Who we are
Who We are
CEED Concordia is a non-profit organization operating in Montreal, Canada and Gulu, Uganda. We are an organization dedicated to social justice, community empowerment, and positive change by supporting youth in our communities. CEED offers Concordia and Ugandan students an opportunity to contribute to sustainable community projects in northern Uganda for 3-month internships during the summer semester. We are working to shape better communities and future leaders for a better tomorrow.
Our program is supported by a fee-levy of Concordia University’s undergraduate students, a tangible expression of Concordia’s commitment to civic responsibility and experiential learning. We strive to create opportunities for students from Montreal and Uganda to gain firsthand experience in the international community development sector. Every year, approximately 25-30 youth from both communities become involved with our program through internships, academic initiatives, and various positions within our organization.
Our projects in Gulu, Uganda address a broad range of needs and issues faced by youth in the region. As a post-conflict and high-poverty region, the needs of the community in Gulu are serious and varied. With almost 80% of the population under the age of 30, Uganda is the youngest country in the world. As such, any issues that affect youth automatically affect the majority of Uganda's population. CEED has therefore dedicated itself to focus on the particular challenges faced by youth in the region, building their capacity to transform themselves and their country.
Our History
Mission
Vision
Values
Our approach
CEED believes in community leadership and adapting to the needs of the community, rather than applying blanket solutions. As such, the way we approach our youth development programs in Gulu will differ from our approach at Concordia. In Gulu, we develop in-house projects that currently fall under the following categories; entrepreneurship, communications, video documentaries, environmental sustainability, and community events.
Our internships emphasize social, community, and personal development through experiential learning and cultural and skills exchange. At Concordia, our organization benefits the student body through meaningful skills-based internships, public events, academic courses, research opportunities, and employment opportunities.
Our Philosophy Statements
We are youth working with youth for youth;
We believe in community-led development;
We develop programs and strategic partnerships to support youth in our communities;
We offer learning opportunities for youth in community development, project planning, cross-cultural engagement, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability.
Awards and Recognition
FORCES AVENIR: Avenir, Entraide, Paix et Justice
April 8, 2008
Forces AVENIR aims to recognize, honour, and promote the commitment of young people in projects that enrich knowledge and arouse the desire for success and for surpassing oneself. They encourage the development of community thinking and the development of socially conscious, active, and responsible citizens who are both dedicated to their community and open to the world. You can learn more about them here. http://www.forcesavenir.qc.ca/about/
Read moreConcordia Council on Student Life Award
January 7, 2009
The CCSL award is given to Concordia students, staff, and faculty who have made an exceptional contribution to student life or services at the university. You can find more information about this award here. http://deanofstudents.concordia.ca/funding-and-awards/ccsl-awards/
Read moreYMCA Peace Medal
July 10, 2010
The YMCA Peace Medal exemplifies ordinary people who demonstrate a vision, creativity, and commitment in making our communities, country, or world more peaceful and just. These individuals and groups are peacemakers who inspire others and serve as models for their community. You can learn more about this award here. http://www.ymcaquebec.org/data/PDF/YQC_Peace_Medal_recipients2010.pdf
Read moreJ.W. McConnell Family Foundation Community Service Learning Award
January 13, 2013
The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation CSL Award recognizes successful community initiatives supported by service-learning partnerships. They highlight innovative approaches that transform relationships, structures, policies, and/or mainstream practices. In 2013, the awards were presented at the Community-University Expo 2013 in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. You can learn more about the award here. http://www.mcconnellfoundation.ca/en/programs/community-service-learning/csl-awards
Read moreYoung Alumni of the Year
May 28, 2015
CEED’s co-founder, Awel Uwihanganye, was awarded Concordia University’s Young Alumni of the Year award in 2015. This honour is given to a Concordia graduate from within the past 10 years who has demonstrated professional excellence and community leadership. You can learn more about the award here. http://www.concordia.ca/alumni-friends/applause/awards/young-alumnus-alumna-of-the-year.html
Read moreCEED Founder Elected to Parliament
October 19, 2015
Peter Schiefke, CEED co-founder and former Executive Director, won a seat in Parliament at his riding of Vaudreuil-Soulanges for the Liberal Party during the Canadian federal elections on October 29th, 2015. It was his first time running for public office. Peter has since been named Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister for youth. The entire CEED family is extremely proud of Peter’s accomplishments. http://www.parl.gc.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/Peter-Schiefke%2888649%29
Read moreFee Levy
CEED Concordia is a fee-levy organization supported by the Concordia University undergraduate student body. Undergraduate students contribute $0.35 / per credit to CEED. This support from the thousands of undergraduate students at Concordia allows us to minimize costs to participate in our student internship projects in Uganda and also to finance our sustainable community empowerment, education and development projects.
As a fee-levy organization CEED is active in the fee-levy community at Concordia, coordinating with other fee-levy organizations and working to ensure that as a community we are accessible, accountable and inclusive of all students at Concordia University. To learn more about fee-levy groups at Concordia please visit http://concordiacommunity.org/
As an organization CEED appreciates the support of Concordia's undergraduate students, the support of the CSU and all student members associations and the Administration and Faculty of Concordia University.
CEED is a not for profit organization committed to transparency and financial accountability (NEQ 1163519540). To see excerpts from our 2016 financial audit please click here . For previous financial years please email director@ceedconcordia.org to request past audits.
Keep up to speed with our activities and financial reporting here.
