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CHES Sponsorship & “Help Build a School in Mali” – 2015 Gifts

Jen Wan Major Gifts, News December 29, 2015April 17, 2026build a school Mali, CHES sponsorship program, global education charity, international development education programsstudent sponsorship Kenya, nonprofit education initiatives, Plan Canada Mali school project, student sponsorship Kenya, support education Africa

In 2015, we were proud to continue our commitment to global education and community development through two meaningful contributions. These initiatives reflect our belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for creating lasting change—both for individuals and for entire communities.

Continuing Our CHES Student Sponsorship in Kenya

One of our most important ongoing commitments in 2015 was maintaining our sponsorship of Madeline A., a student in Kenya through the Canadian Harambee Education Society (CHES) program. Sponsorship programs like this provide consistent, long-term support that helps students stay in school and succeed academically.

Through this partnership in Kenya, Madeline has access to essential resources such as school supplies, tuition assistance, and community-based support systems. Just as importantly, sponsorship helps ensure stability—allowing students to focus on learning without the constant pressure of financial barriers.

Education sponsorship doesn’t just benefit one child; it often uplifts entire families and communities. As students gain knowledge and skills, they are better equipped to contribute to local development and build brighter futures.

Supporting School Construction in Mali

In addition to our continued sponsorship efforts, we also supported Plan Canada and its “Help Build a School in Mali” initiative. This program focuses on improving access to education in underserved regions of Mali (which is pretty much the entire country when it comes to Mali!), where many children face significant barriers to attending school.

The initiative goes beyond simply constructing classrooms. It takes a holistic approach by:

Building safe, accessible learning environments
Training teachers to deliver quality education
Promoting community awareness about the importance of schooling, especially for girls

By addressing both infrastructure and social challenges, the program helps ensure that more children not only enrol in school but continue their education over time.

Why These Efforts Matter

Both of our 2015 contributions—supporting a sponsored student in Kenya and helping build schools in Mali—highlight different but complementary approaches to improving global education.

Individual sponsorship provides direct, personal impact and long-term support
Community-based initiatives create scalable, sustainable change for entire regions

Together, these efforts reinforce a shared goal: making education accessible and equitable for children in countries where significant barriers to education exist.

Looking Ahead

Our work in 2015 was a continuation of Viaduct Foundation’s mission to support education in developing countries. Whether through empowering individual students or investing in community infrastructure, every contribution plays a role in shaping a better future.

We remain committed to supporting initiatives that break down barriers to education and create opportunities for children, especially girls, to learn, grow, and thrive.

“Help Build a School” Cambodia – Major Gift 2014

Jen Wan Major Gifts, News December 15, 2014April 17, 2026build a school Cambodia, community development Cambodia, education charity projects, global education initiatives, nonprofit education projects, Plan Canada Cambodia, support education worldwide, teacher training programs

In 2014, the most meaningful contribution that we made was supporting Plan Canada’s “Help Build a School” project in Cambodia. This initiative goes far beyond constructing physical classrooms—it lays the foundation for long-term educational success, community development, and brighter futures for children in underserved regions.

Building More Than Just Schools

Access to safe, well-equipped learning environments is a critical first step in improving education. Through this project, new schools are built in communities where children might otherwise have no access to formal education. These buildings provide a secure and welcoming space where students can learn, grow, and thrive. However, the impact of the “Help Build a School” project doesn’t stop at construction. Each school becomes a hub for opportunity—helping to break the cycle of poverty by giving children the tools they need to succeed.

Investing in Teachers and Quality Education

A school is only as strong as the education it provides. That’s why a key component of this initiative is teacher training. By equipping educators with modern teaching methods, resources, and ongoing support, the program ensures that students receive a high-quality education.
Well-trained teachers can better engage students, adapt to diverse learning needs, and create an environment where curiosity and confidence flourish. This investment in human capital has a ripple effect that benefits entire communities.

Raising Awareness About the Importance of Education

Another powerful aspect of this project is its focus on community awareness. In some regions, barriers such as poverty, cultural norms, or lack of understanding can prevent children—especially girls—from attending school. The program works closely with families and community leaders to highlight the value of education. By fostering a shared commitment to learning, it helps ensure that children not only enroll in school but continue their education over the long term.

Creating Lasting Change in Cambodia

Cambodia has made significant progress in recent years, but many rural communities still face challenges when it comes to accessing education. Projects like “Help Build a School” play a vital role in closing this gap. By combining infrastructure development, teacher training, and community engagement, the initiative creates sustainable change. Children gain access to education, teachers gain valuable skills, and communities gain a stronger foundation for the future.

Why This Matters

Education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives. It opens doors to better opportunities, improves health outcomes, and strengthens economies. Supporting initiatives like this means investing in a future where every child has the chance to reach their full potential. Our contribution in 2014 was more than a gift—it was part of a broader effort to empower communities and support lasting development. We’re proud to have played a role in helping build not just schools, but hope and opportunity for generations to come.