Acknowledging Mothers: The World's First Educators

On this Mother's Day, the Isa Mundo Foundation honors mothers not only for their love and dedication but for their irreplaceable role as a child’s first and most influential educator. Our work around the world is built on the understanding that empowering mothers is one of the most effective ways to create lasting change in communities.

This is a view shared by international organizations that champion mothers' rights and roles. For example, the organization Make Mothers Matter (MMM), which advocates at the United Nations, states, "Advancing their skills and recognizing their responsibility as the first educators of their children are key levers for change." This is a powerful, intentional statement that gets to the core of our own mission.

Research consistently shows that a mother's educational status is a crucial factor in shaping her children's future. By supporting mothers, we are creating a ripple effect that benefits entire communities. When we provide resources for education, we are not just giving a child a book or a computer; we are empowering a mother to guide her child's learning journey and giving her the tools to build a better future for her family.

Today, we want to be intentional about our gratitude. We celebrate mothers as the pillars of the family, the nurturers of talent, and the world's most essential educators. Their tireless work is the foundation upon which our projects, and indeed our world, are built. 

To learn more about Make Mothers Matter, visit its website at www.makemothersmatter.org

International Day for Street Children: A Preventative Approach to Hope

Today, April 12th, marks the International Day for Street Children, a day to acknowledge the strength of millions of children worldwide who face the harsh realities of life on the streets. For the Isa Mundo Foundation, this day is not just about awareness; it is a call to action that underpins our entire mission. We believe the most powerful way to address the issue of street children is to prevent children and youth from ending up in such a vulnerable situation in the first place.

Our work is intentionally focused on creating safe and healthy facilities and programs that serve as a crucial preventative measure against homelessness. By providing a stable and supportive environment, we address many of the core issues that push children to the streets, such as lack of educational opportunities, family instability, and a need for a sense of community. 

The link between a child's access to education and their risk of homelessness is well-documented. Youth who do not complete high school are significantly more likely to experience homelessness later in life. This is why our programs, which focus on creating safe, structured learning environments and providing access to essential skills, are so vital. We offer more than just education; we offer a sanctuary, a place where young people can find stability, build confidence, and forge a positive path forward.

By investing in these programs, we are not simply reacting to the problem of street children—we are actively working to solve it. We are building a foundation of support that helps young people thrive and gives them a reason to stay in a safe and healthy environment. Our commitment is to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to build a future that is full of hope, not hardship.

Peter Oudman - Thank You / Gracias / Merci

The year 2025 began with tragic news for Isa Mundo and our volunteers. The passing of our dear friend and mentor, Peter Oudman, has brought sadness to our group. We are heartbroken and our entire team is sending our love and prayers to his wife Teena, their family and close friends in Canada and globally.

It has taken us a few months to reflect and honour the impact of Señor Peter to the work that Isa Mundo has done and continue to do in the Jalisco and Nayarit region of Mexico. From the time we met Peter and Teena, they have shown us nothing but support and inspiration to continue our work in various communities. But most of all, to share so much of their experience, stories and dedication to help those less fortunate, specially all the children with disabilities and their families in the region. Peter was always there to provide us a ride, his giant hug, his laughter and his kind heart - and that everything that mattered to him and Teena were the livelihood and health of their many children at Casa Connor and Pasitos de Luz, whom they loved and cared for so much. 

Isa Mundo was already so inspired by Casa Connor, as each time we visited - our group left with new found energy to continue to support the facility and its amazing staff and children. But meeting Peter, gave us the added push to learn, share and promote the work and projects that are so important in the community. On behalf of Isa Mundo, thank you so much Peter. We will miss your presence but will never forget your encouraging words and passion. May you rest in peace Señor.  🙏

Vesna Foundation

The trip to the Philippines allowed us to visit and meet members of the Vesna Foundation who are doing exception work in Panglao, Bohol and surrounding areas. Vesna is an environmental conservation group that focuses on the protection and preservation of the biodiversity or the marine environment on the island of Panglao. The group works with local communities, businesses, tourism industry and leaders to carry out research activities and provide workshops and dialogue sessions with government authorities to collaborate on environmental awareness. 

Vesna's work includes: protection of coral reefs; education; eco-diving; monitoring and root waste water treatment projects. Isa Mundo Foundation will continue discussions with Vesna Conservation staff and leaders to find ways to collaborate on projects that are of mutual interest. As we look to learn more and partner with non profit organizations in the Philippines, we will commit to meeting like minded organizations that align with Isa Mundo's objectives on environmental assessment and sustainability. We hope to meet up with Vesna again in 2025 and begin to collaborate on research and preliminary project. 

To learn more about Vesna Conservation, visit their website at www.vesnaconservation.net

Happy Holiday / Joyeuses Fêtes

This past year, with your support and contributions, we were able to help children, families, and communities in Mexico and the Philippines.

On behalf of all those who have benefited from your generosity, we at the Isa Mundo Foundation thank you wholeheartedly for your ongoing support and commitment to improving the present and future of so many.

We look forward to the upcoming year as we continue, together, to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Happy Holidays!

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Chers amis de la fondation Isa Mundo,

Grâce à votre appui et vos contributions, nous avons pu faire une différence dans la vie de plusieurs enfants, familles et communautés du Mexique et en des Philippines.

Tous les gens qui ont profité de votre générosité, ainsi que la Fondation Isa Mundo, vous sont reconnaissants et vous remercient d’avoir contribué à leur bien-être d’aujourd’hui et de demain.

Nous vous souhaitons tous de Joyeuses Fêtes!

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today marks the 4th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) in Canada. Established in 202 as an official federal holiday - the day is a reminder and to acknowledge the lasting inter generational impact of residential schools in Canada. Also known as Orange Shirt Day, It is to honour and remember children who were taken away from families, communities and their languages and cultures. In addition, the day is intended for education and reflection and to support how to progress reconciliation in Canada.  

Isa Mundo has been supporting and funding various initiatives for NDTC since 2021 including: donating to Indigenous organizations and projects; funding activities and workshops; supporting Indigenous businesses; attending NDTC events and providing training to our volunteers on the history and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Isa Mundo continues to ensure our organization is fully committed to UNDRIP and the TRC Calls to Action by doing it's duty to consult, respectful engagement, and ensuring cultural protocols are followed when doing work in traditional territories, Nations and Indigenous communities. 

We call on all our volunteers and supporters to promote the NDTC to their families and circle of friends and network to learn more about the importance of this day and the Orange Shirt Day initiative and the story of Phyllis Webstad. We encourage you to: wear your Orange Shirt; attend events; watch and view documentaries and movies about and produced by Indigenous artists; read books on the history of Indigenous peoples and written by Indigenous authors; reflect on your presence and contribution to the traditional lands you work, live and play; and most importantly, think about how we can individually and collectively progress reconciliation in our own ways and as community members.

Today and everyday, Isa Mundo will continue to explore ways to put reconciliation into action and we encourage everyone to do the same.

hay čxʷ q̓ə [hy-chka, Thank you, Merci, Gracias, Salamat po!  

World Oceans Day

On June 8th, World Oceans Day is celebrated worldwide annually to raise awareness of the importance of oceans and the need to nurture and protect them all. Canada played an important role in launching World Oceans Day in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by having Canada's International Centre for Ocean Development and the Ocean Institute of Canada leading discussions with other global partners. In 2008, the UN officially recognized World Oceans Day and everyone to recognize and be reminded that Earth is 70% covered by oceans and the important role they play in regulating climate, homes to diverse marine life and sustain communities worldwide.

This year's theme is "Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate" and will focus on the strength of collaborating and partnering together to build strong and sustainable communities and societies. It is important for everyone to be aware of ocean pollution, overfishing and habitat destruction and to be an ally in raising awareness to reduce plastic use, sustainable fishing practices and continued education on helping to preserve our oceans for future generations. 

Isa Mundo has been participating and supporting projects that focus on conservation and ocean based initiatives such as beach cleanups, dialogue training sessions on reef ball projects, recycling to reduce plastic pollution in water ways and turtle conservation projects. We support ideas directly from communities and promote initiatives supported by the World Oceans Day organization. 

To learn more about World Oceans Day visit The 2024 Action Theme

There are many ways to celebrate and launch activities on World Oceans Day.