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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At Hope Community School, vulnerable students receive incredible educational opportunities that change lives. Dedicated educators, staff, and Spark volunteers inspire students to learn, grow, and dream about their futures. Hope prepares its students for success in and out of the classroom;...
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In Nicaragua, pathways to self-sufficiency are created and supported by Spark's partner organization: Las Tias. At Las Tias, vocational training and programs provide long-lasting benefits to individuals, families, and communities. The foundational saying of Las Tias- “No al trabajo infantil, ¡si...
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At Spark Ventures, we are committed to our mission of providing sustainable solutions to lift communities out of poverty and empower future leaders. Education is an essential part of Spark’s mission because it is key to individual sustainability, helping to break...
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Hope Community School co-founder Margaret Mumba and Hope’s Teacher Lighton Mwelwa recently embarked on a transformational journey from Zambia to the United States. Thank you to Spark Board members Sue Bernstein - whose generosity and tireless efforts made the trip possible - and Leon Reed...
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For over fifteen years, Spark Ventures has brought travelers to our international and local partners in Zambia, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chicago to see our work in action. Spark’s Signature Travel Experiences are culturally empowering, mutually beneficial, and focused on lasting impact. At...
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We Grow Chicago is Spark Ventures’ Chicago-based partner and serves the greater Englewood community. Founded in 2013, We Grow now consists of five West-Englewood based nonprofits, and focuses on enriching their community through youth programming, food security,...
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