The Coady

ConnectionVolume 23 • No. 1 • 2008

St. Francis Xavier University • Antigonish, Nova Scotia • Canada

In this issue...Coady Graduates making a difference ❒

Alumni ❒ Insight

We Hear From ❒

Coady News ❒

Coady-Ford Microfinance Study launched•

Frontiers of Microfinance •

New Coady book focuses on asset-based •

approach

Global Partnerships: Coady supports •

launch of the Indian School of

Microfinance for Women (ISMFW)

Campaign success leads to new home•

Monument to Moses Coady graces campus•

Editorial calls for Nobel Peace Prize for •

work of Coady graduates

Coady works with First Nations•

Program updates ❒

Xtending Hope•

Youth In Partnership•

Our special insert: ❒

Strategies: ABCD Experience in Ethiopia•

The Coady International Institute celebrates its 50th

anniversary in 2009. It is time to celebrate our successes and the impact the Institute has had in communities around the world. That impact, of course, is the impact of our graduates and their organizations.

You, our alumni, and our partners and supporters are building a better world through your leadership in promoting citizen participation, advocating for peace and effective government, working to increase access to economic opportunities, and

addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Building a stronger Coady Institute positions us to contribute in a more robust way through supporting you, our graduates and partners, as you carry out the active work on the ground that, to quote our namesake, Rev. Dr. Moses Coady, will “help the people everywhere to get the good and abundant life….to be come masters of their own destiny.”

The Coady Institute believes innovation is key to providing the best possible support to

A Coady education strengthens leaders and their organizations in order to build stronger communities and societies. Coady and its partners are building a better world.

Today’s Coady: More than 5,000 graduates and partners improving people’s lives in 130 countries worldwide, helping people everywhere become masters of their own destiny.

2009 marks the Coady International Institute’s 50th anniversary and what a year it will be! We will be celebrating in a variety of ways, including the grand opening of the Coady International Centre. Another event to note is the publication of a new book which will tell the Coady story through the eyes of the people who have helped keep the Coady vision alive and share it with the world – you, our graduates, and your work in social and economic development. We encourage everyone to visit our website regularly for posted updates on events and activities.

Coady turns 50!

BuildingonInnovationby Mary CoyleDirector, Coady International InstituteVice President, St. Francis Xavier University

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Building on Innovation .... . . . continued from page 1

development leaders and organizations who are working on the front lines in their communities. We strive to develop and deliver innovative courses, knowledge resources and programs with our partners. We are proud that, in recent months, we have:

launched “Reaching the Hard to Reach: Comparative • study of member-owned financial institutions in remote rural areas”, a set of research papers which highlights issues, obstacles and new ways to reach the hardest to reach people in rural and remote areas through member-owned organizations;completed a new book that will be published this fall. • “From Clients to Citizens: Communities changing the course of their own development” showcases 13 case studies of highly successful communities and the asset-based and citizen-led approaches they took to achieve their success;worked to develop a new distance learning portal called • “Frontiers of Microfinance” which will serve as a single window to meet the wide range of learning needs in the microfinance industry.

We are pleased to report that we currently have 57 development professionals from 22 nations on campus

studying in this year’s Diploma in Development Leadership. Soon, many more will join us for certificate programs in Advocacy and Citizen Engagement, Community-based Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding, Community-Based Microfinance, Livelihoods and Markets, Mobilizing Assets for Citizen-Driven Development and Organizational Learning and Change.

With this issue of Coady Connections, we hope to bring you up to date on events at the Coady International Institute, and to discuss new ways to continue building and strengthening our network with each other. This newsletter is one tool for our graduates to use to share information with each other about what is happening in their part of the world and in their respective areas of development, while staying up to date with the activities and accomplishments of the Coady Institute. But it is only one. We hope you will take advantage of our quickly evolving web-based connections too.

Read on and find out more about what we’ve been up to, what members of our alumni and partner networks are up to, and what we are planning in the future. We encourage you to send us your stories to be shared through the Coady network with your fellow alumni in future issues. Let’s stay in touch, stay connected, and continue to share our innovative approaches to building a better world.

Happy Anniversary Silver Jubilee GraduatesFor nearly 50 years Coady graduates have been promoting sustainable development worldwide. In this issue, we would like to recognize the Coady Graduates of 1983 and join them in remembering and celebrating the 25th anniversary of their graduation. If you see your name, please get in touch with us to share your memories of the Coady and let us know what you are doing now. Happy Anniversary!

ANtIGUA: Henrietta Roberts BANGlAdeSH: David Hirolal Baroi, Stephen Sushil Halder BrAzIl: Janete Pires CANAdA: Jennifer Brownell, Kannikatt Chacko, Leon MacLellan, Christopher Potvin, Ann Stainton, Michael Stainton, Robert Taylor ColoMBIA: Marcela Perilla Rodriguez doMINICA: Cecil Randolph Roberts etHIopIA: Assefa Beyene, Dennekew Handro Chebelo, Shiferaw Ligaba GAMBIA: Fatou Faye, Doudou Sulaymand M’bye, Safiatu Singhateh, Baboucar Touray GHANA: Kuma Agbenyega, Samuel Charles Bugyei, Veronica Munya, Francis Yeboah HAItI: Jean Benito Antoine INdIA: Narenda Bam, Mary Berchmans, Sebastian Elanjimattom, Usha Goel, Lalita Mirmira, Uma Padmanabhan, Jose Puthur, Jacob Raj, Chevuri Ramakrishna, Manda Reddy, Sunalini Sattoor, Ranvir Sisodia, Vigi Thamby Solomon, Joseph Vadayaparampil, Mathew Valiaparambil, Augustine Vallooran JAMAICA: Clinton Lloyd Gordon KoreA: Augustine Ki-Seok Lim lIBerIA: Joseph Tamba Kettor MAlAwI: Elliot Yuziel Kapote, Robert Jackson Njewa MAlAySIA: Shuib Ismail MAUrItIUS: Poorundewoo Callychurn NepAl: Martha Joan Mcginn NIGerIA: Justus Akinwale, James Bules, Nnadi Goddy Chukwudum, Agboola Julius Fayese, Michael Omotoso Ogunleye, Moses Oluwafemi Omolusi, Albert Nnann Osuchuo, Anthony Tolani pHIlIppINeS: Jerome Polonia, Corazon J. Veneracion SoUtH AFrICA: Harold Brooks, Thokoza Joseph Dlamini, Hazel Gogela, Victoria Makhaye-Biyela, Samkelisiwe Mdlalose, Muzikayise Ndaba, Japhet Ngubane, Zeph Zipo Nyathi, Johannes Senona, Laetitia White, Sitile Zondani, SrI lANKA: Anthony Cyril, Senaratne Sampayo, Tissa Liyanage Wijetunga SUdAN: Bakri Fadl, Hassan Saeed tANzANIA: Rodrick Mashayo UGANdA: Kihika, John Paul Kirigoola, Lawrence Mbonimpa-Awuru, Estencia Namaganda USA: Kabba Colley zAMBIA: John Gaudehsio Banda, Fred Lubinda Mukwita

Our thanks to Coady Graduate Antony Palocaren (DI78), Tamil Nadu, India for his suggestion to include Silver Jubilee Graduates in Coady Connections!

Coady Grad Keith Bourne: the Credit Union Man

Alumni profile

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By 1980, Mr. Keith Erskine Bourne had already dedicated some sixteen years to the Government/Public Service of Barbados in the West Indies. At the time, Keith was a member of the Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union and volunteered his time as Assistant Secretary and Chairman of the Information and Publicity Committee. The credit union was registered in 1970 and membership showed steady growth until 1973 – 1975. In 1975, elections were held, and Keith was elected to the Committee of Management and further served as Assistant Secretary for seven years. Keith, while working for the government, would meet with potential credit union members during his lunch hour and after work, hoping to reverse the membership decline. By 1980, the credit union had 1,250 members and $500,000 in assets.

Keith’s strong desire to improve the lot of his fellow public workers, who found it difficult to “make ends meet,” led to a determination to learn how Credit Unionism might be strengthened to improve these lives. Keith successfully applied to attend the Coady International Institute. His employers in the public service sector did not approve, suggesting to Keith that his government job should be given priority. Keith was faced with a decision: to pursue training more specific to his government job or to fulfill his heart’s desire by pursing studies in Credit Union Management at the Coady.

It took five days of serious consideration for Keith to decide to attend Coady Institute, and while signing a memo confirming his decision he uttered the words, “Dolce et

Decorum pro patriae mori est” (“It is sweet and glorious to die for one’s country”). During Keith’s month at Coady he took the time to visit some local credit unions. He absorbed ideas, initiatives and the work of Rev. Dr. Moses Coady, even quoting Coady regularly: “Your life on earth will be measured by what you’ve done for your fellow man.”

By 1983, the credit union began to expand rapidly, leading to the creation of permanent jobs, hiring its first employee shortly after Keith’s return from Coady, while Keith himself was named to the new position of Operations Manager in 1993. Through Keith’s efforts, the Credit Union began offering incentives for recruiting new members: educational grants and scholarships, member education sessions and a Youth Savers’ Scheme. Keith has held several titles and responsibilities, including one unofficial title that follows him everywhere he goes: the Credit Union Man. It is often said that Keith Bourne eats, drinks and sleeps the credit union. At one point, he had accumulated over seven months of vacation. Keith has a dedicated staff and knows everyone from top to bottom. He defines success as demonstrating commitment throughout one’s career. His dedication was rewarded in 1995, when the credit union finished building

a new home. A Special General Meeting of membership voted to name the entire complex after Keith Bourne.

The Credit Union Man has always wanted to come back to Coady and in August 2007, he had that opportunity. Before returning home from a business trip to Calgary, Keith took a detour to Antigonish, where he met with Coady staff, telling them of his success and thanking them for continuing the work of Rev. Coady. “Most people forget where they come from … Coady is where I come from,” he said.

“Most people forget where they come

from... Coady is where I come from.”

- Keith Bourne

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Former Canadian prime Minister helps Coady launch major Microfinance studyOn June 20, 2008, former Canadian Prime Minister the Right Hon. Paul Martin, P.C., M.P., helped the Coady International Institute launch its Ford-funded study, “Reaching the Hard to Reach: Comparative Study of Member-Owned Financial Institutions in Remote Rural Areas.” The mega-study, conducted over a three-year period across several continents, highlights issues, obstacles and innovative ways to reach the hardest to reach people in rural and remote areas through member-based organizations.

The full set of research papers includes a literature review, a synthesis report, seven case studies and three thematic articles on governance, networking and linkages, and regulation and supervision. This latest knowledge product from the Coady was released at a reception at the Growing Inclusive Markets Forum, an international gathering of microfinance practitioners and academics which the Coady Institute co-hosted with Dalhousie University’s School of Management Studies in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In his remarks, Mr. Martin lauded the Coady for its focus on innovative and effective adult education approaches to building leadership and strengthening organizational capacity, and for the successful completion of this important study: “This research on what it takes to get financial services to remote rural areas is so relevant and of such immediate need.”

The study is available through the Coady website: www.coady.stfx.ca/projects/ford/.

The Right Hon. Paul Martin, infused his remarks with humour: “I was heading to London for meetings last week and Mary Coyle had given me an advance draft copy of this study. She gave me strict instructions not to share it with anyone before the launch. I was very careful, Mary, and I didn’t share it with anyone, except Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the President of the African Development Bank and a number of ministers of key African governments. That is because this research on what it takes to get financial services to remote rural areas is so relevant and of immediate need.”

The Coady International Institute joined forces with the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) and Friends of Women’s World Banking India in the development of the Indian School of Microfinance for Women (ISMFW), with funding from CitiGroup. The ISMFW was formally launched at the Global Microcredit Summit, which was held in November, 2006 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

The first of its kind, the ISMFW is

designed to close the gap between the financial institutions and the millions of people – mostly women – who lack access to basic financial services. Improved access, on a large scale, will enable the poor to earn a living, build financial assets, take control of their lives, and weather crises.

Ela Bhatt, pictured here, is the founder of India’s Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) and Chair of the Indian School.

Coady supports launch of the Indian School of Microfinance for women (ISMFw)

Greetings from Uganda! I was among the first students who did a Certificate course in Women’s Leadership in 2002. The course was a turning point in my life. By the time I attended the course, I was a Deputy Head-teacher in the very school where I am now Head-teacher. I celebrated two years in that capacity on 24th April 2008. When I went for interviews for headship, I know that one of the aspects that helped me get the job was the fact that I had done a Certificate course in leadership through the Coady Institute. I head the oldest and most prestigious girls’ boarding school in Uganda, Gayaza High School. It celebrated 100 years in 2005. Many of its alumnae hold highly placed jobs all over the world. I learned so many things at Coady but the landmark for me during that course was the last presentation we made. Olga Gladkikh chose two powerful speakers to open and close the presentations (she was to tell me later on that I was a powerful communicator, but that I needed to work on a few challenges). That did it for me. I didn’t know that I was a good communicator. I made deliberate effort to work on my shortcomings to be able to communicate even better. It is an asset that I now cherish and I’ve lost count of the sessions where I’ve been invited to speak. The more addresses I make, the more invitations I get. What Olga did for me, I will never forget! I think one needs to be told of any gift one may have; it builds one’s self esteem! Currently, I am doing an online MSc. in Education for Sustainability, London South Bank University. Victoria KisaraleCoady Women’s Leadership Graduate, 2002

…

Greetings from Tanzania, My most recent advocacy achievement has been in influencing my country to be among the first signatories

to the Convention on Disability. When I came back from Canada, I reverted to the lobbying tactics I had just learnt from you. Due to other commitments, neither our President nor the Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended the ceremony. But our UN Ambassador was granted powers to sign the Treaty. You can imagine how happy I felt following the solemn promise I made to my friends in international circles that Tanzania will be among the first countries to sign the convention.

We were looking for the minimum of 20 signatures to formalize the Treaty, but we got 82 on the first day the treaty was opened for signing. Now we are addressing ourselves to popularize the convention and assert for the ratification by party states, including Tanzania. I was asked to rewrite the proposal for our partnership with Finland. This granted me an opportunity to apply all the knowledge acquired at Coady. I will dedicate the copy to the Marie Michael Library. By the time you come to Africa, the partnership will have already been signed and advocacy implementation in full swing. Best wishes,Kaganzi Rutachamagyo TraseasDiploma, 1993Advocacy Certificate, 2006

Greetings from Indonesia! It is not a short time since I graduated from the Coady Institute, and yet I feel as though I just completed my diploma program. H.R. Amit’s words still echo in my ears: “When you go back home do a lot to build your people.” The Coady environment, hospitable staff and methods of teaching all contributed to building student character and leadership. After I graduated, I worked with Dr. Keith Foulcher (who had supported me to go to the Coady) to develop LSPP (Lembaga Studi Pembangunan Pedesaan), an NGO which conducts workshops to help strengthen other NGOs. In 1993, I worked as an organization development consultant with Plan International Lombok for a year as Training Expert to help develop staff capacity. From there I began to really use the skills in leadership that I’d gained during my time at the Coady Institute. In 1994 I organized small NGOs working with people at the grassroots level in disadvantaged areas in Lombok Island. In 1995, I conducted a national workshop for small NGOs in Indonesia funded by Canada Fund, thanks to the recommendation of Mr. Amit. Over the years, I have sent two of my staff for the same program at the Coady Institute. Both of them work with UNICEF and other NGOs in Indonesia. Personally, I have never wanted to work with an international NGO because my ambition has been to disseminate knowledge and skills in program planning and leadership to smaller NGOs in Indonesia as a way of reaching more remote areas. That is why, in 1998, I again began to organize small NGOs. In 2005, I volunteered for Jogyakarta Earthquake Emergency Aid and Recovery Project, a cause to which several Coady staff members donated. The Coady staff seems to share my concern for disadvantaged people, and this motivates me to learn more and more about the philosophy behind the Coady. To this day, I keep in touch with the Coady through the

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Alumni Insight

Kaganzi meets with Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the President of Tanzania, during the Day of the African Child celebrations in 2007. Kaganzi’s organization, Information Centre on Disability, works to ensure that children with disabilities, who are traditionally sidelined, have opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.

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Marie Michael Library. My appreciation goes to (former librarian) Sue Adams and (current librarian) Catherine Irving, who have always been patient and enthusiastic in assisting me to find information. I was pleasantly surprised when, in 2005, I met Coady microfinance specialists Nanci Lee and Rewa Misra in Bali, Indonesia. The skills and knowledge gained while at Coady has been so helpful in helping communities build their capacity in order to see and plan their future. I believe that the Coady has succeeded in building my own capacity to work with the community. Coady skills and knowledge are based on universal concepts, help both academics and non-academics alike, and have the ability to help graduates become international leaders and better professionals. As for me, my ambition is to see my NGO become an agent of change through training dissemination. Sincerely,Abdul Chamid1985 Coady graduateP.S. A great thank you to: Helen Murphy and the staff, Dr. A.A. MacDonald, H.R. Amit, Mildred Toogood, Marilyn Milner, Philip Milner, Hugh Landry, Betty McLean, Fr. Andy Hogan, Fr. MacKinnon, Fr. Gardiner, Donna Ashe, Olga Gladkikh, the caretakers, Colin Stuart, Rieky Stuart.

…

Dear Editor, I was transformed with knowledge and skills through the diploma program. My perceptions and perspectives changed and I began to think about and look at development through the Asset-Based

Community Development (ABCD) lens. I developed self-confidence and actualization, and I discovered all the potential in myself, realizing that my glass was already “half full.” After receiving my Coady diploma, I enrolled for a Master of Arts Degree in Development Studies (2005/06) here at the Uganda Martyrs University. Just as I was about to complete that program, the famous Management School of Bocconi University in Italy offered me a full scholarship to pursue a Master of Public Management course, which I completed in May 2008. When I started at the Coady, I possessed a diploma in business studies, and today I am recognized as an authority on a variety of issues, big and small. In August 2007, I represented

our organization at a symposium on HIV/AIDS in Mexico City. I presented a paper on our successes on the use of ABCD strategies to enhance conditions of orphans and vulnerable children in Uganda. In fact, our organization has become the leader in practical development using ABCD strategies that most of our donors appreciate and this has increased the element of community contribution, ownership and sustainability. Long live the Coady!

Apollo Jaramogi, Coady Graduate 2002 and Executive Director, Uganda Orphans Rural Development Program

…

Dear Friends, My time at Coady was life changing. Participating in the Coady diploma program taught me a lot. The learning was not only in class but everywhere. We not only learned from the faculty but also from fellow participants, all of whom were experienced development practitioners from around the developing world. It was like iron sharpening iron.

Coady was a melting pot! My best class was Management of Development Organizations (MDO). Mary Coyle was a leader. I admired her simplicity and servitude. She led simply but with an infectious passion, traits that have continued and helped her to make Coady an excellent place for learning. While at Coady I became friends with Dr. Sean Riley, President of St. FX. He found me and my friend Kennedy from Kenya struggling to float at the pool. For us it was a nightmare until Dr. Sean Riley spotted us. Just like Mary Coyle, or maybe vice versa, I was struck by his simplicity. He came to us and asked if he could help us with some swimming lessons. In haste we muttered yes. The next day he came with swimming gear and off we went. Since then I know how to swim and have stayed friends with Dr. Riley. When I left Coady I did a two year stint in the U.S. as Team Leader and Therapeutic Intervention Specialist with Vision Quest (At Risk Youth Rehabilitation Organization). While in the USA, I sponsored two orphaned girls in Uganda who were living under the care of their elderly grandmother. Elizabeth had lost all her children and was left helpless and hopeless with the responsibility of looking after the grandchildren. In a country where the only insurance in old age and disability is family, she was at a dead end. During a visit to Elizabeth and her grandchildren in December 2002, I saw the needs of my country’s poor older persons in a new and intense way. I saw loneliness, extreme poverty, disease and hopelessness. This touched and changed my life. I did not have peace until October 2003 when, after prayer and encouragement from friends, I returned to Uganda to start what is now Reach One Touch One Ministries (ROTOM). ROTOM is a Christian Non-Profit Organization that has grown to become a most effective mission organization meeting the needs of poor older persons in Uganda. In the past four years, through ROTOM Senior Sponsorship and ROTOM Grandmothers Support Project, ROTOM has provided assistance to tens of thousands of poor elderly.

“My study helped me to understand development holistically and grow

as a better social development practitioner.”

Alumni Insight.... . . . . continued from page 5

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These efforts have touched and changed lives of many older persons and children under their care. They are now happier, healthier and above all, have hope. My desire now is to reach more needy older persons and orphans under their care in Jesus’ name! Sincerely,Edmund Kenneth Mugayehwenkyi2001 Coady Graduate

…

Dear Editor, I attended the Youth Leadership Training organized by Coady, Young Women in Action and the African Youth Parliament. We learned a lot about the African Union Structure, and also the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). I must say it was the first time I had heard of African Peer Review, but you will not believe that out of that training I got a job as Civil Society Coordinator for the APRM Activities in Zambia. I am so happy and grateful to the Coady for the opportunity it accorded. I am currently applying for a Diploma in Development Leadership hoping it will help amplify my knowledge and work standards. Bravo Coady! Keep up the good work - you changed my LIFE!

Sincerely,Susan MwapeZambiaYouth Certificate Overseas, 2006

…

Greetings from Kathmandu, Nepal! I had a great opportunity to be a Coady diploma graduate in 1988. My study helped me to understand development holistically and grow as a better social development practitioner. After the diploma course, I returned to my country, sharing my acquired knowledge with colleagues. The follow-up supports from Coady, particularly the visits of Ms. Olga Gladkikh and Dr. Wilf Bean, were most helpful to me and my organization.

Later, I worked as a freelance social development trainer. During this period, I worked with many development organizations in areas of training, research activities and evaluation. Further, I was selected as United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Specialist by the UNV/UNDP Afghanistan program in July 1998. My position was “Social Development Advisor” for the project “Alternative Development for Poppy Crop in Afghanistan.” During my tenure, I was able to develop a module on alternative development and train the project staff and communities. My focus was to explore community-based income generating activities appropriate to the local communities which were ready to move out of poppy farming. It was a great challenge for me to work with the Taliban regime where women had many restrictions in society. I was one among a few professional women who were present in Afghanistan during the most difficult period for

Afghan women. Fortunately, I was somehow able to organize women’s activities, particularly in areas of health and income generation with the help of a few community SHURAS (body of elders). After the closure of the project at the end of 2000, I came back home. I got the opportunity to return to Afghanistan in 2001. After the fall of the Taliban regime, I worked with the World Food Program in the western region of the country. I was given the responsibility to work in “Food for Education” activities. I was able to support thousands of students and teachers through this activity. I felt myself fortunate to support the young girls and women teachers in the education campaign of Afghanistan. I completed my contract with this program in July 2004. Once again, I joined the WFP Afghanistan program in 2006 as Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and

continued until the end of 2007. It was my pleasure to meet Mary Coyle in Kabul (2006) during her visit there. My academic and practical learning at Coady has helped me to achieve success in my career in social development. Thank you Coady for helping me to create a foundation and to develop insights. Furthermore, I like to share with you a few articles, which reflect my work in Afghanistan. The articles are available on the following websites:• Working with Women in Afghanistan: a satisfying experience: http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/news-views/volunteer-stories/doc/working-with-women-in-1.html• Education Promotion through Food Aid in Western Afghanistan: http://www.unv.org/en/news-resources/news/doc/education-promotion-through-food.html

Devaki ShresthaCoady Graduate 1988

…

Dear Editor, When I enrolled at Coady in June of 1964 I had a chip on my shoulder because I had almost ten years of service in the field and I had attended a course in Agricultural Cooperatives at Loughborough College and attended Summer School for Registrars of Cooperative Societies at Oxford University under the auspices of the British Council during 1961. That chip fell off my shoulder before the end of the first week in Antigonish. Students who enrolled in the Summer course in 1964 were recruited from several parts of Africa, Canada, India, the West Indies and the USA. It did not take long for us to tear down the fences and defenses. We learned to respect each other long before the course concluded at the end of July. I will never forget our graduation and the tears which were shed at parting after just six or seven weeks together. We had learned to live together with mutual respect for each other. I departed Coady taking that lesson with me, and it is still with me, nearly forty five years after I graduated.

Alumni Insight

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The Coady Institute and the work of its graduates are being profiled in a major advertising campaign in Canada, thanks to a generous in-kind donation from St. Joseph’s Media, which owns a number of prominent Canadian magazines.

The ads feature testimonials about the Institute by three prominent and respected Canadians: The Hon. Frank McKenna, P.C., ONB, Q.C., former Premier of New Brunswick and Canadian Ambassador to the United States, Lt. General the Hon. Romeo Dallaire, (ret’d), Senator and Seamus O’Regan, Co-Host of a nationally broadcast morning show, Canada AM.

The campaign consists of a series of three ads focusing on the Coady

International Institute’s impact and success, each one featuring a testimonial quote and information about the Coady. The idea behind

the campaign is to raise awareness among Canadians about the Coady Institute and its work.

“Imagine the ripple effect of 5,000 Coady graduates and partners working in 130 countries, applying their Coady education to building a more just, secure and prosperous world,” Seamus O’Regan says in his ad.

Senator Dallaire’s testimonial exclaims: “The Coady story is compelling and the impact of its people worldwide is exceptional. It is a true Canadian success story: a home-grown institute that is sowing the seeds of peace, prosperity and justice around the world by engaging people, through education, to work together with their neighbours to strengthen their own communities from the inside out.”

The Honourable Frank McKenna says: “Coady has made an impact on

the world by providing inspiration and practical skills and by creating knowledge for thousands of leaders. This ability to create knowledge is a principle ingredient of Coady’s success and one that Canadians need to invest in, not just for our benefit but for the benefit of all people.”

The ads have, and will, run in issues of Toronto Life, Ottawa Magazine and Canadian Family throughout 2008 and new ads are expected for 2009.

“We are extremely grateful to St. Joseph’s Media for its generous donation of space in its publications, and we are pleased with the campaign and the response it is generating,” says Coady Director and StFX Vice President Mary Coyle. “To have Canadians of this caliber stating their support for the Coady International Institute in this way brings honour to us and to our development leader alumni and partners.”

prominent Canadians help spread the Coady message in Canada

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Coady’s First Nations At-Sea Mentoring Initiative (ASMI), funded in partnership by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Atlantic First Nations communities, works to develop the technical skills of Aboriginal fishers working in the commercial inshore fishery. The ASMI program wrapped up in March 2008, with projects completed in the communities of Pictou Landing, Membertou, We’koqma’q, and Eskasoni in Nova Scotia as well as Woodstock in New Brunswick. We continue to explore new opportunities for partnerships with First Nations communities.

First Nations At-Sea Mentoring Initiative (ASMI)

Nobel for Coady?

From The Casket, December 12, 2007

When Coady alumnus Tae Young Sim (Diploma 2007) of Korea was interviewed for a story in the local Antigonish paper, The Casket, he told the reporter he believes the Coady should receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

“The work of the Coady has helped millions of people,” Tae Young was quoted as saying in the December 12, 2007 issue of the paper. Apparently, the editor of the paper agreed, and he outlined the many reasons in an editorial that ran in the same issue. Here it is in its entirety:

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“Frontiers of Microfinance”Coady’s new e-learning programThe Coady Institute will soon launch a distance learning portal called “Frontiers of Microfinance” which will serve as a single window to meet the wide range of learning needs in the microfinance field.

The Frontiers of Microfinance portal is a learning forum where practitioners, policy-makers, donors, research institutes, and

other development partners will be able to learn and share information about reducing poverty through microfinance. At the core of the portal will be two certificate programs, one at a basic level to meet the needs of new entrants to the field of microfinance, and one at a more advanced level to meet the needs of mid- to senior-level professionals who are already experienced in

the field. There will be flexibility to tailor programs for institutions based on whether participants would be focused on member owned microfinance, commercial microfinance institutions (MFIs) or on the downscaling of commercial banks. The new “Frontiers of Microfinance” Diploma will meet a wide range of educational needs in the microfinance field.

A delegation from the Ugu District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa was recently on a fact-finding mission to Nova Scotia to study co-operative and credit union organizations, government agencies and universities. The purpose of their visit

was to learn about support programs, education and training, and other mechanisms in place in Nova Scotia to support the development of new and existing co-operatives. Three members of this delegation are graduates of the Coady International Institute.

Front Row Left to Right: Samson Nyawuza, Ugu District Municipality; Duncan Mehlomakulu (Coady Graduate 1984), WSN Business Enterprises; Mary Coyle, Coady Institute; Ruth Bhengu (Coady Graduate 1991), Ugu District Municipality; Nozi Ndamase, Esayidi Further Education & Training CollegeSecond Row Left to Right: Mandla Mkhungo, Ugu District Municipality; Sue Lang, Coady Institute; Janet MacDonald, Coady Institute; Sipho Nkosi (Coady Graduate 1984), WSN Business Enterprises; Queeneth Madikiza, KwaZulu-Natal Province Department of Health; Hugh Landry, Convergence Consulting Solutions Atlantic; Sipho Tibane, Umuziwabantu MunicipalityBack Row Left to Right: Ravi Pillay, Ugu District Municipality; Casper De Koker, Esayidi Further Education & Training College; Ishmael Mkhabela, WSN Business Enterprises; Rewa Misra, Coady Institute; Mdu Mnyandu, Ugu District Municipality; Alison Mathie, Coady Institute

South African delegation visits the Coady

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In September, 2007, the Coady Institute unveiled a life-size monument to the Rev. Dr. Moses Coady. The monument includes a life-size (6’ 4”) bronze statue of Moses Coady in conversation. At his side, a bronze of his book, Masters of their Own Destiny, sits open. Viewers are invited to pause on the bench to contemplate the man and his ideas for self-reliance and community betterment which led to the Antigonish Movement and, ultimately, led to the founding of the

Coady International Institute.

“We are so excited about having this work of art integrated into the landscape of our campus,” said Mary Coyle, StFX Vice President and Director of the Coady International Institute. “The artist has rendered a creation that will inspire and engage people and help us to keep the spirit of Moses Coady and the Antigonish Movement alive and flourishing.”

Monument to Moses Coady Unveiled

Coady Participants gather at the new Moses Coady monument. The monument will take up its permanent home in the gardens of the soon to be built Coady International Centre.

New Book on Asset-Based Community development (ABCd)Watch for the publication this fall of a new book edited by Coady Institute Senior Program Staff members Dr. Alison Mathie and Gord Cunningham. “From Clients to Citizens: Communities changing the course of their own

development,” is scheduled for publication in November 2008. The book showcases thirteen case studies of highly successful communities and the asset-based and citizen-led approaches they used to achieve their success.

South African delegation visits the Coady

TO ORDER: http://styluspub.com, or through most internet booksellers.

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September 28th, 2007 was an historic day for the Coady

Institute as StFX President, Dr. Sean Riley and Coady Director, Mary Coyle announced to a room of Coady participants, staff, supporters and friends that the campaign to raise money to construct the new Coady International Centre had achieved success, and that the University’s Board of Governors had voted to allow construction to begin on the new Centre. By that date, the Coady Campaign had raised an incredible $14 million, thanks to the exemplary momentum of the campaign’s local support combined with leadership gifts from various individuals, including an anonymous gift of $3 million.

“The Coady Institute’s success with this campaign has tremendous significance,” said Dr. Riley in making the announcement to the large group of supporters. “Right here, in the calm surroundings of this university town, we have a resource, a treasure, that no other university in Canada enjoys. The Coady supports, by action, the fundamental, precious and often threatened dignity of people everywhere. Coady educates leaders with the goal of supporting self reliance and the ability of people to take control of their own destiny.”

Since that announcement in September, we have been overwhelmed by the community’s continuing generosity in helping us further the Coady mission. The current campaign total of $15.6 million is a proud achievement in Coady history and could

Coady breaks ground! From left to right: Michael Bonner, Jim Gogan, Sr. Theresa Parker, Gerry Doucet, Harold Redekopp, Julie Chisholm, Dr. Sean Riley, Hon. Mayann Francis, Mary Coyle, Steve Smith, Bishop Raymond Lahey, Graham Dennis, C.J. MacMillan, Dan Hodgins, Maria Volpe, Dave MacLean

….. leads to groundbreaking

Coady announces success with its campaign.

Building campaign success….

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not have been possible without the hundreds of volunteers, donors and friends who have demonstrated their faith in the Coady vision, which is exemplified so well every day by the exceptional work of the Institute’s graduates and partners.

More than 300 people gathered on the lawns between Augustine Hall and Somers Place on the afternoon of Saturday, June 14, 2008 to enjoy the formal groundbreaking ceremony which marked the official beginning of construction on the new Coady International Centre. In addition to the large crowd on hand, Coady graduates, partners, donors and friends around the world had access to the ceremony via a live webcast.

After sixteen gold-coloured shovels broke the ground, attendees were delighted as the campaign’s original $1 million donor, Antigonish businessman and philanthropist John Chisholm, drove onto the lawn in a mini excavator and took up a sizeable chunk of sod. As his much larger shovel dug in, Mr. Chisholm quipped: “Shovels might be fine, but we only have a year to get this thing done!”

The 55,000 square foot facility that will be housed in renovated heritage buildings in the heart of the historic St. Francis Xavier University campus is slated for completion in 2009, when the Coady celebrates its 50th anniversary. The new Centre will add much-needed capacity to meet demand for Coady programs and ensure that the facilities meet the needs of current and future practices in leadership education and distance learning.

Ms. Coyle highlighted the generous support of all the donors to the capital campaign: “Thanks to their support and faith in our work, our vision for a new home for the Coady International Institute is one momentous step closer. The Coady International Centre will be our platform for growth and innovation in the future.”

“Now, with the success of the Capital Campaign, our attention will turn to building capacity to deliver more of the Coady’s world-renowned education for action programs,” said Ms. Coyle. “We are committed to educating more community development leaders in coming years because these leaders are the people who really make things happen in their communities. Our vision is to support and build leadership that will make a real difference around the world.”

Antigonish businessman and philanthropist Steve Smith

represented donors during his speech at the groundbreaking

ceremony.

After the shovels dug into the earth, the appreciative crowd was delighted as the campaign’s original $1 million donor, Antigonish businessman and philanthropist John Chisholm, drove onto the lawn in a mini excavator and took up a sizeable chunk of sod.

The proposed new Coady International Centre will bring the Institute into the heart of thehistoric StFX campus in 2009.

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Ms. Hoang thuy Bang (Vietnam), 2006 ABCD Certificate, August 16, 2007Ms. donna “dolly” Ashe (Staff), October 25, 2007Mr. lorne richard “Buddy” Marsman (Canada), 1968 Diploma, January 16, 2008Cardinal peter porekuu dery (Ghana), 1958 Diploma in Social Studies, March 6, 2008Mr. daniel Baroi (Bangladesh), 1985 Diploma, March 7, 2008Sr. Irene doyle (Staff), July 7, 2008

we remember those who have passed away recently:

Sr. IreNe doyle

doNNA “dolly” MArIe ASHe (reddICK)

Sr. Irene Doyle, formerly Sr. Mary Anselm, 95, a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, died at Bethany, the motherhouse, on July 7, 2008, in the 76th year of her religious life. Sr. Irene was born in Melford, Cape Breton County, N.S., the daughter of the late Daniel O’Connell and Catherine (Boyle) Doyle. The Coady Institute is grateful for her interest and support over the years.

Sister Irene was a field worker with the Extension Department from 1935-39, 1940-44 and 1947-52. She began full-time study at Boston College in 1953, graduating in 1956 with a Master of Science in Social work.

In 1975, she received an Exemplary Service Award from the Extension Department and Coady International Institute of St. Francis Xavier University, and in 1982 she received an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from St. Francis Xavier University. In 1997, Sr. Irene was inducted into the Hall of Honour at the same university. These awards were given for her qualities and

accomplishments, her exemplary dedication and service to adult education with the extension department, in the field of social service, as well as for her contribution to the university and the church.

(With information from the Halifax Chronicle-Herald, July 8, 2008)

Donna “Dolly” Ashe died Thursday, October 25, 2007 in Halifax. Born May 21, 1947 in Glace Bay, Dolly was a daughter of the late James Reddick and Dorothy (Francis) Brewster. Dolly was employed with the Coady International Institute for over thirty years, and was also involved for many years with X Project. During these years, Dolly was integral in the active daily life of the Coady, someone who had the answers for staff, faculty and participants in equal measure. Her calm presence at the Coady Institute has very much been missed.

“dolly was a very special person who spread joy, calm and enthusiastic feelings among all who surrounded and worked with her. She was one of the kindest persons I have ever met.”-Hala El Moukaddem, COADY Graduate, 2001

Mary Coyle (right) presents Sr. Irene Doyle with a photo of Sr. Irene with her Extension Department Colleagues.

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Lindsay MacMillan did her Coady Youth In Partnership placement in India with the Children in Crisis Program of YMCA Bangalore. It’s an initiative that provides shelter, training programs and advocacy for street children. The StFX Science graduate was asked to document the history and nature of the program which she compiled in a 50-page publication that was used to lobby the Indian government for increased funding.

“The finished document was a huge success,” says Lindsay, “but for me personally, just getting to meet and interact with these amazing children who grew up on the streets with nothing was a life-changing experience. These children had some of the most beautiful spirits of anyone I had ever met. The fact that the Children in Crisis Program was truly helping to increase the quality of their lives was just gratifying to be part of.”

Lindsay has high praise for the preparation she received before her placement. “Nothing could have completely prepared me for 5 1/2 months of living in urban India, but the Coady Orientation Program was a tremendous asset,” says the native of Sydney, Nova Scotia. “One valuable part of the preparation was researching and learning about our placement countries and the organizations we would be working with. The best part though, was getting to know the Coady diploma students from all over the world. It was a magical experience. We learned so much from these people about their countries, their work and passions. It was a magical experience. It was incredible to have the opportunity to spend time with them.”

Since returning to Canada in 1999, Lindsay has completed her medical training and is working as a family physician at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, where she does primary care and low-risk obstetrics. In 2005 as a resident physician in Moose Factory, Ontario, Lindsay flew with hospital chief Dr. Murray Trussler to

the reserve of Kashechewan after learning of a spike in e-coli levels. They visited forty homes and in nearly every one found children with skin infections aggravated by poor hygiene and intensely chlorinated water. The case made international headlines and sparked an evacuation of 1000 residents. Lindsay also served in the emergency department in Francistown, Botswana, a placement she

obtained through the Xtending Hope Partnership at the Coady Institute.

“The internship was the first overseas experience for me,” Lindsay recalls, “and it ignited a passion inside me and a desire to continue working in the developing world. Working with street children gave me a new perspective on life and my own priorities, a perspective that has influenced my decisions on the direction of my future.”

“The opportunities that the Youth In Partnership program gives young people is invaluable,” she continues. “It gives youth experiences working in different cultures and opens their eyes to the world outside of North America. It allowed me to cultivate my social conscience and realize that we all have a responsibility to give our time to those who are in the greatest need around the world.

For information on the 2008/09 Youth In Partnership Interns, visit www.coady.stfx.ca/youth.

youth In partnership Alumni profile:lindsay MacMillan, Coady youth Associate, 1999

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Since 1997, the Coady International Institute’s Youth In Partnership Program has given recent Canadian university graduates experience working with development organizations in their area of expertise, to help them increase their understanding of development issues and participate in their roles as global citizens. The program is also aimed at providing experience that will improve participants’ employment opportunities when they return from their internship.

The interns work for six months with one of the Coady International Institute’s partners in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean. Interns who go to Rwanda and Botswana are placed with Xtending Hope partner organizations whose work focuses on issues related to HIV and AIDS.

To date, 155 young Canadians have gone abroad with the YIP program. Currently sixteen interns are in placements, having left in late July, and returning in February 2009.

youth in partnership:Supporting young leaders and helping partners

C.J. MacMillan (left) is a Coady Youth Associate who participated in the program in 2007-08. C.J. has a background in biological sciences, and worked on curriculum development at the Kigali Health Institute (KHI) in Rwanda.

“My experience with the Youth In Partnership Program was phenomenal. I went to Rwanda hoping to contribute in some way but I came back with far more than I feel I gave. My first-hand exposure to development issues has granted me a clearer understanding of how I can effect change as an individual, and a passion to share this knowledge with people in my own community. The Coady Institute has been integral in my development as a global citizen.” - C. J. MacMillan

Burke Vindevoghel (right), YIP 2007-08, worked with Coady’s partner, Oxfam Canada, in Ethiopia as an associate in the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) program. In his free time, Burke ran a soccer program for orphans.

“The ultimate goal of development is to enable citizens to create and achieve their own destiny. ABCD is all about enabling citizens and transferring knowledge so there is a sense of accomplishment and ownership in the community - the true sense of sustainable development. Seeing communities fight through resistance to identify their successes, being open to new ideas and then creating their dreams is amazing to experience - It helps us reflect on what opportunities we have in Canada, and learn that there is always something more to gain from every situation.” - Burke Vindevoghel

Based at the Coady International Institute, the Xtending Hope

Partnership (XHP) is a St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) initiative that is mobilizing the extended university community to assist and support the people, governments and NGOs in Rwanda and Botswana as they deal with the HIV/AIDS pandemic. St.FX answered the call made by Stephen Lewis, former United Nations Special Envoy for AIDS in Africa and co-Director of AIDS Free World, for Canadian citizens and institutions to help African countries address the pandemic.

what’s new In August 2008, the 17th International AIDS Conference under the theme Universal Action Now was held in Mexico City. The conference was an opportunity for scientists, development workers, politicians, youth and people living with HIV/AIDS to discuss the social, cultural, economic, and policy issues related to the epidemic and to exchange success stories and challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The latest UNAIDS report, released prior to the opening of the conference, states that although their efforts to stem the spread of the disease are making a difference, “the epidemic’s future is still uncertain.” The epidemic has not only increased the vulnerability of the poorest (most of whom are women and children) but has also destroyed family networks, slowed economic growth and made more people poor. The UNDP says that HIV has caused the “single greatest reversal in human development” in modern history. Although there is much being done to reverse the epidemic and its effects more action by individuals, civil society and governments is needed. The Xtending Hope Partnership continues work with its partners to provide assistance and support to people living in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since 2001, Xtending Hope has mobilized university and community resources to increase the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS related health, education and community based interventions. Over the next year Xtending Hope will continue to match the expertise of Canadian health professionals, teachers and development professionals to:

strengthen the impact of community based initiatives • and help address the human resource needs as identified by our partners;work with larger NGOs and governments in the areas • of health and education, so as to support systemic level replies to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

examples of Xtending Hope projects currently being developed include:

Health Care Support projectThe XHP is working to develop a project with the Rwandan Nursing and Midwifery Task Force to strengthen the teaching and leadership abilities of health care professionals in Rwanda.

Adolescent Sexual and reproductive Health projectThe XHP is working with four partners in Botswana and Rwanda to develop a strategy that will improve the knowledge of adolescent and sexual reproductive health (ASRH) and reduce the incidence and spread of HIV/AIDS among very young adolescents (10 to 14 year olds).

In addition to these initiatives in Botswana and Rwanda, the XHP is working to develop other initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa. We believe that with our support, the creativity of communities can produce sustainable solutions to the pandemic. The Xtending Hope Partnership is a strong proponent of a people-driven development process. Please contact us if you would like to become part of our broad network of partnerships to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa: http://www.stfx.ca/xtendinghope/

by Daren Trudeau, Xtending Hope Coordinator

Coady Institute Senior Program Staff member Colleen Cameron delivers a workshop on Gender and Health to faculty members at the Kigali Health Instititue (KHI) in Kigali, Rwanda through the Xtending Hope Partnership.

Xtending Hope inrwanda and Botswana!

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Charles Kapitapita (diploma 2007) has been busy since his return to Malawi, organizing training for his colleagues, and members of the communities in which they work,

in the areas of Appreciative Inquiry and Asset-Based Approaches for Community-Driven Development. He has also facilitated training in development leadership for community leaders. Since graduating from the Coady diploma program in 1980, Francis w. Mulwa of Kenya has gone on to complete his Ph.D. in Development Studies. He is founding Executive Director and senior lecturer at PREMESE Africa Development Institute, which provides training at the certificate and diploma level in community development and project management, social work and welfare, leadership training, business administration, strategic planning and participatory evaluation services. In addition, PREMESE (which stands for Participatory Rural Education Methodologies and Evaluation Service) is also involved with training in early childhood and primary education. Dr. Mulwa is also part-time Research Associate and Supervisor for MA and Ph.D. students in Development Studies at the University of South Africa, External Examiner, Department of Community Development at Daystar University (Kenya) and Senior Visiting Lecturer at Tangaza College, the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya.

Sujitha thomas (diploma, 1993) of India is working as a Scientist at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) which comes under the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. She is involved with marine biodiversity at the institute.

Kishore Kumar Nag (diploma, 2004) returned to the Coady to complete a certificate in Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding (2008) which he believes

will be helpful in his work with the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in India, a federation of eleven Lutheran Churches with a membership of 2.5 million people. In 2006, he was promoted from his position as Director for the Urban Communications Project in Calcutta, where he was working among the poor

and marginalized people in the slums of Calcutta, to the head office in Chennai, as Director for Development and Emergency Desk. In his new position, he works with development projects and emergency responses through the member churches in India.

Joram tarusarira (diploma, 2006) of Zimbabwe is currently pursuing his Master of Adult Education, Community Development Stream, through StFX.

Stanley pokish (diploma, 1975) of Bangalore, India reports that he has enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career in the field of human resources, serving in a variety of posts. Between 2001-2005, he worked as a consultant in the field of Managing Change in Social and Community Development activities. Since 2005 he is head of Corporate Affairs for John Distilleries Limited. Stanley is hoping to hear from his classmates from 1975. You can contact Stanley via e-mail: stanleypokish@yahoo.co.in

rolland Sioui (diploma, 1965) retired in June 2000, after teaching English to 6,000 Canadian youth in a high school in Quebec City, Canada during a span of 32 years. He has since become an elder in the Huron First Nations community of Wendake, and gives conferences on First Nations peoples and participates in many activities in his community. He wanted to share his “then” and “now” photos with his classmates:

Moses Njobvu (diploma, 2007) of Malawi is founding member and Director of an NGO

called Fountain of Hope Children’s Home (FOHCH). The organization’s purpose is to improve care and support services for the youth and vulnerable children of Malawi by working to provide comprehensive, integrated, community-based care and support to orphans and vulnerable children, widows and the community.

tazemul Haque (Co-op Certificate, 1992) of Bangladesh is working with PRAN (Program for Rural Advancement Nationality) group, which is an agro-based organization. It seeks to create employment opportunities and to eradicate poverty in rural Bangladesh by eliminating “middle men” and establishing direct relationships between farmers, who are supported in producing agro-products at reasonable prices, and the companies that will buy for a fair price. Tazemul is the Manager of Contract Farming, and his responsibilities include bringing the farmers into an organizational framework that supports income generation, and provides training on crop production technologies that help increase and improve yield. Prior to joining PRAN, Tazemul worked as a Deputy General Manager with Grameen Bank in Grameen Uddog, and was a founder in Grameen Poshak. It was during his time with the Grameen Bank that he came to study at Coady.

Amonia Glenda paul-rolle (diploma, 1994 and Co-op Certificate 1992) of Dominica is working in the Ministry of Finance and Social Security with special responsibilities as assistant Coordinator in the implementation of the Country Poverty Assessment (CPA), which is currently in progress. Amonia is finding the work “exciting, interesting and challenging!” She is also serving as Chairperson of the Participatory Poverty Assessment (PPA) Committee and sits as a member of the National Assessment Team (NAT). “My training at Coady is proving to be quite useful in this regard,” she says. Amonia is hoping to pursue an MA in Sustainable International Development at Brandeis University.

regina ramalingam (diploma, 2006) of Sri Lanka has joined the National Peace Council as Chief Operational Executive, in charge of programs and administration and finance. The National Peace Council is an

we Hear From...

... continued next page

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Alumni Insight. . . . continued from Page 7

NGO which is working “to create more favourable attitudes and behaviours among selected target groups towards a non-violent conflict resolution as a sound basis for a just and sustainable peace in Sri Lanka.”

Coady graduate Ghada remon of egypt (diploma 2005) married Maxim Halim on February 28, 2008. Ghada is working with BLESS (Bishopric or Public, Ecumenical and Social Services).

we Hear From...... continued from previous page

Shortly after my return to Guyana I was promoted to the post of Senior Cooperative Officer and lectured part time to school teachers and at Kuru Kuru Cooperative College, Guyana. I continued these duties until 1969 when I was promoted to be the first Deputy Finance Officer at the National Insurance Scheme. I set up an accounting system and related procedures and trained staff using the techniques I had learned at Coady. In 1973, I was transferred to the External Trade Bureau (ETB), in the post of Secretary / Accountant. The ETB was in a mess and needed efficient and effective management and accounting programs and systems. The ETB was responsible for the importation of essential items for the whole of Guyana. As every process was being done by manual methods, I introduced accounting machines and a modern communications system. In the preparation of lectures and other forms of tuition I involved both senior and junior staff. I had learned at Coady to respect everyone. In May of 1980, I retired at the age of 60 years. At the time of my retirement ETB had become one of the most efficient government corporations. During my tenure as Manager, the Organisation of State Trading Organisations was established by the United Nations, with head quarters at Llubyana, Slovinya, Yugoslavia. I was elected as a member of the Committee of Management and held that post for three years. In 1964, I became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Manchester Unity. I was elevated to the post of Noble Grand in 1968 and at the end of my second term I was presented with the Lodge Merit Medal for outstanding service. In 1975 I was elevated to the highest degree in Odd Fellowship by the Grand Lodge at Eastbourne, England. During that year the Caribbean/Atlantic Area Conference, comprising all District lodges in the Atlantic/Caribbean area, elected me as its first President, a post which I held for fourteen years. I was awarded a gold medal for outstanding service to conference. Finally, in 2006 I was awarded the Unity Meritorious Service Jewel, the highest honour conferred by IOOF – MU, becoming the first recipient who lived and served outside of the United Kingdom. The knowledge and tools I acquired at Coady definitely

benefited me, not only in my association with cooperatives, but also as a senior executive in business and as a member of a fraternal organization which, in Guyana, is registered under the Friendly Societies Act. May God bless the Coady International Institute in its efforts to improve the lives of the less fortunate in the international community. Victor F. Haynes. B. Soc. Sc., ACIS.Victor completed a summer certificate in 1964. He celebrated his 87th birthday on May 6, 2007.

…

Greetings from Bangalore, India! Here I am, in charge of C.D.E.W. (Centre for Development and Empowerment of Women) Society Bangalore, from the time I returned from the Coady. With Coady training, I gained self-confidence to plan, execute, monitor and evaluate various projects. I have successfully carried out a few Women’s Empowerment Projects, one of which was a project for 1000 very poor women, covering 1000 families in three villages and five slums. We have now 585 women’s groups working for approximately 7,100 women, 136 children’s (N.C.N.) groups (10-16 years) having 1,932 members scattered over three states and in 15 centres. It is amazing the amount of good this project has done, especially for these women and their families. My future dreams are: I. I am planning to focus on women, to raise awareness about addiction and prevention of alcoholism and HIV/AIDS, which are a great threat to present society. II. To strengthen the children’s (N.C.N.) group in order to prepare good leaders with social concern by conducting twice a year animation camps for them, and to make the villages surrounding our 28 institutions free from Child Labour, and to support all school-aged children to go to school, by providing animation and financial support. III. We are running a successful water project in the hilly area of Idukki District, Kerala, building a rain water harvesting tank for 147 poor families. There is an acute water shortage during the four months of summer and women have great difficulty in collecting water, walking a distance of 2-4 km. There are many more people and areas waiting to get this help. I have a competent sister and two other experienced staff to help me in the office. We have a Regional centre in each Region and a sister and part time staff in each unit of the Region.I am quite happy and self-fulfilled in my work. Recently, I met Fr. Santhosh Dias from our Coady batch. He is the Director of Social Service Society in this diocese, very busy and active.

Sincerely,Sr. Anna TechckandathilDiploma, 2001India

This is a reminder that it is time to start applying for a spot in one of our high quality and practical educational programs which will be offered in 2009:

Diploma in Development LeadershipA six-month intensive professional development program designed to build leadership and strengthen • organizational capacity.

Certificates in:• Advocacy and Citizen Engagement • Community-Based Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding • Community-Based Microfinance • Livelihoods and Markets • Mobilizing Assets for Citizen-Driven Development • Organizational Learning and Change

Online Distance Education:• Advanced Certificate in Member-Owned Microfinance

Master of Adult Education, Community Development Stream (through partnership with the Department of Adult Education, St. Francis Xavier University)

For more information and application forms, visit us online at www.coady.stfx.ca. We can also fax or e-mail this information to you. Please call us at (902) 867-3960 or toll-free: 1-866-820-7835, or email: coadyreg@stfx.ca.

The Time To apply for2009 Coady Campus-based eduCaTion programs is now.

About The Coady Connection

We invite submissions from, or about, Coady graduates and partners. Next year marks the Institute’s 50th anniversary and we want the world to know about how your work is making a difference. We want to share your stories. How has your Coady experience contributed to your success? What are the innovations in which you have been involved? What is happening in your life?

Send us personal and professional updates for We Hear From (50-100 words).• Tell us how your experience at the Coady Institute has benefited your professional development, your organization • and your community (200-300 words) for Alumni Insight. Send us your story ideas.• Send us updated contact information.•

Correspondence may be sent to the editor of The Coady Connection via:E-mail: coadycom@stfx.ca.• Mail: The Coady Connection•

The Coady International Institute Attn: Editor P.O. Box 5000 Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada, B2G 2W5

Fax: (902) 867-3907• All submissions are subject to editing.

ISSN 1480 1019

NoticeThe last issue of the Coady Connection was Volume 22 (2003 - 2004). The newsletter will now resume as an annual publication series. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Correspondence may be sent to the editor of The Coady Connection: coadycom@stfx.ca, or by mail to the Coady: PO Box 5000, Antigonish, NS, Canada, B2G 2W5.