Journey of Hope has a track record of 10 trips to Africa involving 120 volunteer students and over $150,000 in assistance. Rotary says Thank You, Jeff Kawzenuk. A small gathering of Rotarians from across Northumberland, students from area high schools, public officials, family members and school board staff and supporters were on hand to celebrate the principal of Cobourg Collegiate Institute Jeff Kawzenuk when he received two noteworthy awards Monday, February 4, 2019 at the Keeler Centre Rotary Hall in Colborne.......
Kawzenuk is well known within the educational community for his ongoing organization, support, tireless commitment and more to African communities during the past decade. Along with retired Port Hope principal Steve Truelove, the participation of the students and staff of the Kawartha Pine Ridge District school board, he has helped to raise over $150,000 dollars and has overseen many students journeying to Africa to experience first-hand student and village community life on the continent.
During that time, a small village located on Mount Kilimanjaro has been the focus of Kawzenuk, students and the many in Northumberland who have assisted with their contributions of time and money. Schools were refurbished. Students sponsored. Gardens, latrines and cook houses built. Medical supplies and education of local students financed.
In 2018, 12 African students and three Sisters came to Canada and stayed with CCI students for 19 days. Locally, $15,000 was raised to help sponsor the trip. A video shown Monday night reprised the visit in many images recounting the foreign students experience at CCI, visiting Toronto and other destinations.
Kawzenuk has also helped to organize corporate and student assistance that has resulted in the substantial transfer of computer equipment and science lab equipment to Henry Gogarty All Girl’s School in Arusha.
Governor-Elect of District 7070 Rotarian Beth Selby made the formal presentation of the prestigious Wilf Wilkinson Peace Award to Kawzenuk and then joined with Wilfred Wilkinson to present the award.
Following that presentation, Rotary Club of Colborne President Cheryl Sams presented Kawzenuk with a Paul Harris Fellow award for his substantial contributions to peace and welfare as well as his many organizational efforts.
East Northumberland School Trustee Cyndi Dickson also spoke and conveyed her appreciation for the school board.
Cyndi Dickson
Kawzenuk’s speech of acceptance was modest. He recalled how he became involved with Steve Truelove 15 years ago when the latter was trying to make a video with his son. Soon enough the two principals approached the school board for support to take a group of students overseas to do volunteer work. Since then there have been 10 trips to Africa and by Kawzenuk’s account over 120 students have made the journey.
He then acknowledged the presence and incredible record of Wilfred Wilkinson citing the culture of peace the latter inspired and community service he has performed. He said he was humbled to be in Wilkinson’s presence.
Thanks were also given to the Rotary Clubs of Cobourg, Colborne and Brighton upon whose doors he has often knocked asking for support for the Journey of Hope. The Keeler event was sponsored by those clubs including the Port Hope Rotary Club.
Finishing up, Kawzenuk said, “What I have learned in education is that when teachers and students take calculated risks often the results are overwhelmingly successful. I have achieved many successes as an educator but nothing can compare to watching students volunteer and give to those less fortunate. Hearing students speak about the injustice in our world is far more powerful than any video or any adult preaching to others.”
Rotary Club of Cobourg President Rick Riley closed the presentation with final remarks.
There is a trip planned in 2020.