TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, the Morneau Shepell Secondary School for Girls officially opens its doors to young women in the Kakuma refugee camp. On the way to a fundraising goal of $1 million, Morneau Shepell is covering the cost of construction and staffing for the new school located in the Kakuma refugee camp, which is situated in northwestern Kenya.
The goal of the Morneau Shepell Secondary School for Girls will be to provide young women with a safe and secure place to learn. At opening, 170 young women are enrolled at the school, with the hope of increasing the number of students in the facility. The institution, which includes classrooms and a dormitory, can accommodate up to 250 students.
"After living in the Kakuma refugee camp for 13 years, it is clear to me that education is a priority for those hoping to develop a better quality of life," said Panther Kuol, Pension Analyst, Morneau Shepell. "I am grateful to be part of a company that is passionate about giving back to the international community, especially to an initiative that is close to my heart."
To raise funds for the girls' school, Morneau Shepell hosts a number of events throughout the year, including its annual golf tournament in June and its annual marathon. Proceeds from these fundraising efforts support the Kakuma refugee camp and contribute to the development of the Morneau Shepell Secondary School for Girls in Kenya.
"Girls are at a particular disadvantage in East Africa and the Horn. Where the Kakuma camp is located, only five girls are enrolled for every 10 boys," said Bill Morneau, Executive Chairman, Morneau Shepell. I am proud to say that Morneau Shepell employees across the organization have been pitching in and raising funds in order to provide education for these young women, something we all believe is essential to a positive future."
For those interested in supporting the Morneau Shepell Secondary School for Girls, donations can be made through the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR): http://unhcr.ca/donorzone/default.htm
About Morneau Shepell Inc.
Morneau Shepell is the largest company in Canada offering human resources consulting and outsourcing services. The Company is the leading provider of Employee and Family Assistance Programs, as well as the largest administrator of retirement and benefits plans. Through health and productivity, administrative, and retirement solutions, Morneau Shepell helps clients reduce costs, increase employee productivity, and improve their competitive position. Established in 1966, Morneau Shepell serves more than 8,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations in North America. With approximately 3,300 employees in offices across North America, Morneau Shepell provides services to organizations across Canada, in the United States, and around the globe. Morneau Shepell is a publicly-traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.
SOURCE: Morneau Shepell Inc.
Nathan Gibson
Corporate Communications
Morneau Shepell
416-390-2641
[email protected]
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