International and Robert Case “When volunteers return home, not Volunteerism” looks at the numbers. It was published in impact first-hand. THE CATALYST | 9

Cuso International volunteering and that’s something that I found.” This focus on community as a result of international development volunteering can be seen as a key impact on Canada. John Harvey was in from 1981 to

him: “The overseas experience exposed me 70% to82. such He reflects a different on how cultural his placement experience shaped and a said their volunteer AT HOME true understanding of how rich we are in experience has a positive Canada. Without the African experience, I might be a very different person today.” impact on their career Harvey is a dedicated environmentalist and community activist. He’s deeply engaged in his community of Squamish, BC, building local trails infrastructure and working with young offend- only do they share their volunteer journey knowledge ers and those with different abilities to increase the and experience with others, they also get actively involved. opportunity to experience the natural world. “It has been This, in turn, has had a profound effect on Canada.”

THE “CHICKEN OR EGG” DILEMMA torewarding improve andthe livesfulfilling of those to know around that us.” I have given back One of the questions the report poses is a ‘chicken or to Canada,” From working says John. internationally, “Volunteering volunteers keeps us motivated not only egg’ dilemma. The researchers ask: “Does the overseas learn the importance of global development but of local, experience spark the volunteer spirit or was it there grassroots, community involvement in ways they may before they journeyed abroad?” not have seen at home before. The answer, in a way, is yes to both. This is shown in the research as “63% of returned Although many people who answered the survey say volunteers undertake volunteer activities for organiza- that they were already committed to the idea of tions that focus efforts mostly on domestic issues” and volunteering before going abroad, upon “29% volunteer with organizations that focus on both returning home they felt an increased sense of appreciation and as a result, a deepened desire to make an impact in their communities. Dr. Erin MacLeod, an avid Cuso International volunteer, says she felt this coming home to Montreal after a placement. “I realized there are so many places in Montreal that I have not seen. There’s so many elements of culture in Montreal 95%would recommend volunteering that I don’t know,” she says. “Learning more and internationally to others enriching your own experience of your own home I think can also come out of 10 | THE CATALYST 91% are proud to be Cuso International Alumni

domestic and international issues.” These diverse areas of interest span from literacy to the arts to sports and recreation to political development and beyond.

Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly in 2015 for Halifax Needham. Lisa Roberts “Over wasthe years, first elected I’ve applied as the skills Member I developed of the in to my Canadian work and volunteer expe- Erin MacLeod in riences,” says Roberts. “My work on various boards, as a community organizer, as Executive Director of Halifax’s

The impact felt by returned volunteers is summed up Veith House, and now as an MLA.” resourcefulness, patience and openness, and new or enhancedinto 4 categories skills. by Kelly and Case’s research: confidence,

returning home doesn’t mean the end of an experience. It means Mifflin a newagrees, journey, “For a Cuso new perspectiveInternational on volunteers,life at home and how to make a difference, how to get involved in Canada.” John Harvey - edness through volunteering: “This broadened worldview may The explain report why also 36%discusses of returned the significance volunteers of getopen-mind involved with organizations that have some link with international issues [and] they often deal with immigrants, refugees, and international students.” As MacLeod puts it, “The impact of what happens afterwards can’t be understated.” To learn more about the impact Cuso International has had on volunteers here in Canada, visit alumni150. cusointernational.org and read more about the Canada Lisa Roberts in Guatemala 150+ Volunteers project. THE CATALYST | 11

The GLOBE-RUNNING FUNDRAISER

hen Ishwar Persad tourism and hospitality diploma— Today, Ishwar is on his second was a boy, he played including meals, uniforms and volunteer placement, this time a game with his bro- supplies—to students in desperate based in Myanmar. He is working ther. Poring over an need. To qualify, students had to with the Myanmar Responsible Watlas, one brother would name a speak a bit of English, show a wil- Tourism Institute (MRTI) to build remote place and the other would lingness to learn and be unable to skills in tourism and help vulnera- pay for an education. “One of our ble communities develop sustain- remember, Ishwar dreamed of students studied by candlelight and able programs. exploringhave to find the it.world, As long with as Zanzibar he can had one shirt that he washed every topping his list of must-see day,” remembers Ishwar. “Without upon arrival in Myanmar? He destinations. the program, he wouldn’t have scouted One of outthe firsta marathon! things Ishwar In Nov- did Born in , gotten a decent education.” ember 2017, Ishwar will run the Ishwar remembers a humble child- An avid runner, Ishwar wanted Bagan Temple marathon, which hood with caring parents who to explore the exotic landscape winds through the ancient city’s while meeting his fundraising 2,000 Buddhist temples and objectives. So, he assembled a team pagodas. Once again he will be help,emphasized as well education. as mentoring, “I saw first- can of volunteers to run the Kilimanjaro leading a team of Cuso International makehand howa difference,” technical says and Ishwar. financial “I marathon in 2012. Together, the volunteers and staff, as they at- always wanted to give back.” team raised nearly $11,000. tempt to raise $15,000. Through After the Kilimanjaro marathon, the work of our volunteers, our International when he studied Ishwar went on to organize other partners and funders every dollar International Ishwar first Affairs heard atabout Carleton Cuso marathon fundraisers in is leveraged 10 times, $15,000 will - and 2012, raising money have the power of $150,000. unteer placement in tourism came for maternal health programs. “It’s very rewarding to see the upUniversity in Zanzibar, in Ottawa. Ishwar When jumped a vol at Recently, Ishwar returned to the chance. Zanzibar and visited former stu- his experiences. “We all have to In 2011, Ishwar spent two years dents. He was delighted to see them workworld,” together says Ishwar, for the reflecting greater good.” upon working in Zanzibar and Dar es working successfully in tourism. Learn more about Ishwar’s Bagan Temple Marathon Fundraiser at: placement, Ishwar taught at a small good experience,” Ishwar says. bit.ly/2eU1tpq tourismSalaam college in Tanzania. that offered In his a firstfree “That’s“Volunteering why I am in doingZanzibar it again.” was a 12 | THE CATALYST Practical Skills for Making a Difference

ennica Rawstron has always been passionate accepted a volunteer opportunity to work as a midwife advisor at the Pawe Health Science College in Pawe, was a big part of her family life growing up in Ethiopia, which provides training for midwives, nurses Britishabout improvement Columbia. Jennica’s and adventure. family values Volunteering fuelled and pharmacists. “I was excited to have tangible experi- herJ deep desire to make a meaningful contribution to ence to share,” says Jennica. “And I was motivated by the the global community. potential for change in an area where maternal and At 19, Jennica participated in the Canada World Youth perinatal morbidity and mortality rates are so high.” (CWY) volunteer exchange program, which took her to Jennica is volunteering as part of Cuso International’s , West Africa. It was commitment to maternal, new- during that exchange that Jennica born and child health. By improv- witnessed a mother giving ing access to quality health ser- birth—and decided to become a vices we aim to help reduce illness midwife. When the exchange and death in women and their ended, Jennica vowed to return newborns in Ethiopia and three to Africa with the practical skills other countries in Africa. to help women and children. During her placement, Jennica Jennica worked hard to achieve is supporting the midwifery her goal. As she trained with the department at the Pawe Health Midwifery Education Program at Science College. She will help plan and implement needs-based recognized that she needed expe- changes, and design and deliver rienceLaurentian working University, in low-resource Jennica settings. To gain the training to midwives and other relevant professional necessary experience before volunteering overseas, groups at the neighbouring hospital. One opportunity

communities in northern Canada. sinks at the hospital don’t work. This means that hand Jennica Today, lived Jennica and is worked a registered in rural midwife. areas, Her including professional fly-in hygienefor change is lackingthat Jennica and infection has identified rates is are that high. many of the experience is high in demand in countries working to Jennica appreciates that her placement is focused on improve maternal and newborn health. In 2017, Jennica building capacity of local partner organizations. “Cuso THE CATALYST | 13

International placements aren’t about doing the manual work,” says Jennica. “They are about teaching and aiming for sustainable change!” One of the things Jennica likes best about her placement is working with her counterpart, Amare, who is also a midwifery instructor at the college. The two work together and discuss how things are done in Ethiopia and in Canada. By talking through the similar- ities and difference, they gain a fresh perspective on how to tackle the issues they face. “Amare helps me believe that working with one person can make a difference,” says Jennica. “Then, the ripple effect can occur.” Learning to live and work in a new culture can be challenging. “I often feel like a detective,” Jennica says of her new surroundings. “When I don’t understand some- thing, I just keep looking around to gather more infor- mation.” These challenges have taught Jennica that meaningful change can take a long time. She maintains a positive attitude, uses creative problem-solving skills, and asks for help when she needs to. When she isn’t working at the college, Jennica is making the most of her time in Ethiopia. She has been training with an Ethiopian running coach, and has had the chance to spend a few days at an internationally recognized training village. “It’s an amazing opportunity to travel and experience things you are interested in,” says Jennica. 14 | THE CATALYST

Alumnotes A place to share and connect

Lynn Graham that she was from west of Montreal. who was a Cuso International vol- Ghana 1964–1966 The reason I want to contact her? unteer and has made a notable Canada 2016–present She lent me an American dollar as contribution to Canada, we want to On April 28, 2017, Cuso Interna- I was being evacuated and I wish hear from you! Visit alumni150. tional alumna and current board to repay her! cusointernational.org/nominate or member Lynn Graham was awarded email [email protected]. Shelley O’Callaghan unteers. Presented by Her Excel- Zambia 1970–1972 Joeanne Coffey lencythe Sovereign’s Sharon Johnston Medal and for Ottawa Vol- Shelley O’Callaghan was a volunteer Sudan 1983–1985 Mayor Jim Watson, the Medal is the teacher for two years in Zambia, I am an o-l-d Cuso International highest volunteer honour in where she fostered literacy among volunteer who worked as a medical Canada. adults in the rural communities and lab technologist at the Juba Lynn Graham has helped advance encouraged girls to complete their Teaching Hospital in the Sudan. public educational activities in the education. This year I turned 65 and community as chair of multiple After 25 years as applied for Old Age Security committees and organizations, and one of our coun- - as a volunteer with the Old Ottawa try’s pre-eminent tion form, Canada Revenue South Community Association, environmental Agency(OAS) benefits. (CRA) Onasks the detailed applica Child and Youth Friendly Ottawa, lawyers, Shelley questions about being absent Christie Lake Kids, and Girl Guides combined her from Canada for over a year. If of Canada. passion for history, you were absent for more than social justice and a year, you must prove you are the environment a Canadian citizen, and provide and wrote a book proof of entry back to Canada. about the history of I found the only way for many Chilliwack Lake in British Columbia, where her family has summered prove when they returned to for nearly 100 years. CanadaCUSO returned is to submit volunteers old, (RV)voided to How Deep is the Lake connects passports. geography, history and deep-rooted Editor’s Note: While it is important family traditions in a warm memoir. for volunteers to keep records of Harold Pohoresky For more details, please visit: their dates, Cuso International can Nigeria 1966–1967 bit.ly/2feHp1y provide you with a letter that con- firms your volunteer service. To caught up in the Biafra war in Elaine Martyn request a letter please contact rein- NigeriaI am a 50 CUSO years alumnus ago. Today, who I gotam Nigeria 1978–1980 [email protected]. writing for help in locating the only When I looked at your Canada 150+ Lynne Mitchell who was also in Nigeria. I believe faces from my time in Nigeria. Can 1991–1992 herFrench last Canadianname was CUSO Pelletier—but volunteer I Iprofiles, nominate I didn’t fellow see alumni? any familiar This past February, Dr. Lynne could be wrong about that—and Editor’s Note: If you know someone Mitchell shared her insight on inter- THE CATALYST | 15

communities, and earn three times versity Affairs. the market price for turmeric. national “I learned volunteering a lot in two years. with I hopeUni- I contributed something. I made a Julio Martínez lot of connections with people, 2016 many of which I still have,” says Dr. While in Benin, volunteer Julio Mitchell, now director and interna- César Martínez shared Joseph’s inspiring story of resilience and versity of Guelph’s Centre for Inter- - achievement. Joseph received nationaltional liaison Programs. officer at the Uni- ing in , where she advised the In 2014, Umeeda was volunteer medical and psychological treat- Read more at: bit.ly/2k3U4Jr government on opportunities to ment, as well as training at the engage youth in business. She made Agricultural Training Center oper- Nareena Switlo many trips to the Toledo district, ated by the Saint-Camille-de-Lellis Tanzania 2010–2011 and on one of those trips, she met Association, which is supported by a farmer who showed her the tur- Umeeda Switlo Cuso International. Read more at: meric that grew wild on his land. Rwanda 2011 bit.ly/2xaE61u Inspired by the vivid orange root, Belize 2014–2015

Over the past three years, the moth- - er-daughter team of Nareena and crafted,Umeeda wholeand Nareena root turmeric spent months paste —Trulyformulating Turmeric. the world’s first wild tional alumnae—have built a suc- Through their company, Naledo, Umeeda Switlo—both Cuso Interna- cessful social enterprise to support the duo provides business training, farmers, employ youth, improve mentorship and wages that are health and produce sustainable triple the area’s minimum wage. Read more from other alumni at products in Belize. Their growers are spread across 10 cusointernational.org/alumni

Do you recognize anyone from this photo? Help us dust off this memory Alumni Flashback by sharing your stories or identifying those in the picture. Please email us at [email protected] or send us a tweet at @CusoIntl using the hashtag #flashback. Submissions will be shared via the next edition of The Catalyst.

Did you recognize anyone in the photo? We asked our readers to send in their best guesses about this photo. Check out the stories at cusointernational.org/alumni 16 | THE CATALYST

In Memoriam

Peter H. Hecht Remembered for his big heart, supported throughout by her loving 1972–1974 kind smile and generous spirit, family and extensive network of On November 21, 2014, Peter Hecht Peter will be dearly missed. friends. died with family and friends by his Martha lived an adventurous life side. Elizabeth Dugger-Udell that took her to Botswana, Sierra Peter and his wife Lily lived in Burundi 1967–1969 Leone, Zimbabwe and . Her the same Ottawa neighbourhood On March 27, 2017, Elizabeth for 35 years. Peter was an engaged passed peacefully at age 75, with in Antigonish County, where she community activist and long-time her family by her side. An adven- andfavourite her destination husband was Anthony Bayfield editor of the community newspa- turous traveller, keen reader and immersed themselves in rural life per. As an editor, Peter worked hard gifted gardener, she loved and cared along the blustery shores of St to inform the community and for her family with a nurturing George’s Bay, and started their encourage debate. spirit. To the end, she was strong family. In his volunteer placement with and playful, embracing her quirky Passionate about empowering Cuso International, Peter drafted sense of humour and her faith in women through education, Martha’s National Park legislation, created a the Lord. career took her to four universities National Park system for the State and a variety of organizations, of Sabah, and designed and super- Martha J. McGinn including Cuso International’s vised building of a variety of proj- Sierra Leone 1980–1982 ects including viewing decks, Martha Joan McGinn of Dartmouth, retaining walls and water supply NS died at home on July 3, 2017 at JeanAtlantic Murtagh office. systems. During his placement, Ghana 1986-1988 Peter met Davis Myers, and the two Jean Murtagh passed away in Sep- became lifelong friends. withthe age brain of 66. cancer, She hadsurrounded lived fifteen and tember of 2017 after contracting full if occasionally difficult months an illness during a trip to Ghana. As a volunteer with Cuso Interna tional in the 1980s in Ghana, she attended more than 1,800 births as a midwife and examined more than 22,000 newborns and toddlers. Jean and her husband Ephrem Carrier, along with their friend, founded the Fondation Murcar Foundation, which runs programs for poor and vulnerable women and their families.

cusointernational.org/ alumni to celebrate the lives of otherVisit: members of the Cuso International family. THE CATALYST | 3

WHAT KIND OF MARK WILL YOU LEAVE ON OUR WORLD? “I CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE WORLD FROM MY TINY CORNER OF THE PLANET.” It was in this time that I learned the to get to know myself better, and to most about the power of generosity. clarify“Volunteering my values gave me around an opportunity work, It inspired me to leave a legacy gift to education, and the vast wealth of Cuso International. My two years things available to me in Canada— overseas opened my heart and head basics like water, and health care, but to new experiences which helped also the incredible choices we have form me. I wanted to ensure that around us. When my placement was other Canadians would have the same over, I later became a passionate opportunity.” Ann Speak, Nigeria ’87 fundraiser for CUSO from 1987-1997. To learn more about how you too can continue to play an integral role in Cuso International’s mission by leaving a legacy gift, please contact Laurie Buske, Director of Resource Development. We would be happy to send you a copy of Cuso International’s legacy brochure.

Phone (toll-free): +1.888.434.2876 x263 | Email:[email protected] Your next journey with Cuso International can start with a Click cusointernational.org/evol