An Introduction to the Baobab Inclusive Empowerment Society
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen and Felix Kongyuy
Publication (Outlet/Website): Baobab Inclusive Empowerment Society
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2016/11/21
Scott
The Baobab Inclusive Empowerment Society (BIES) is a registered non-profit society. It has a vision of facilitation of integration founded on accountability, compassion, equality, resilience, and trust for the disempowered across all community, cultural, and ethnic lines. The BIES mission aims to empower families and individuals. We want to be a nexus for multiculturalism and partnerships with discrimination based on age, political affiliation, race, or religion.
Our values follow the REACH formula: Respect, Empathy, Accountability, Commitment, and Honour. Respect with equal treatment and sensitivity for culture in all services. Empathy for all individuals without regard for ability or means. Accountability tied to honesty and openness for resource management for clients and stakeholders. Commitment to professional standards in provision of services for those in need. Honour via the nobility of the Baobab Inclusive Empowerment Society.
We offer numerous services and programs within the vision, mission, and values statements of the organization. In Canada, whether native speakers of English (Anglophone), French (Francophone), or other native languages, we offer the opportunities and tools for inclusion of the vulnerable members of these populations. Some supports from the BIES are the work experience, confidence and self esteem building, reduction of culture shock and isolation, and the encouragement of entrepreneurship and volunteerism.
These exist alongside themed activities such as dialogues, relationship building for families, healthful lifestyle, and community spirit, and the promotion of arts, communication, culture, education, health, poverty reduction, and technology. The content and purpose for the activities and events within the vision, mission, and values comes from the strategy. It is an inclusive strategy with an emphasis on the aforementioned activities, events, and promotions.
Of course, the disempowered, as stated at the outset, are the most vulnerable, which tend to be the young, the old, and minorities. Our bilingual programs cater to these population because of an identified need by Felix and others. We target those populations to assist them. British Columbia, as one of the wealthiest and well-off places in the world (and, therefore, one of the most in human history), should have few of these sub-populations living in poor conditions.
Within that spirit, we would hope to emphasize BIES and its role in the facilitation of integration of those communities for harmony and greater wellbeing of individuals, families, and the community as a whole.
Felix
Did you know that in Surrey and Greater Vancouver?
As of 2010, the child poverty rate in the Greater Vancouver region was 37.8% and 43.8% among children of recent immigrants (those who immigrated during the 2006-2011 period). Numerous studies show the benefits of physical activity beyond maintaining a healthy weight. Physical activity is linked with positive mental well-being, increased academic performance, improved confidence and self-esteem, and the prevention of future health problems.
Do you ever wonder where the money comes from to support low income children, refugees, and newcomers in Surrey and Greater Vancouver?
It doesn’t come from the government or from city funds. Most comes from organizations like Baobab Inclusive Empowerment Society (Charity Number, BN: 801100686RR0001) and individuals like you. When we’re asked, “Why we should care about what happens in Surrey and Greater Vancouver?” I think about Bang, who is a program participant. When Bang first came to our program, he couldn’t communicate with other children or enjoy our sports activities because he always wanted to play his computer games.
Oftentimes, Bang will run away from our coaches. He never said a word to anyone. After four sessions, our coaches engaged him during our circle time to tell a story about his video games. As he started speaking, they asked him during the next game if he would like to become the leader. He agreed. Since then, he felt comfortable, made friends, and asked to help other children who came to the program. As the coaches discovered his passion for leading, he was nominated to lead a group of children during circle time for a week.
Because of his interest and compassion, we were able to provide Bang with a t-shirt, soccer shoe, water bottle, and a soccer ball to take home. Since that day, his parents said he plays soccer after school regularly, studies effectively, and, more important, stays away from video games. BIES has the goal to reach more than 200 low income children next year in Surrey through our Inclusive Sports program, and investing in vulnerable and low income children. Those investments are like investing in every child in Surrey.
This year, we have the ambitious goal of increasing our programs to 3 different communities in Greater Vancouver. Please consider helping give children and refugees a brighter future with a special gift of $50 or more. The donation is tax deductible. Without people like you, their lives would be a nightmare.
P.S. Thanks for making the dream of children, youths and families become a reality. All cash donations of $25 dollars or more will be receive a tax receipt from us. Please, give me a call at 604-585-6775, or visit http://www.baobabinclusive.ca, if you need more information about our mission and work.
License
In-Sight Publishing by Scott Douglas Jacobsen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.in-sightjournal.com.
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