2019
Spotlight on Education
Greetings from PaperSeed! We are living in unprecedented times, and there are many reasons to feel anxious as we move into a new decade: global warming, politics, lingering inequalities, migration, health crises, and a myriad of other maladies currently dominating the headlines. That said, passionate rally cries from inspiring young people like Greta Thunberg and Malala rise from this darkness, not only giving us clear marching orders, but also shining a light on the inherent power of young people around the world to help guide us forward. We are inspired by the power of youth to create a better future and are thrilled to share some of our work with young people around the world in the next few pages. Last year, our work expanded to include both South Africa and Malta, and we are grateful for the business relationships and support that allowed us to do so. Working in partnership to create an interconnected world of business, philanthropy, social impact, education, and poverty alleviation propels us forward and we truly couldn’t do it without you! As we move into a new decade, there is lots to celebrate… and lots to be done! We thank you for your camaraderie and support – generous donations of time, in-kind products and financial resources – to help us break the cycle of poverty. As we look towards 2020, we know that while our work is far from done, working together we can accomplish so much. Onward!
Kopin, Malta Outreach for Asylum Seeking Youth A disproportionate number of people now identify as refugees, internally displaced, or seeking asylum. Within that population, asylum-seeking youth are the most vulnerable. Often traveling unaccompanied, asylum-seeking youth have no social capital or networks to lean on for help. Compounding the issue, a lack of information on how to gain official refugee status or access education and health services keep them in a state of crisis. Many countries in the EU have been significantly impacted by the recent influx of asylum-seekers, and Malta— one of Europe’s smallest countries—has one of the highest per capita concentrations of asylum-seekers. Many local NGOs have stepped up to help the asylum-seekers who arrive, but resources have been stretched to capacity, and need persists. We are honored to be partnering with Kopin to expand their current BRIDGE program, which seeks to foster the integration, wellbeing, and agency of asylum-seeking youth. Now, BRIDGE participants will receive legal, psycho-social, and financial support via direct intervention and referrals to other relevant government agencies, thereby ensuring their long-term success. This project was made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of CellMark employees, many of whom made individual donations to ensure that this project was funded.
Girl Rising Guatemala Education & Empowerment for Rural Girls Mayan Indigenous Girls in Guatemala are up against incredible odds. Most Mayan Indigenous communities are in rural areas, which limits access to schools, libraries, and hospitals. Education is often not seen as a worthwhile pursuit for daughters, who are frequently expected to help with food preparation, care-taking, and household chores. Compounding the issue, 50% of Mayan Indigenous girls are married before they turn 18, and it is not uncommon for girls 15 and under to become pregnant as a result of sexual violence, coercion, or other non-consensual encounters. We are excited to be working with Girl Rising once more, who will be adapting their proven curriculum (used in partnership with PaperSeed in India in 2016) for Mayan Indigenous girls, many of whom are currently out of school. Together with trained mentors from their own communities, girls will examine the issues and challenges that adolescents face around the world, learn about the importance of education, and gain the confidence to advocate for their rights.
Lower Tugela Primary School, South Africa Restoring and Expanding a Historic School The United Nations considers South Africa a middle-income country but the truth is that, while some South Africans live in wealthy areas and have the privilege of attending excellent schools, many live in townships with under-trained teachers and run-down school facilities. So, while most children in South Africa go to school, many of them finish school without learning the basic skills they need to succeed in life, and only 6% of those students are enrolling in tertiary education. Without intervention, the cycle of poverty in South African townships will continue unchecked. Lower Tugela Primary School was established in 1932 and has slowly grown over the years to support an expanding student population. Being that the building is 87 years old, it is in need of some essential repairs and necessary expansion in order to accommodate early learners. Seeing the need in this community, PaperSeed and Sappi Southern Africa came together in partnership to preserve and improve this culturally significant school. Once construction is complete, Lower Tugela Primary school will have space to accommodate pre-school aged children in a safe and supportive learning community.
The State of Education, 2019
o 263 million out of school o Millions more children are in school but aren’t learning o Half the world’s population lives on less than $2.50 USD a day; 1 billion of those people are children o Girls are out of school at a much higher rate due to lack of resources, unsafe journeys to school, and pervasive cultural stereotypes.
Four years ago, the Sustainable Development Goals were adopted to serve as a blueprint for governments, NGOs, and community stakeholders to strive toward. Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go before we have ensured that each child receives a high quality education. In doing so, we are not only achieving goal 4, but we are helping create future citizens who will help us achieve and maintain every other goal, because everything starts with education. The SDG’s are achievable, but only if we work together.
The Future of Philanthropy Having a strong Corporate Social Responisbility (CSR) program is an essential component of doing business in our modern world. Consider that 88% of millennials (the fastest growing population in today’s workforce) prefer to work for companies with pronounced CSR programs, and Gen Z is showing similar trends. In fact, when seeking new job opportunities, most candidates take a company’s ‘moral compass’ and company culture into consideration as much as other key factors such as pay. But this benefit works both ways— businesses with strong corporate social responsibility programs can reduce employee turnover by half, and increase productivity by as much as 13%. From public perception, to employee recruitment and retention, a robust CSR program will help your business stay on top. Join our growing network of change-makers and see firsthand what the power of our Social Impact Partnership can achieve. Contact us today to learn more: aliyya@paperseed.org
Did you know that less than 2% of global aid money is spent on education? Multiple studies show that education reduces conflict, promotes gender equality, helps people stay healthy, enables them to participate in government, and has the power to break the cycle of poverty. To make a donation to PaperSeed, visit paperseed.org and click on the donate tab. The PaperSeed Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations to the foundation are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by the law. CellMark provides financial support for all of PaperSeed’s administrative and operating expenses. This means that 100% of your donation will always directly benefit children.
2019: The Year in Numbers PaperSeed supported 16 nonprofit organizations whose programs have benefited over 296,960 children in 9 countries: China, Guatemala, Kenya, India, Malta, Mexico, South Africa, the United States, and Vietnam. CellMark employees supported the foundation and volunteered their time in offices spanning 12 countries: China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Mexico, Japan, Singapore, Sweden, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. 11 businesses partnered with and/or supported PaperSeed, including: Brian McClay & Associates; Bridge View Paper Company; CellMark; CMPC; Domtar; Hawkins Wright; NorCell; Nordea; Rottneros; Sappi; SEB Bank. PaperSeed supported the work of 16 NGO and social enterprise partners: Abriendo Oportunidades, Creative Action Institute, Fairfax-San Anselmo Children’s Center, Girl Rising India, Groundwork Bridgeport, Keep California Beautiful, Kopin, Lower Tugela Primary School, MAIA, Milaan Foundation, North Bay Children’s Center, Shambala Foundation, The Kilgoris Project, TryggaBarnen, Vida Verde Nature Education, and YOLIA.
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