With the amazing volunteers and partners that help us each day, we’ve got stories to tell!
We publish new Ottawa education-related stories regularly. Follow along to learn about the great things happening in your community.
School Breakfast Program Volunteer Marianne Beckstead
To close out National Volunteer Week, we are putting the spotlight on Marianne Beckstead. Marianne was born in Windsor, Ontario—the very same year D. Roy Kennedy School opened its doors. She attended the University of…
Volunteers in Education Volunteer: Rod Klassen
Continuing with our National Volunteer Week volunteer spotlights, today we’re highlighting a truly exceptional volunteer, Rod Klassen. Rod was born in the post-war era, and according to him, he was “raised in unearned prosperity, educated…
JA Ottawa Volunteer Subhir Uppal
Today’s National Volunteer Week spotlight is on Subhir Uppal. Subhir was born and raised in Ottawa (lives in Westboro). He has an Executive MBA and B.Comm Honours from the University of Ottawa. He has two…
Volunteer In Education, Volunteer: Pat Rodrigues
It’s National Volunteer Week and today we are putting the spotlight on Volunteer In Education volunteer, Pat Rodrigues. Pat was born in Liverpool and educated in England. Pat’s first degree was in zoology. She went…
JA Ottawa Volunteer Spotlight: Natasha Myles
In honour of National Volunteer Week, we are shining a spotlight on JA Ottawa volunteer, Natasha Myles. Originally from Ottawa, Natasha grew up in the area between Hintonburg and Westboro. After graduating from Nepean High…
Classroom Gardens Volunteer Spotlight: Heather Parsons
As part of National Volunteer Week, we are shining the spotlight on Classroom Gardens Program volunteer, Heather Parsons. Classroom Gardens brings indoor gardening into classrooms across all four Ottawa school boards. Throughout the school year,…
Volunteers In Education Spotlight: Mohammad Nasrat
In honour of National Volunteer Week, we are highlighting some of our outstanding volunteers, who make us proud with their dedication to supporting Ottawa’s K-12 students. Today’s feature is on Mohammad Nasrat, a volunteer at…
Growing Knowledge: Plantaform Smart Indoor Gardening Units and ONFE’s Classroom Gardens
Imagine a classroom where science, sustainability, and the joy of growing food come together in a single, hands-on experience. At the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE), we believe in sowing the seeds of lifelong learning…
Board of Directors Spotlight: Margo Crawford, Chair
At the heart of the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) is a team of dedicated volunteer board members who are passionate about making a difference in our community, including our former Board of Directors Chair,…
JA Ottawa: JA Company Sparking Innovation and Creativity
JA Ottawa’s JA Company Program was a huge success this past 2023-2024 school year. Over 300 students from 19 schools came together to create 20 companies from the ground up with the support of teachers,…
2024 Classroom Gardens Photo Contest
This spring, we once again asked our schools to submit their best Classroom Garden photos for a chance to win one of three $100 shopping sprees for gardening materials. We received over 125 fantastic submissions…
Volunteers in Education Spotlight: Kat Fouzie
In honour of National Volunteer Week, meet Kat Fouzie, an inspiring force behind the Volunteers in Education (VIE) After School Virtual Tutoring program in Ottawa. Kat not only enriches the academic lives of her students…
JA Ottawa Volunteer: Amy Huynh
Originally hailing from the vibrant streets of Saigon, Vietnam, Amy Huynh’s journey to JA Ottawa is a story of passion, growth, and a deep-seated desire to give back. With a background rich in diversity, from…
JA Ottawa Volunteer Spotlight: Justin Minnes
In the vibrant tapestry of Ottawa’s community, few stories are as compelling and multifaceted as that of a local entrepreneur and volunteer whose journey spans the realms of small business ownership, finance, and now, the…
Volunteers In Education Spotlight: Pinki Shah
As we continue to celebrate National Volunteers Week, it’s a privilege to highlight the inspiring work of Pinki Shah, whose dedication to giving back has profoundly impacted the Ottawa community. Pinki has immersed herself in…
