KEEPING THE GROUNDSWELL RISING

The Groundswell Education Fund is a registered Canadian charity that provides scholarships for exceptional young people to partake in our international programs.

Started by our network of alumni and other friendly backpackers, the Groundswell Education Fund aims to enable more young leaders around the world to engage in cross-cultural collaborations, get involved in meaningful community service, and develop the skills to apply those lessons back home.

Why is this so important?

Because a journey with Operation Groundswell isn’t just a “trip” to the developing world, it’s an exploration of some of the most beautiful and complex places on this earth. It’s a dive into the hard questions of oppression and privilege, cultural literacy, environmental stewardship, and solidarity. It’s a step towards global citizenship.

Now you can help us keep our groundswell rising! A donation, however big or small, will go directly to support a young person’s education in international issues, development of critical thinking, and engagement in cross-cultural collaborations. Your generous donation is an investment in the young leadership our world needs and is waiting for.

Please donate to support the Groundswell Education Fund today!

FINANCIAL NEEDS BURSARY

As a not-for-profit social enterprise, Operation Groundswell is committed to making all programs as financially accessible as possible. That’s why the Financial Needs Bursary can cover 15-30% of the fee for all six-week programs and is available for anyone experiencing financial strain, including individuals from low-income households, students, and recent graduates. Your donation to the Groundswell Education Fund can help provide for more and greater financial assistance to those that need it most!

kelley's story

west africa

In 2009, Kelly joined the first West Africa medical program. The program was designed to examine the response of development organizations to the real healthcare needs of Ghanaians on the ground. It was then that Kelly witnessed the consequences that result from the lack of open communication between international NGOs and local institutions in developing countries.

Appalled by the deteriorating state of healthcare, Kelly decided to take action. A year later, Ghana Medical Help was founded as an acute solution to alleviate the significant basic medical equipment needs in the most northern regions of Ghana. By 2013, Kelly raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical equipment, effectively changing the lives of over two million Ghanaians.