"Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, that every individual and every organ of society shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms..."

 

- Quoted from Universal
 Declaration of Human Rights

CEDAR Foundation: International is a Vancouver (Canada) based charitable organization engaged in social investment programming in Africa, Mexico and America. Our focus is preparing disadvantaged children for a significant rise in their cultural, social and economic status.
(Find out more about our Guiding Principles)

 

Founded in 2004, CEDAR is involved in 19 programmes worldwide including:

• Partnerships with schools and other groups that broaden access to quality education in South Africa, Kenya and the United States.

  
  

• Building construction projects for an orphanage and facility for children of street women in Mexico and a high school in South Africa.
  
  

• Independent projects providing impoverished children and youth with access to secondary school and post-secondary education in Mexico, Kenya and the United States. (Read more about our Programmes & Partnerships)

CEDAR is led by Bob and Lynda Bentall, supported by extraordinary partners.
(Read more about Our People)

 

 

A Slow Walk to a Better Future

 

We believe social or individual transformation is a long, tedious, challenging process. It requires many years of sustained effort, commitment and diligence to overcome the many barriers, obstructions and disappointments along the way. Poverty, disease and human rights violations are all connected and dominate the reality of troubled areas. Widespread education is their only true solution.

 

But education is a long-term venture. A young person's future will not be substantially altered unless post-secondary education has been completed. The "ticket" to jobs and to social respect can only be attained through many years of quality, progressive education. That is at least a 15-year commitment... and an expensive one!

 

Education provides the fundamental freedom of choice that leads to individual dignity and growth. Every child has a right to that opportunity. But it will not be a fast or immediate triumph. It is a long, slow walk out of poverty, despair, hopelessness and darkness. But it is possible.

 

It is a long, slow walk to a better future!