Every year October 17th is UN’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This date has largely gone unrecognized in Canada and British Columbia where concerns of poverty are, until recently, brushed aside by Governments. They mostly give lip-service to the plight of 100,000 British Columbians and almost 5 million Canadians living with chronically low-incomes.

Two months ago, the Canadian Government launched their First Poverty Reduction Strategy. The goal they have set for themselves is to see a 20 percent reduction by the year 2020 and a 50 percent reduction in poverty by 2030. They plan to reach their target by using a combination of Child Benefits, Workers Benefits, a National Housing Strategy and an increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

Employment and Social Development Canada specifically reported to the Federal Government’s Committee that “[h]igher levels of education are linked to higher earning potential, a lower likelihood of unemployment, greater resilience during economic downturns, and many other public, private, social, and economic benefits.”1  Yet, the Federal Government has chosen to ignore this fact. There is no mention of post-secondary education or training as part of this strategy.

In March, 2019 the British Columbia Government will unveil their very first Poverty Reduction Plan. Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is tasked with listening to and consulting with poverty experts to develop a comprehensive plan to deal with some of the most vulnerable in our society.

This plan is much anticipated by those living with difficult financial challenges every day as well as anti-poverty advocates and activists. Let’s hope that included in this strategy is a promise to make post-secondary education accessible to everyone, regardless of family income.

There are two organizations that are dedicated to helping permanently break the cycle of poverty for students and their families. One of these is Bright Beginnings Foundation (BBF) which provides post-secondary education to motivated, capable students who, without our help, would not be able to afford to attend a university, college or trade school. While BBF is concentrating its efforts in Surrey, BC, our affiliated organization, KEATCA (Knowledge, Education and Training Canada) has a broader scope. Founded and run by Melinda and Ramesh Singal, KEATCA helps people locally, nationally and globally.

This past year KEATCA has been a tremendous supporter of BBF. They are helping us financially with our first student and have generously supported us in numerous other ways as well. The Singals have written letters of support when we apply for grants, helped us secure the venue for our first fundraising banquet, and offered suggestions for fundraising efforts.

In February BBF will hold our second annual banquet. We have big plans for speakers and entertainers. We will also have raffles and a silent auction with handmade crafts, goods and services. And of course, we will have the full support and assistance of our good friends from KEATCA.

Now is the time for BBF to return the generosity, kindness and support that KEATCA has given us. This coming Spring our partner organization will be holding their nation-wide First Annual Walk-a-thon. The goal of this event, titled “Counter Poverty: Educate and Train”, is to begin the dialogue with youth and communities about poverty as well as to raise funds for the organization.

BBF will be participating in the Walk-a-thon this Spring and we will be involving Surrey’s inner-city schools as well as their sister schools. We are looking forward to being a part of the exchange of information and ideas that will come from the students and others in our community.

BBF and KEATCA share the belief that there must be a long-term plan to alleviate poverty in society. Of course, issues such as child care and housing must be addressed. However, to ignore the value of education in a poverty strategy is, we believe, shortsighted. We need more than a “band aid” solution. We must recognize that higher education plays a vital part in the eradication of poverty.

Please watch for updates on our BBF events as dates and details are finalized. And please consider making a donation to Bright Beginnings Foundation and/or KEATCA.

 

 

 

 

1   http://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/HUMA/report-7/page-141 – 42[1]