A local chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) sisterhood has recently been able to help another woman reach for the stars to realize her dream of becoming a teacher.
Kersten Wuthrich of Powell River is a single mother with a two-year-old son. She is currently enrolled in a teaching program offered by Simon Fraser University. This program is unique because the courses are being offered in Powell River, allowing Wuthrich to complete the program without having to move to Vancouver. On graduation, she will receive a bachelor of education degree and apply for a professional certificate enabling her to teach any grade from kindergarten to grade 12.
The Courtenay chapter of PEO helped her apply for funds from PEO International. She was given a Program for Continuing Education grant of $1,500 and will also receive a loan from the Education Loan Fund.
Wuthrich is seen by the organization to have exceptional ability and determination. After graduating from University of Victoria with a bachelor of arts degree, she worked for three years as the operations manager for an international volunteer organization in Ghana, West Africa. During this experience, she had the opportunity to teach English to children and adults in various communities. This experience reinforced her desire to become a teacher.
PEO is dedicated to supporting the education of women through loans, grants and scholarships. It was founded in 1869 by seven college women in Iowa. To learn more about PEO and its philanthropic projects, readers can visit its website.
