Every Child Matters: Observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today, September 30th, is a day of profound importance in Canada: the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) and Orange Shirt Day. For the Isa Mundo Foundation, with our core commitment to education and youth, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the deep connection between learning, justice, and community well-being.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday created to honour the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Residential School Survivors, the children who never returned home, and their families and communities. It calls on all of us to pause, reflect, and engage with the painful history and ongoing legacy of the residential school system.

The Story Behind Orange Shirt Day

While the statutory holiday is new, the movement it grew from, Orange Shirt Day, is not. It was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school Survivor from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation.

In 1973, at the age of six, Phyllis was taken to a residential school. She was wearing a brand-new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother. It was immediately stripped from her and never returned. That orange shirt symbolizes the profound loss of identity, culture, language, and connection that Indigenous children suffered in the residential school system.

Today, wearing an orange shirt is a visible sign of solidarity, remembrance, and the unwavering message: "Every Child Matters."

Truth is the Foundation of Reconciliation

At Isa Mundo, we believe in the transformative power of education. True education requires facing difficult truths, and the truth of the residential school system is a foundational, yet difficult, part of Canadian history. The system's purpose was to assimilate Indigenous children, leading to generations of trauma that still impact communities today.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action provide a roadmap for all Canadians to move forward. Reconciliation is not an event—it is an ongoing process that requires commitment from every individual, institution, and organization.

How You Can Participate in Reconciliation Today

This day is not a celebration or simply a day off; it is a solemn day for reflection and action. We encourage our Isa Mundo community to take meaningful steps toward understanding and reconciliation:

1. Educate Yourself: Take time to read and learn about the history of residential schools, the experiences of Survivors, and the TRC's Calls to Action. A great place to start is the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) website.

2. Listen to Indigenous Voices: Seek out and listen to the stories, teachings, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples. Support Indigenous artists, authors, and creators.

3. Support Indigenous Initiatives: Look for local Indigenous-led organizations working in education, community health, and cultural preservation, and consider donating or volunteering.

4. Have a Conversation: Talk with your family, friends, or colleagues about the meaning of this day and your commitment to reconciliation.

Wearing orange today is an important symbol, but it is just the first step. Let us all commit to carrying the spirit of this day forward, ensuring that the truth is known and that we work toward a more just and equitable future where Every Child Matters.

To learn more, visit the Orange Shirt Society at www.orangeshirt.org

** Photo courtesy of Orange Shirt Society. Shirt is the official 2025 Orange Shirt design.

Defending Rights and Shaping Futures - The Internationl Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Today, August 9th, marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, and this year's theme is particularly relevant to the challenges and opportunities of our modern world: "Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures."

At the Isa Mundo Foundation, our mission is to support communities around the globe through education, youth empowerment, and environmental initiatives. We believe that true progress is impossible without a deep commitment to human rights and social justice, especially for Indigenous peoples who have long been at the forefront of these issues. This year's theme of AI and its impact on Indigenous communities resonates deeply with our core values.

Artificial intelligence, with its rapid advancements, holds incredible potential. It could be a tool for preserving endangered languages, mapping ancestral lands, and amplifying Indigenous knowledge to address global challenges like climate change. However, as the UN and other organizations have pointed out, without careful and ethical development, AI can also reinforce existing biases, create digital exclusion, and threaten data sovereignty.

This is where the Isa Mundo Foundation’s work intersects with this year's theme. We've always believed that education is the most valuable tool for empowerment. By providing communities with access to technology and educational resources, we are not just teaching skills; we are giving them the power to shape their own futures. This includes ensuring that Indigenous communities have the ability to engage with new technologies like AI on their own terms, with their rights and data protected.

Our commitment to Indigenous issues is a reflection of our team's personal and professional experiences. We understand that empowering communities means supporting their self-determination—the ability to make their own decisions about their culture, their land, and their future. This is a collaborative effort, and we are dedicated to working alongside Indigenous leaders and organizations to ensure that technology serves as a tool for justice and empowerment, not a force for further marginalization.

Today, and every day, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage and invaluable knowledge of Indigenous peoples. We also reaffirm our commitment to a future where their voices are not just heard, but are at the heart of the decisions that will shape our world. The theme of "Indigenous Peoples and AI" is a powerful reminder that as we move into the future, we must do so with respect, collaboration, and a unwavering commitment to defending the rights of all.

To learn more about these year’s theme, visit the UNESCO site on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. 

The Unwavering Compass: Navigating Global Headwinds as a Small Non-Profit

In a world defined by its complexities and uncertainties, the path for small non-profit organizations has never been more challenging. As conflicts flare, prices rise, and global markets become more volatile, the very communities we serve are often the most impacted. For a foundation like Isa Mundo, dedicated to supporting grassroots initiatives, these global headwinds create a difficult reality.

We feel the strain on multiple fronts. The cost of materials for our projects, from educational supplies to construction materials, is rising. Our donors, facing their own financial pressures, may be less able to contribute. Furthermore, the world's focus is often drawn to large-scale crises, making it harder for small organizations to raise awareness and secure funding for crucial local projects.

This challenge is echoed by global influencers. Organizations like the United Nations have repeatedly highlighted the vital role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in development and humanitarian aid, but have also noted the increasing legal and financial restrictions they face. The World Bank has also acknowledged the difficulties CSOs encounter, pointing to the need for greater collaboration and transparency to overcome institutional and financial barriers.

Yet, in the face of these challenges, we remain steadfastly committed. This is not the time to retreat; it's the time to be smarter, more efficient, and more determined. At Isa Mundo, we are streamlining our approach and focusing on our capacity to make the biggest impact. We are committed to:

 * Maximizing Partnerships: We will continue to collaborate with other organizations, both large and small, to share resources, leverage expertise, and ensure our projects are as effective as possible.

 * Prioritizing Projects with Lasting Impact: We will focus on initiatives that build long-term sustainability and empower communities to be self-sufficient. This means projects that provide skills, not just temporary aid.

 * Rethinking Our Funding Model: We are exploring innovative ways to engage our community, from hands-on volunteering opportunities that reduce costs to targeted fundraising campaigns that highlight the direct impact of every dollar.

The world may be in turmoil, but our compass remains fixed on a single goal: to help build a world of healthy families and communities. The journey is not easy, but with a renewed focus on our core mission, a commitment to collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of local action, we are confident that we can continue to make a meaningful difference, one community at a time.

World Ocean Day

In celebration of World Ocean Day - we wanted to reflect about our trip to the Philippines and seeing some of the amazing, diverse and unique islands in the country. The trip was to learn about the work of passionate colleagues in Panglao Island, Bohol and to visit sites in Coron Palawan. What we observed is the vast diversity of marine life and the threat of development in protecting the sensitive ecosystem in these islands.

According to Oceana.org - The Philippines lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the global center of marine biodiversity. Its waters host some of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems—including vibrant coral reefs, expansive mangrove forests, and extensive seagrass beds. The country is home to 500 to 600 species of reef-building corals and over 2,000 species of marine shore fish. With 7,641 islands, enclosed seas, and rich coastal habitats, the Philippine archipelago supports an incredible variety of marine life—from sea turtles and whale sharks to small reef fishes and deep-sea organisms.

In the spirit of marine and ocean conservation, we wanted to highlight World Oceans Day's call out to all the youth of the world to apply the organization's Youth Advisory Council. The World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council is a group of 20-25 young people with  diverse backgrounds from countries around the world, who are actively engaged in conservation efforts in their communities. They unite to share their efforts with each other and the world, develop their leadership skills to strengthen their impact, and inspire millions to take action for our blue planet. 

To learn more and apply please visit the World's Ocean Day website.

 

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