"Creating better education creates better jobs and a better job is the only way out of poverty."
- Jimi Cook Co-Founder Be The Change Volunteers
- Jimi Cook Co-Founder Be The Change Volunteers
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Learn More About BTCV: Be The Change Volunteers (BTCV) is a development aid non-profit organization dedicated to creating better education opportunities worldwide. We believe that creating better education, creates better jobs and a better job is the only way out of poverty. Our mission is accomplished by partnering with local communities to address infrastructure, equipping, and training needs. We operate primarily in remote underdeveloped communities that have a demonstrated need for educational facilities and resources. Our organization is unique because we do not simply send funding to these communities. We provide on-site, in-depth needs assessment to help identify long term solutions to be completed in phases over time. Teams of generous self-funded volunteers that we call Changers, travel to partner communities to participate in our education-focused service projects and unique and profound cultural exchange opportunities. More about BTCV...
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Testimonials from real volunteer Changers
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Testimonials: Take it from our volunteers and supporters becoming a Changer is an amazing experience and a worthwhile investment. Read some real Changer testimonials here...
Listen to Changer Chats
Welcome to Changer Chats these are real stories from real volunteers who we call Changers. These 30-minute conversations are designed to share about the amazing work Be The Change Volunteers is doing all over the world and to bring a spotlight to some of our most impactful stories. We hope you enjoy listening! Be The Change!
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The Book about the first 10 years of BTCV
Be A Changer Sender
Sometimes the road less traveled is one you help send somone else on...
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Many of our generous Changer Senders have participated in BTCV trips. Their hands-on experience in Hand Delivering Hope has inspired them to be a "Sender" and generously offer the opportunity for others to go and Be The Change. If you are considering becoming a Changer Sender, contact us to learn more about what is involved.
$2,500 Scholarships cover Full ground expenses and required participation fees for a Volunteer Changer
$5,000 Scholarships cover Flights + Full ground expenses and required participation fees for a Volunteer Changer
$5,000 Scholarships cover Flights + Full ground expenses and required participation fees for a Volunteer Changer
- Honoring Our Son Phomotso -
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In May of 2016 Phomotso Makeke Cook, the adopted son of BTCV Co-founders Jimi and Cristi Cook, tragically passed away from a heart attack in his sleep at the age of 23.
Phomotso was an early inspiration for our "BTCV Kids" fund, a scholarship program that allows students to live out their dreams through the gift of education. He attended school at Fairview (BTCV 004) in Mt. Fletcher, South Africa where he met Jimi & Cristi, telling them of his dream to be a photojournalist on the very first day he helped work on that BTCV project. His contagious smile, passion for education, and relentless pursuit of his dream instantly won the hearts of the whole BTCV team, and a little over a year later he was able to come to live with Jimi and Cristi and complete his junior year of high school at Columbia Independent School (CIS) in Columbia, MO. When he returned to South Africa, he finished his senior year of high school and passed the National exams with flying colors, making him eligible for university enrollment. He applied, interviewed, presented his portfolio, and was accepted by the prestigious Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria, South Africa to study photojournalism – the chance to pursue his dream. To read more of Phomotso's story and see his portfolio Click Here. |
