Become a Partner NGO

Connect your NGO to a HUB of International Development Promotion

With Schools 4 Schools, Canadian Students:

  • Explore the work of YOUR organization
  • Fundraise on behalf of YOUR organization
  • Discover YOUR organization’s various education projects in the developing world
  • Participate in exciting curriculum-based, in-class workshops that explore the marvels and challenges of life in the developing world
  • Help NGOs build, improve and operate schools in the developing world

The Schools 4 Schools Program:

During the Schools 4 Schools program, each class receives 4, half day workshops, where students and teachers explore life in the developing world while being introduced to the work of your organization.   Components of the program include:

  • Classes explore the Schools 4 Schools ‘Catalogue of Needs’ which outlines a variety of NGOs and their education-support projects overseas, each with its own price-tag.
  • Instructor-led workshops address the challenges children in the developing world face without an education.  The class then selects one of your projects to fundraise for in the developing world.
  • When a class selects a project, your organization is notified and is guaranteed to receive the funds at the end of the school year.  It is our job to make sure the class meets its fundraising goal, and if they don’t, we will cover it.
  • At the end of the school year, your NGO provides a photo of the completed project, which is passed onto the class, and instills a huge sense of accomplishment in the students and teachers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the mandate of the Schools 4 Schools program?

A: To promote international development, compassion for others, and the importance of education to Canadian youth, while financially assisting NGOs working on education-support initiatives in the developing world.

Q: Our NGO provides a specific item to many schools. Can we include multiple projects of a similar nature to different schools?

A: Absolutely. We’ve had lots of success with this approach. Some examples: packages of school supplies for multiple schools; computers for multiple schools; teacher’s salaries for multiple schools, etc.

Q: What types of projects have worked in the past?

A: If you haven’t already looked at it, please see the ‘Schools 4 Schools Success Stories” for a variety of examples. New ideas are welcome.

Q: Can NGOs place projects that have already been completed in the Catalogue of Needs?

A: No. An extremely important emphasis of the Schools 4 Schools program is that Ontario teachers and school-children know that they’re supporting a real and tangible project, unfolding before their very eyes, in the developing world. Schools 4 Schools does not reimburse NGOs for past expenses.

Q: How many years has Schools 4 Schools been running?

A: Schools 4 Schools has been running for 3 years overall, and 2 years under its current, tested and proven format. It began as a program called “Breaking Down Barriers” under contract by the Peel District School Board and paid for by the Canadian International Development Agency. In its first year, students from 40 schools took turns visiting a central site to experience the program. It was such a huge success that the program was continued with independent funding by Elephant Thoughts, and is now brought to individual schools, in partnership with Tin Roof Global Action.

To further discuss how your NGO might get involved, please contact Elephant Thoughts: 705-444-2012