Help Owen raise money

The Learning Buddies Network (LBN) is a grassroots service charity based in British Columbia that provides free one-on-one mentoring for elementary students in need of support with reading and math. Our recipients are teacher-identified elementary school children who struggle with basic academics, who we call "Little Buddies." Many of these children come from families facing social, linguistic, and economic challenges that limit their ability to receive academic support at home.

To address this need, we recruit and train secondary and post-secondary students to serve as mentors and tutors. The close relationships that develop between our young mentors and their Buddies foster enhanced social-emotional growth and self-esteem, allowing children to experience true achievement through their efforts.

This year, we have expanded our reach to seven new Indigenous communities: Anspayaxw Band (Kispiox), Xa’xtsa First Nation (Tipella), Wuikinuxv First Nation (River’s Inlet), and all four communities in Nisga’a: Gitlaxt'aamix, Gingolx, Gitwinksihlkw, and Laxgalts'ap. Our expansion efforts are guided by our core values of: 1) respectful relationships, 2) adding-on instead of building new, 3) flexibility, adaptation, and humility, and 4) co-creation rather than merely carrying out tasks.

In addition to our expansion, we've launched new programming in two schools in the Lower Mainland, developed Indigenous curriculum materials, and created a digital card game celebrating Bella Bella’s ecosystem. With 21 formal partnerships, we are excited to continue supporting the bright futures of children and volunteers in our programs!

As the child of new immigrants to Canada, I remember my parents struggling to teach me English while facing their own challenges. With my mom in nursing school and my dad unemployed, paid tutoring was simply not an option. This personal experience fuels my passion for helping LBN grow as an organization so we can support more families in need.

What makes LBN unique is the availability of our free programs, accessible in both local communities and through online platforms. Your donation will help us meet the ever-growing demand for our services.

Thank you for your support!