Welcome to SFU.ca.
You have reached this page because we have detected you have a browser that is not supported by our web site and its stylesheets. We are happy to bring you here a text version of the SFU site. It offers you all the site's links and info, but without the graphics.
You may be able to update your browser and take advantage of the full graphical website. This could be done FREE at one of the following links, depending on your computer and operating system.
Or you may simply continue with the text version.

*Windows:*
FireFox (Recommended) http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
Netscape http://browser.netscape.com
Opera http://www.opera.com/

*Macintosh OSX:*
FireFox (Recommended) http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
Netscape http://browser.netscape.com
Opera http://www.opera.com/

*Macintosh OS 8.5-9.22:*
The only currently supported browser that we know of is iCAB. This is a free browser to download and try, but there is a cost to purchase it.
http://www.icab.de/index.html
Photo collage

Diaspora Stories

Since 2010, SFU's Engaging Diaspora in Development: Tapping our Trans-Local Potential for Change project has brought together diapora leaders in dialogue, workshops, and community-based resaerch to highlight the innovative development work of the diaspora internationally and in Canada.

The book Diaspora Voices documents these contributions.

Are you a member of a diaspora community here in Metro Vancouver that is involved in economic, health, education or peace building development in the Global South?

If yes, please send us your story by filling out this form or send us a note at:
diasporas-info@sfu.ca and we will get back to you.

Fellowship offer for individuals engaged in social change work in the NGO/non-profit sector with a focus on Diaspora volunteering

Cuso International just announced a call for applicaitons for the 2013 Bob Ward Memorial Fellowship. The Fellowship ($25,000 for up to one year) will be awarded to support outstanding research on the role and impact of volunteers in international development. For 2013 the focus of the Fellowship is on Diaspora volunteering. Click here to find out more information and whether you are eligible to apply. The first deadline is February 15, 2013.

Shafique P. Pirani, M.D. in the news

In a recent article in University Affairs, Dr. Pirani, a local Diaspora leader and recent recipient of the Humanitarian Award from the American Academy of Orthapaedic Surgeons, was praised for his work raising public awareness and training professionals on the care of clubfoot. Dr. Pirani is the founder of Uganda Sustainable Clubfoot Care Project (USCCP), a project dedicated to reducing disability and poverty resulting from clubfoot in Uganda.

Muhammad Iqbal, Ph.D. is selected to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

On December 16, a friend, colleague and local Diaspora leader, Muhammad Iqbal, Ph.D., founder and president of The Maria-Helena Foundation, will receive the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his continued promotion of literacy and girls' education in Pakistan. Learn about his inspirational 'Grind' climb for Pakistan here.

 

Keeping Youth Off the Streets
Youth Initiative Canada is working in partnership with Dagoretti Community to build lasting change where youth in Dagoretti and other communities in Kenya can have access to sporting opportunities & quality education without having to worry about the financial limitations.

  
 

PHOTO STORY CONTEST WINNERS - September 2011

Thank you for your responses to our call for photos that tell powerful stories of diaspora-driven development work. Congratulations to the winners!

 

FIRST PLACE - Sabrina Meherally
The House of Learning creates opportunity and builds promising futures for orphans and vulnerable children in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania (photo: Shay Bell).

  

 

SECOND PLACE - Jonathan Smith
Human right abuses allow a cycle of TB/HIV to devastate an entire region. "They Go to Die" demonstrates family, love, and relationship to advocate change.

  

STORIES

  Hungry for Education
After returning to my roots in Kenya I felt inspired and determined to find avenues that would offer Simon, and other children in his situation, a chance to go back to school and get an education.
Full story

  

  To Raise a Child You Need a Whole World
My story started after the fall of the Taliban when my husband decided to go back to our homeland for the rebuilding of Afghanistan.
Full story

  

  International development; a shared responsibility
Born in a rural farm family in Sri Lanka, Sumana Wijeratna became an urban planner after obtaining her first degree in geography and two post graduate diplomas in rural area planning and urban development planning.
Full story

  

  What Have My Cocoa Beans Got to Do with Canada?
 I was barely five when my auntie "borrowed" me to live with her in the village of Teawiah in a remote part of the Eastern Region of Ghana. As a child growing up in the village, I planted a great deal of cocoa beans and seedlings.
Full story

 

 

Chantal Kasongo I have created an orphanage project called Shiloh Place (Silo en Frencais) in my native home of Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project has been in my heart for many years and will be home to orphaned children cared for by widowed women.
Full story