CUSO INTERNATIONAL’S MAGAZINE THE ON GLOBAL VOLUNTEERING

CATALYSTSPRING 2017 Continue your legacy Volunteer again!

cusointernational.org THE CATALYST | 1

INSIDE LETTER 2 FROM THE CHAIR

LASTING 3 LEGACIES

FULL 7 CIRCLE

THE THINGS 10 THAT MATTER

HAVE SKILLS 12 WILL TRAVEL

13 ALUMNOTES

Cuso International staff member Fabiola Quesada and volunteer Christophe Massamba participate in the #NiUnaMenos march in Peru against gender violence

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- We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government national is a registered charity in Canada and the United States. of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.

Patron: His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada.

We wish to thank the many volunteers, alumni, partners and staff who have contributed to this edition of The Catalyst. © Cuso International, 2017. Printed in Canada

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

LETTER page 8 from the

CHAIR page 12

As a past volunteer of Cuso International, you no doubt share my desire to be involved in creating a more humane world. This was one of the reasons I decided to become the Chair of Cuso International’s Board of Directors. What a pleasure it has been to meet with so many of you across page 15 the country who are driven by the spirit of generosity

hand about the impact that Cuso International volunteers family of supporters strong and allowing for new projects haveand human made. Together,connection. you It’s have been all aleft delight a unique to hear footprint first- toand create sending success financial in the contributions, poorest of nations. you are keeping our Aon this world that will endure. As , we all have a special role to play in Your past involvement in Cuso International’s work assisting people at home and around the world. For has played a role in propelling our global community example, as Chair, I’ve supported the organization as it’s forward. After being exposed to the realities of poverty undertaken new projects with the Indigenous partners and injustice through volunteering, many of our alumni in Canada that will allow us to extend the scope of our have emerged with a passion for service and volunteerism work. You are part of the reason that this innovation is that has continued throughout their lives. This is a great able to happen. example of the remarkable impact that this organization Thanks again for choosing to be involved with has. The integrity of Cuso International hasn’t changed Cuso International. since its inception in 1961. Today, we continue to trans form the lives of people around the world by helping families grow to meet their full potential. - In the pages of this edition of The Catalyst, you’ll read more about other alumni and how they’ve assisted com Lloyd Axworthy munities in places like Cuba, Tanzania, Laos, and Board Chair Cambodia, as well as current volunteers who continue- the work. You’ll also get updates on alumni who have continued to take action to foster a more just society. Cuso International congratulates the Honourable Thank you for your personal efforts in partnership Lloyd Axworthy, P.C., C.C., O.M., on his promotion to Companion of the Order of Canada. This is a promo dous pride in the fact that you’ve given your time as tion within the Order and recognizes “his principled awith volunteer. Cuso International. You should have tremen- contributions to international human rights and for- In order for us to make change happen for the world’s most vulnerable people, our alumni must continue to ularly in support of Aboriginal students.” take active roles in our work. By attending alumni events his leadership in post-secondary , partic- THE CATALYST | 3

Lasting LEGACIES

Class Photo

FAMILY IMPACT OF CUSO INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS At the age of 22, Celia Denov, of Toronto, had just

and travelled with her husband to Tanzania. The couplefinished were a university Cuso International degree in English, volunteers; got married her

school. placement Celia’s placement was teaching in 1965 English occurred at a secondary during a

rallying across the continent of , and social ismpivotal was time on the in rise. Tanzania: Private Freedom schools had fighters been made were - local people who were trained to teach. Cuso public for the first time, but there were not enough Visiting Karamoja, Uganda void. “For me it was a completely new experience. ItInternational was a turning volunteers point. I got like to Celia understand helped fill what that real poverty meant, and what the basics of life were,” she recalls. “I think that stayed with me for the rest of my life.” For many Cuso International volunteers, the impact of their placement is evident, not only in the communities served, but also on a per sonal level. The experience of living and working overseas in developing countries- prompts volunteers to see the world through a new lens, shaping their values—values which they pass on through generations. Many vol unteers, including Celia, recognize their Cuso International placements helped them create- a legacy of compassion, volunteerism, and a Three Generations deep pride in Canadian values. Crediting her volunteer experience for

encouraging her to be outward-looking, and 4 | THE CATALYST

to truly appreciate Canadian ideas of tolerance and accep GENERATIONS OF VOLUNTEERS For another family, the Powells, the legacy in sharing these values with her family. - of helping others in their community and tance, Celia says she hopes to have had some influence abroad is being passed up and down the APPRECIATING CANADIAN VALUES generations. Travelling in Laos in 2003, For the Porteous family, son Murray recognizes his father’s volunteer placement with Cuso International in Cuba Imran, who was volunteering with Cuso helped him realize the advantages he has in Canada. InternationalKelley Powell met as heran soon-to-beeconomic husband,advisor. Murray was just 12 years old when his family travelled Kelley stayed in Laos with Imran for a year, to Cuba for 3.5 months while his father, Ken, volunteered also becoming a Cuso International vol on a farm. unteer with the Gender Development Ken was a cattle farmer in Ontario and had sold cattle Group. She helped set up one of the- to Cuba; Cuso International reached out to him to volun teer there to share his expertise. Once there, one of the projects in the country. - first-ever Having domesticvisited her violence in Laos, research Kelley’s increase the amount of milk being produced. Within the parents, Bert and Paula, were inspired to first things Ken shared with local farmers was how to also take on volunteer roles with Cuso in a day to 25 pounds. But while Ken knew the cattle International. In 2013, they travelled to couldfirst month, produce they wenteven frommore, producing there were six pounds limitations: of milk Cambodia for two years. Bert worked as Providing one herd of cattle with more feed for increased a government advisor, while Paula taught production would mean taking feed rations from another disadvantaged youth. “My parents have farm where cattle might starve. eight grandkids who all now know where Murray remembers the pride he felt in Cuba because Cambodia is and understand the issues community members were so thankful for his family to there. They understand what my parents be there. He got to know teachers and students, spending got from that experience,” Kelley says. time at the local school. He was made to feel like a dig visited her grandparents in Cambodia, is handing out neck ties to students. In Cuba, students at- picking Kelley’s up 11-year-old the torch ofdaughter, volunteer Sage, work, who thenitary time on were graduation told what day theirwhen he stood with officials career would be, and from this, Murray started to realize the value of the choices afforded to him in Canada. Fast forward 40 years, Murray now works on the family farm in Norfolk County. His dad, now 80 years old, is easing into his retirement. They no longer raise cattle, but instead grow fruit and asparagus. Looking back on that time in Cuba, Murray says: “It taught me independence, and it taught me the value of working hard, and appreciating Canada’s democratic government.”

Ken and Murray Porteous THE CATALYST | 5

Three Generations of Powells

helping to raise money for a school in Sierra Leone and attending We Day in Ottawa. This year Kelley and Imran hope to introduce their young est children to development work as well, and are plan ning to bring Sage and their two sons—ages nine and- six—to visit friends who are doing volunteer work in- rural Nicaragua. “It’s really important to me that my kids understand that the world we have in Ottawa isn’t the way the majority of people in the world live,” Kelley says. “I want them to understand the issues of poorer countries, but to also see that many poorer communities have such great richness, and that we can learn so much from them when it comes to preserving cultures and traditions, and valuing community and family.” With three young children at home, Kelley and Imran haven’t been able to take on another Cuso International Sage, Bibiana Nalwiindi Seaborn, and Kelley future. In the meantime, she says, her parents are cur rentlyplacement, perusing but thesay volunteerit’s definitely postings a possibility and considering for the their next adventure. - 6 | THE CATALYST

A Chef’s Home dinners in support Tour of Cuso International nvite your friends, family Iand fellow alumni to a dinner to reminisce about your Cuso International experience. Share photos of your placement and how your experience changed your life. Whether it is a theme dinner in your home, pot- luck style or at a restaurant, guests are asked to make a donation in support of Cuso International.

Two exclusive dates this Spring and Fall for alumni only. For more information, visit: cusointernational.org/ChefsTour You will receive an exclusive toolkit of resources to help you host your dinner, in addi- tion to individual support from our staff. THE CATALYST | 7

FullCircle Celebrating Bonds that have Lasted a Lifetime

“A lot of us owe our careers to the grounding that Peter Lagos for a wedding. In traditional Nigerian fashion, it gave us,” Oye says, “People felt he had honoured them by Last April, at the age of 77, Peter Reeve-Newson flew to making the trip and they wanted to honour him….and 1,000 people and a band that played for 12 hours straight. my classmates, when we get together, they like to make was an understated affair, with a sit-down dinner for speeches.” International volunteer how much he loved the country, What Peter’s former students may not have guessed, its people, Everything their aboutwarmth it andreminded zest for the life. former Then, toCuso his was how much they had taught him: “It was,” he says, “my awakening.” toast to everything they cherished about him—the oymbo, L“thesurprise, white in man”—who mid-celebration, had come dozens into of their guests young raised lives a reshaped the way he viewed the world and his role in it, as a teacher half a century before. the Peter’s way he five raised years his in children, in and the how 1960s he completelylives, even Among them was Yinka Odukoya, the father of the now, retired in Toronto, still helping others. With the groom, who had gone on to become the chief engineering worrisome rise of nationalism and the inclination to build walls, the remarkable opportunity that Cuso International leading oil and gas engineer, philanthropist and founder provides for “people to act on their better nature” has officer for Guinness. There was Dr. Olumide Phillips, a never been more important, he says. the U.S., his lifelong friend Dr. Oye Olukuton, a noted “It’s a chance to realize the universality of the human of an independent co-ed high school in the city. And from race. When we think of foreigners, we think of faceless and scholarships in the U.S. and in Nigeria for students beings in some distant land, but they are real people you incardiologist, need—as he a co-founderhad once been. of Harvard’s It was Oye Malaria who convinced Project can support, and make a difference by helping them to have an easier, fuller, better life. In turn, that will certainly change you. theirPeter extraordinaryto make his first bond. trip back to Lagos in more than “I’d grown up with so many assumptions about the 40 years, the city where the two men had first forged world,” he adds. “But that is not the man I became.” 8 | THE CATALYST

aised in the rural village of Beaver Valley, Ontario, Most students came from very modest means: “The Peter was hungry to see the world. After graduating mother would pay for the uniform, a sister would pay for Rwith a geophysics degree from the University of the books and the brother with a bank job would pay Toronto in 1961, he thought he might teach math in Brazil. the tuition.” With so many family members counting on their Waterloo, where he also completed master’s degree in success, the boys worked hard to do well—and they did. mathematics,But during his he first met threeteaching Nigerian job at students the University who urged of One of them was Oye Olukotun, who had dreamed of him to visit their country. becoming a doctor from the age of six. His mother and older brother had scraped together the

of high school, and he wonfunds fora scholarship his first year that covered the years that followed. He was

16 when he first met heMr. could Reeves-Newson, see that this newand from teacher the get-go was “unusual.” For start ers, he was young, Oye says, “only seven- years older…so he really related to our youth…and he had a way of teaching that made mathematics and physics come alive, it was very Class Photo inspirational.” For Peter, who was captivated by the local welcoming culture of the Yoruba people, it felt natural—“They just wanted you to come and meet their Canadian University Services Overseas, what would families.” So he did, sometimes attending the naming become CUSO and later Cuso International, was barely ceremonies of newborns. Given the very high infant a year old then, and after spotting its posters in the halls, mortality rates at the time, the ceremonies, held on a Peter signed up. By September 1962, at the age of 23, he landed in the sprawling port city of Lagos, stepping off bration, he says, with parades of visitors, food, and musi the plane and into the wet heat of the Nigerian climate, ciansbaby’s playing fifth day in of front life, ofmarked the house. a major Anyone community who comes cele- with a gift can name the child, and the child will always- But he found his footing quickly as the new math and answer to that name from that person. physicswhere, he teacher admits, at “Ithe was Methodist stunned Boys for the High first School, few days.” and, his passion. “I was excited by the teaching. I loved it. THE CATALYST | 9

“God’s gift;” and Marianne was named Remilokun for “theeldest, sister Mark is remembered.”is Ime for “long awaited,” Tim is Eno for The remembered sister was Joanna, Mfon, meaning “God’s grace,” who was born with microcephaly, a rare neurological condition. By the late 1980s, when her prognosis was poor, Oye was there to help the man who had so long ago helped him. “Oye arranged for us to get a second opinion at Harvard,” Methodist Boys High School Class Reunion says Peter. “He did that for us, and we went down to Boston.” Unfortunately, nothing could be done, and in

Despite his grief, what survived is Peter’s belief that life’s1990, greatest seven-year-old gift is what Joanna you passedcan give away. to others. “Part of n 1964, Peter left the Methodist Boys High School to why we’re here on earth is to share our talents” he says, become the principal at Ibibio State College, a tribal a value he still lives by. Since retiring and moving into a Ischool in the south, where he remained until Nigeria’s condo, he’s given up carpentry for quilting and makes civil war broke out in 1967. But the two years he taught hats for cancer patients and with the Linus Project, blan in Lagos, says Oye, “created a bond that lasted a lifetime… it meant such a lot...he wasn’t just our teacher.” - In part, because of all Peter did for students outside shelterskets and comforterswhere mothers for long-term and children care residents,sometimes families arrive the classroom. For one senior student, whose family could withwho nothinghave lost of their their homesown. to fires, and for women’s no longer afford the tuition fees, Peter picked up the costs It’s a value his children inherited. His eldest son taught himself—“It wasn’t much,” he says. Once, he even turned to a wealthy spinster back in his Ontario hometown to and his daughter, a social worker, works with Indigenous cover the university tuition for a needy student and to womenEnglish in and Japan, youth. his secondAnd, as son Peter built saw homes for himself in Bangladesh, on his his delight, “she was happy to do it,” and Peter discovered, recent trip back to Lagos, it’s a legacy alive and well “it doesn’t hurt to ask.” among the alumni of the Methodist Boys’ High School. The generosity of others has had a wonderful ripple They too have made a vocation of giving back, to their families, and communities and those in need. to learn and earn and their success enabled them to “Seeing all these students of mine who welcomed me, effect, Peter says. The students who benefited went on educate dozens of others, their own children, their grand and how well they have done, and what they do for children, and on it goes. “It’s individuals who make the others,” says Peter, “it closed a happy circle.” difference,’ Peter says and Cuso International is like ‘the- seed,” from which that legacy grows. Peter, meanwhile, returned to Toronto, and switched from teaching children math to teaching adults the latest in computer systems. But he continued to work with Cuso

sometimes in his Nigerian robes, and appearing on the CBCInternational, to provide staffing insight intobooths Nigeria’s at job civilfairs, war. giving talks,

Christmas in North America, he drove to Canada. Peter took All him the home while, to OyeBeaver stayed Valley in totouch see theand snow. for his first The two men kept in close touch through the years. They went to each other’s weddings, vacationed together with their families. Peter and his wife, Marlene Sigel, who Peter with former Students and the happy couple had also been a CUSO teacher in Bolivia, had four children and “Uncle Oye” gave each of them Nigerian names, their 10 | THE CATALYST The Things

CUSO teacher in Nigeria

Following a similar path to the one her mother Valerie took as a young volunteer some 35 years ago, Amanda Cox is currently volunteering with Cuso International. While mother and daughter have different areas of

ent countries, the impact of their placement has been theprofessional same. expertise, and have volunteered in differ- “My mom worked most of her life as a teacher at a Fschool for marginalized youth. Her travelling and working Amanda on the job in Bolivia said. “We both feel that travel and volunteering are great opportunitiesto help people has for served broadening as a role-model your horizons, for me,” learning Amanda about the world, and deepening your gratitude for the things in life that matter.”

currently volunteering in Bolivia, while her mother was The a Cuso 28-year-old International industrial volunteer design in professional Nigeria from is Family Travels 1978–1980. In Bolivia, Amanda lends her professional expertise to a technical college that teaches carpentry, metal

helping the students open a store where students can sellworking their andhandmade construction. goods toHer raise placement funds for is thespecific school. to

dents who might not otherwise be able to attend. The The store’s store, profit once will opened, be used will to sellprovide items grants for kitchens to stu-

Bolivia’sand offices, history. as well “I as hope garden that planters, once the mirrors, store opens, and even the studentssouvenirs. will The be givenhigh-quality projects piecesto design aim products to showcase for the store. This will teach them more about design, entrepre

seeing their products sold,” she said. - neurship, branding, and also give them confidence by THE CATALYST | 11 The Things that Matter Valerie and Amanda

Speaking of her daughter’s volunteer work, Valerie encouraged her two daughters to travel, explore other says: “I am proud and thrilled that Amanda has had the countries and learn about how other people live, and to contribute to the world in their own way—lessons ibility of living and working in a different country Amanda remembers from her youth. “Growing up, it was andchance culture. to experience It has made the her adventures examine her and values respons- and always stressed to my sister and myself that experiences were more important than things, and that we should with challenges.” always give back,” Amanda recounts. priorities At the age in life, of 21, and Valerie to find experienced her own strengths her own and adven deal In sharing experiences, Amanda notes it has been tures, travelling to Nigeria with Cuso International, interesting to see how Cuso International has changed - over the years, and how different their placements have ment. She also ran the library and debate club, and was been. However, each placement has enabled these women housevolunteering mistress at toa schoolmore than as head 100 ofboys. the English depart- to explore the world, learn about new cultures, and give “Those were different times, with no Internet, and no back to the communities they serve. way to keep in touch with friends and family in Canada except by snail mail. We had no electric ity or running water - Valerie said. “Some Eager Nigerian Students offor my the students first year,” had never seen a white person before. I had to learn a new lan guage (Hausa) to communicate with- the locals. I did a lot of learning, adjust ing and growing in that time.” - When they were younger, Valerie 12 | THE CATALYST Have Skills WILL TRAVEL

For as long as Yves Bureau can remember, he followed the adventures of his uncles who worked as Catholic missionaries in countries in Africa, in Japan and in Canada’s North. Yves remembers sitting with his Yves in Cambodia, 2013 grandmother as she showed him where these kind and adventurous men lived and worked. His uncles planted the seed of service in Yves’ mind, one that stayed with Fhim throughout adulthood. is working in, then adapts his experience and expertise to meet the upon his career in healthcare administration As a volunteer, Yves seeks first to understand the context that he and “I’ve the had three a good children life,” says he raised Yves, reflecting with his back so they can implement what they’ve learned. specific “In international needs of the development, people he is we working can’t expect with. immediateAfter that, heresults,” steps ed to offer my expertise with others in says Yves. “It takes time and support to develop and express new thewife world.” of 38 years. “When I retired, I decid- skills.” Over the course of his four placements, Yves has developed a In January 2017, Yves embarked upon his deep appreciation for the organization’s approach to volunteerism. fourth volunteer placement with Cuso “Cuso International volunteers listen and share knowledge that helps International. He began volunteering in organizations get to where they want to go,” he says. “They are very 2010 and his placements have taken him to respectful toward other cultures, traditions and people.” small town Vietnam, remote villages of Yves is one of a growing number of Cuso International volunteers Cambodia, urban Myanmar and most recent ly, the Philippines. is incredibly rewarding,” says Yves. “It’s opened my mind and made Yves uses his experience in organizational- mewho more re-volunteer curious after about their our initial world placements and the people have ended. within “The it.” workYves and capacity development to mentor man remains in contact with the people he worked with in Vietnam and agers to develop and sustain organizations Cambodia; they regularly email Yves with questions and updates. that serve their communities. “These orga- The Bureau family legacy of philanthropy lives on in Yves and his nizations are full of young people who want siblings—two of whom also volunteer internationally—and shows to improve the lives of their families and- no sign of slowing down. “As long as I have the health to continue and communities,” says Yves. “They bring so knowledge to share, I would like to keep volunteering with Cuso International.”

much energy, it fulfills me.” THE CATALYST | 13

Alumnotes A place to share and connect

Colleen Ashworth Donald arrived in September, 1966 teer, Michael Cameron, wrote in to Ghana 1964–1966 and although he was lean and spry, report that fellow alumnus Ian I have to admit that our initial reac Microeco- worth witnessed the assassination nomics and Behaviour, a textbook Fifty-two years ago, Colleen Ash- ever, I found that he had worked on- thatParker takes is a a co-author Canadian ofperspective tion was outright rejection. How- room in New York City. Ashworth major engineering projects from on the subject. Parker mentions his of Malcolm X at the Audubon Ball- Vancouver to Halifax. volunteer experience supporting After a couple of weeks behind versarywas profiled of the inassassination. an article by the a desk, Donald was getting restless. ation in Tanzania in the book’s We decided to give him the onerous introduction.the National Development The text is Corpor-infused bit.ly/2lCcdgGEast Coast Post marking the anni- with worldly life Western Province of Uganda—an experiences, inno areajob of about Regional a quarter Engineer the sizeof the of vative perspectives Ontario. Donald would have to - ual boundaries of 2,500 manual labourers. microeconomics.and stretches the us- manage Donald 200 was office in his staff, element. as well His as For more informa new job involved everything from tion on Microeco- tarmac and dirt roads to bridges, nomic and Behavi-- ferries and ports. The territory was our, please see: populated by trucks, bulldozers, amzn.to/2m4aG4b scrapers, cranes and steamrollers. Donald knew every facet of every David Van Berckel Donald Lowe operation he tackled. Best of all, 1969–1971 Uganda 1966-1968 Donald was a people person and Owner of Opus Art Supplies—and Armand Rodrigues recently shared his staff respected him. former Cuso International volun his memories. Under Donald’s management, teer—David Van Berckel was the Western province soon became recently featured in The Vancouver- the envy of the other provinces. In the 1960s, I served as the CEO munications and Housing in When I moved to Canada in entrepreneur” had always been of the Ministry of Works, Com- interestedSun. The so-called in art. Van “left-leaning Berckel came to know Cuso International Donald had landed upon his return opened Opus as a framing shop in Uganda. It was then when I first January 1969, I tried to find where volunteers. Their contributions to Canada. Sadly, I was never able 1974 upon returning from his vol were immense. At the time, the retiring age in him though. Donald Lowe was truly - Uganda was 55 years old and we oneto find of him.a kind. I will always remember were pleasantly surprised to dis cover one of the new volunteers Ian Parker was a grandfatherly 78! This vol- Tanzania 1968–1971 unteer happened to be a Canadian A Catalyst reader, staff member and - civil engineer named Donald Lowe. former Cuso International volun

- 14 | THE CATALYST

unteer placement in Sarawak, Donna M. Hudson Malaysia. Nigeria 1976–1978 To read the story of David Van I just opened my Catalyst magazine Berckel and Opus, visit: and saw the photo sent by Richard bit.ly/2l3EZDN Fanning. I was at that orientation as volunteer support. Richard and Bruce A. McKean Ron were up in Potiskum while Canada 2015–current Karen Craven and I were posted Papua New Guinea 1971–1973 south of them in Misau. At one time, Bruce thought he Karen has passed but I am living wanted to work for one of Canada’s in Long Point, Ontario with my Nora, a member of the Cuso Big Five banks. He applied for a job husband, Jeff. We live on a sandspit, International Board of Directors, which reminds me of the landscape recently shared a message with he would not be happy as a banker. in Misau. fellow alumni from the 1980s. Inbut retrospect, the fine organization Bruce is grateful suggested for The two years I spent in Nigeria “My volunteer experience with their insightful judgement. had a great impact on me. I learned Cuso International was completely so much, living and working in such transformative. As a Cree First national and spent two years teach Nations from Northern Manitoba, ing Instead, in the BruceNew Guinea joined CusoHighlands. Inter- on a volunteer basis to refugees and my volunteer experience opened It was the hardest work of his life.- Mennonitesa vibrant community. from Mexico. I teach ESL up the world—not only to me, but After his placement, Bruce joined Life has been challenging. I had to my entire family. It helped to a serious car accident many years make me who I am today. I am (now known as Global Affairs ago, which affected many choices I proud of what I achieved and the Canada)the Department and had of postings External in Affairs , have had to make. I am grateful to experience continues to impact my be alive. work in First Nations education in Reading the Catalyst and seeing Thailand and Egypt. the picture of so many friends from To learn more about Nora’s years ago is heartening. Thanks for contributionsignificant ways.” to First Nations edu sharing. cation visit: bit.ly/2hrwxfQ - Nora Murdock Rick Kwitkoski Canada 2015–current Nigeria 1981–1983 Nigeria 1980–1982 In the past four years, we have had Nora Murdock is Director of System two large reunions of cooperants Development for the Manitoba First from Nigeria mostly from the

The Centre is responsible for the Toronto in 2013. Mines and Resources (now known newNations Manitoba Education First Resource Nations Centre.School 1980s. The first one was held in as InNatural 1983, ResourcesBruce moved Canada) to Energy and, 2015 reunion in Montreal was very in 1995, he left government work and led school system that will active The with Facebook posts of lead-up photos, tomem the altogether. For 13 years, Bruce createSystem, a Firstculturally Nations-designed relevant, ories and stories. There’s lots of worked in product stewardship and kibitzing between cooperants and- social responsibility with the nickel First Nations’ schools. long lost friendships found again. industry before starting his own high-quality education system for consultancy in the same area. Now retired, one of Bruce’s primary activities is—coming full circle—Cuso International, where he is a member of the Board of Directors. THE CATALYST | 15

We are now planning a third Verdiane Bukumi reunion, which will take place in black Director of Benin 2015 Kingston on July 28–30, 2017. Like Publicher being Health the first in the reunion two years ago, it has a national’s featured volunteer closed Facebook group. To join, visit ville and Lanark byVerdiane Global Affairs was Cuso Canada Inter- in a the Leeds-Gren- bit.ly/2m4mpzG and click the District. video to mark International “Join group” button on the upper Lillie promised Volunteer Day 2016. right corner of the page. International Volunteer aica one day to Day (IVD), mandated by the to return to Jam- Lillie Johnson UN General Assembly, is held Jamaica 1989–1992 each year on December 5. 1992–1995 cessibleprovide morehealth af- fordable and ac- youtu.be/7Rd0cnpgk-w At 92 years young, Lillie Johnson is - a shining example of service to promise when she returned as a care. In 1989, Lillie fulfilled that others and the community at large. Cuso International volunteer. She was awarded the Order of After she retired, Lillie returned Ontario in 2011 for her work with to Jamaica as a Cuso International the Sickle Cell Association of volunteer, working on two Ontario, which she founded in different assignments over a 1981. Growing up in Jamaica, Lillie learned early on the importance years as a volunteer, Lillie helped 10-year period. In her last four of education and of helping open and run a medical clinic. other people. Read more about Lillie’s dedica After qualifying as a nurse in the tion to others in her memoir, “My Read more from other alumni at - U.K., Lillie came to Canada in 1960. Dream”. amzn.to/2lNqwx9 cusointernational.org/alumni She pursued her dream, furthering her nursing education while Do you recognize anyone from this photo? Help us dust off sector, a career that culminated in this memory by sharing your stories or identifying those in working full-time in the healthcare the picture. Please email us at [email protected] or send Alumni Flashback 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

Geraldine (Gerri) Dickson Geoff will be remembered as an will fondly remember John; gifted 1981–1983 outdoorsman, a Sudoku master, a but down to earth, gentle but pas Papua New Guinea 1977–1979 crossword king, an avid reader, a Nigeria 1973–1975 cruncher of nuts (but not a throw caring and kind. John was a great- Gerri died on August 10, 2016 with conversationalistsionate, curious and and story well-read, teller, her loving husband, Murray by her do and a music lover. Above all, he- with an unforgettable sense of side. waser-away a marathoner—nothing of shells), a gravy aficiona made- humour and a laugh that brightened Gerri and Murray were commit him happier than a long run. all occasions. After a long battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia tional development work. Their- to tell us how he felt, but he showed (AML), John passed away on ted to cross-cultural and interna- us, He every couldn’t day, allalways his life, find in the a million words December 3, 2016 at his home, Cuso International posting in little ways. surrounded by family. John was 75. Nigeria,first assignment which was was followed a two-year by two To read more of alumnus Jon years in Papua New Guinea and two Rosa Candia Church’s tribute to John Baigent years in Mozambique. Chile 1991–1995,1995–1999, please visit cusointernational. Gerri contributed to planning the 1999–2001 org/alumni Training for Health Renewal Costa Rica 2001 Program (THRP) that partnered the On November 24, 2016, Rosa Christian S. Brun University of Saskatchewan and the Candia, former Cuso International Mozambique 1998–2001, Ministry of Health in Mozambique. volunteer and employee passed 2001–2002 She woud go on to direct the THRP away from ALS. On December 5, 2016, Christian at the rural health training center Born in Chile, Rosa was a bright, Brun of Shediac was tragically killed in Massinga. Gerri was passionate warm and dedicated woman. She in a car accident. He was 46. about the project and her love for was forced to leave her country Mozambique. when speaking your mind about Gerri’s other passion was working human rights and equality was man’s Christian Union (MFU), was the president Executive of with First Nations people. Gerri and Director of the Maritime Fisher- Murray have established a study ship made her a refugee, but Canada eration of Canada, writer, visual award for First Nations and Métis openedequal to aits death doors sentence. for her, Dictator- and she artist,the Independent painter, soccer Fisherman’s coach, hockey Fed- never left. player, and musician. It is very sad to hear of her Christian travelled to Mozambique tionsstudents in Saskatchewan. entering the field of Health passing, she was a role model, a Sciences in post-secondary institu- national to work on a project that Geoffrey Dunkley being. convertedas a volunteer weapons with from Cuso the Inter- civil Tanzania 1972–1974 fighter Learn and more an exceptionalabout Rosa’s human work war into art. Dr. Geoff Dunkley died of cancer on at bit.ly/2mlTEL5 The devoted husband and father October 18, 2016. An accomplished will be deeply missed. public health physician, Geoff spent John Baigent most of his career working in Ghana 1963–1965 Visit: cusointernational.org/ Ottawa, later focussing on interna Many involved with CUSO in its alumni to celebrate the lives of tional work, First Nations health earliest days, and particularly those other members of the Cuso planning, and academia. - who volunteered in West Africa, International family. THE CATALYST | 3

WHAT KIND OF MARK WILL YOU LEAVE ON OUR WORLD? “I WANT TO MAKE A LASTING DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES.”

I have always felt that way. want to ensure their work That’s why I became a Cuso continues in the years to International volunteer some come. By helping to make 50 years ago, and why I have change happen for the world’s decided to leave a gift to Cuso most vulnerable people, I feel International in my Will. This like a part of me will live on organization has impacted after I’m gone. my life, and so many others, Celia, Tanzania ’67 in such an enormous way, I

To learn more about how you too can continue to play an integral role in Cuso International’s mission by leaving a gift in your Will, please contact Leah Miller, Major Gifts and Legacy Giving Manager. We would be happy to send you a copy of Cuso International’s legacy brochure.

Phone (toll-free): +1.888.434.2876 x205 | Email:[email protected] Your next journey with Cuso International can start with a Click cusointernational.org/evol