Welcome to the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation
Lino Saputo Foundation, where our commitment to creating a more inclusive and resilient society drives every action we take. Founded on the deep-rooted values of kindness, generosity, and community support instilled by Mirella and Lino Saputo, our foundation has grown from humble beginnings into a global force for good. We believe in the power of collective action and the impact of thoughtful philanthropy to address some of the most pressing social issues of our time. Our foundation supports a wide array of initiatives, from aiding the elderly and disabled to championing environmental conservation and empowering underprivileged communities.
Lino Saputo Foundation, where our commitment to creating a more inclusive and resilient society drives every action we take. Founded on the deep-rooted values of kindness, generosity, and community support instilled by Mirella and Lino Saputo, our foundation has grown from humble beginnings into a global force for good. We believe in the power of collective action and the impact of thoughtful philanthropy to address some of the most pressing social issues of our time. Our foundation supports a wide array of initiatives, from aiding the elderly and disabled to championing environmental conservation and empowering underprivileged communities.
Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation - non profit charity platform
Raising south sudan
Need
Between 1983 and 2005, nearly 30,000 boys were orphaned and or displaced when villages in southern Sudan were attacked. On epic walks to refugee camps, they became known as the Lost Boys of Sudan. Approximately 4,000 of them were invited to come to the US and become citizens in 2001. Three of these young men—James 'Lubo' Mijak of Charlotte, NC; Ngor Kur Mayol of Atlanta, GA; and James Manyror, near Denver, CO—are inspiring ambassadors for the value of education for their home villages in Ruweng State, South Sudan (formerly Unity State). Today, 800 children attend school and receive daily meals at the Nyarweng and Gumriak community primary schools (K-8), the only functioning schools in a geographic area where 90 percent of adults can't read.
DREAM
Donations from hundreds of individuals, schools, churches, foundations and civic groups made real the dream of the Nyarweng and Gumriak schools. Keeping classes open and achieving learning standards in South Sudan requires teachers, ongoing training, books and materials, uniforms, meals and gardens, health checkups, and scholarships for students who qualify for high school. The operating budget is $250,000 per year. Funds for classroom upkeep and additions to accommodate more students is always a need.
RESULTS
Participating Schools receive consulting, coaching, support beginning in September, culminating in April, interdisciplinary printed Resource Guide covering seven global issues: Poverty, Water, Hunger, Environment, Peace/Conflict, Education/Literacy, Social Attitudes/Tolerance, core PD: 'Globally Essential Standards: Connecting Seven Global Issues to Common Core and NC Essential Standards', optional two additional workshops from four topics: 1) Differentiated Global Education (ESL, EC, etc.); 2) Global Deep Dive Strategies; 3) Global Education as a Service Learning Platform; 4) Country Case Studies: Teaching 'Other' in Appreciative Ways, and incorporation of Any1Can arts-based learning events/fundraiser for change project.
Long-Term Impact
Raising South Sudan aims to address the enormous gaps in education in South Sudan, the world's newest and most fragile country. With the support of the South Sudan Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) and other partners, the project envisions making a positive and lasting impact on students, schools, and communities in South Sudan.
LEADERSHIP
Former Lost Boy James 'Lubo' Mijak serves as South Sudan country director in partnership with Education Program Manager Gerald Kabuye. The Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation Chief Catalyst Patricia Shafer is directly involved in project management and monitoring. The US advisory board is co-led by Phillips Bragg – VP, Retirement, Estate and Charitable Planning, Bragg Financial Advisors, and Karen Puckett, media specialist, Isenberg Elementary Media Center. Other advisory board members include Charles Harper, Commercial Product Manager, US Bank, and Peter Firmin, past CFO of the South Sudanese American Orphan Rehabilitation Organization (SSAORO).
Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation - non profit charity platform