Q. Why is an endowment fund needed to sustain these projects? Wasn’t the five pillar WE Villages model based on creating self-sustainability?

Yes, in most instances WE Charity’s WE Villages model has the charity exiting after 5 years, with the community becoming fully self-sustaining by that time. There are numerous examples that demonstrate the effectiveness of this model (please see here for independent research). Our intention is to ensure the charity can maintain this model, so we will not exit communities before that five-year plan is fully executed.

Similarly, there are several large-scale projects that we have a moral responsibility to continue to support in the long term. For example. Baraka Hospital and WE College in Narok County, Kenya, along with the Agricultural Learning Centre in Ecuador, will all continue to be supported.

Q. Can I still support Kisaruni scholarships?

We welcome donors to continue to support students at our boarding secondary schools in Kenya and will ensure that funds from the endowment will be allocated accordingly. However, it should be noted that the Kenyan government ordered all schools to remain closed until at least January 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Once schools reopen the support from the Kisaruni scholarships will recommence.

Q. Will existing projects that I donated to be completed?

Yes, projects underway will be completed unless circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic make it unfeasible or unsafe to do so. In such instances, donors will be contacted to see if they would like to redirect their support.

Q. Can I still visit project sites through ME to WE Trips?

Unfortunately, ME to WE Trips have ceased. Once the global pandemic is addressed, we will have further information about opportunities to visit the projects.

Q. What resources will be provided domestically?

The endowment fund will ensure that WE Schools service-learning resources will continue to be available online for the next generation of young Canadians and teachers. WE Schools is an innovative series of free experiential service-learning programs and issues-based campaigns that engage educators and youth globally to empower them with the skills, knowledge and motivation to bring positive change in themselves and the world.

Twenty five years’ worth of curriculum about causes, service campaigns, youth mental health resources and more will be archived and accessed online here.

Q. How can I continue to support youth mental health in Canada? Will the WE Well-being initiative continue in Canada?

We are grateful to our long-term donors who have made such generous commitments to supporting youth mental health through the WE Well-being initiative. You can continue to provide support for youth mental health in Canada through WE Well-being’s founding partner, the Erika Legacy Foundation.

WE Well-being classroom tools and resources will continue to be available online globally.

WE Well-being is a program that empowers youth, educators and families with tools and resources to promote their own mental well-being and the well-being of their community. Drawing upon evidence based mental health promotion and prevention strategies, the program supports the early development of mental well-being through accessible and inclusive programs. Translating the science of well being into everyday action, the WE Well-being program provides clear pathways and resources to promote mental well-being, including through action-oriented curriculum in schools, professional learning for educators, books and workbooks.

To learn more about the WE Well-being program visit www.we.org/wellbeing.

Q. Can I still make donations to WE Charity Canada? Will I get a tax receipt? Yes, during the transition period donations will still be gratefully accepted and tax receipts will be issued as per usual.