Last month, on the second-to-last day of our visit to Hope Community School in Twapia, Zambia, students, staff, and Spark’s travelers gathered for a joyful afternoon celebrating the new solar panels at the school, a development that has transformed daily life and learning at Hope. Over...
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In a powerful new 2025 initiative spearheaded by Board Member and Zooming with Zambia volunteer, Sue Bernstein, the Grade 11 and 12 learners at Hope Community School are gaining valuable insights to the world of professional possibilities through Career Day sessions! Each month, students gather over...
Read MoreA Meaningful Gift for a Joyous Season! Celebrate this holiday season by making a meaningful gift that creates opportunities for growth and success. With Spark Ventures, your donation can honor a loved one while empowering future leaders in their communities. Our Holiday Giving catalog is filled with...
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Meet Jennifer Kim: Impact Travel Alumni & Spark Ventures Board Member How were you first introduced to Spark, and can you share a bit about why you chose to travel with Spark? I first heard about Spark Ventures through my friend (and Spark board member), Kathy Wolf....
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Months ago, when Sue Bernstein first began meeting with the 9 US educators traveling to Zambia, they had grand plans. - Three full class days of STEM, ELA and Computer Studies lessons for 550 kids from preschool to grade 11 - Lessons created by educators from Chicago...
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Hope Community School in Zambia provides high-impact education, nutrition and healthcare programming to over 550 children who face many barriers to achieving their full potential. Since 2006, Spark Ventures and Hope staff, volunteers, and teachers have created a thriving campus that...
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In Mexico, an incredibly important holiday was just celebrated: Dia de los Ninos, or Day of the Children. Full of games and activities, Dia de los Ninos is a time to squeeze the children in our lives extra tight and reflect...
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In April, Head Teacher Ng’oma from Hope Community School in Zambia arrived at the Chicago airport with one checked bag and a backpack. Two weeks later, he arrived back in Zambia with two checked bags, a backpack, and a carry on!...
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A warm welcome to the newest member of Spark’s Board of Directors, Carol Thompson! We are thrilled to introduce you to the Spark community, Carol! Tell us a bit about yourself. I was born and raised in Iowa. I have a B.A. in Journalism and Sociology from...
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Spark’s partner organization, We Grow Chicago, is continually seeking solutions to poverty and disinvestment while empowering the broader community of West Englewood. Thanks to the incredible work of We Grow Chicago, initiatives and programs provide resources and create opportunities for community members. The Inspiration Lab,...
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