The fundamental aim of the Education Foundation is to provide Third World countries with a pool of educated potential leaders. The Education Foundation’s main activity will be centered on promoting and supporting graduate and post-graduate education undertaken by deserving individuals deriving from less developed countries (LDC) and undertaken in Approved Democratic Countries. See the end of this document for a definition of all capitalized words used in this Charter.
During their studies undertaken under the auspices of the Education Foundation, Approved Individuals will be exposed daily to the various democratic societies, institutions and activities where they are studying. In addition, they will be establishing contacts with their fellow students, which may become useful in the future, both for themselves and for their countries of origin.
As a result of this exposure, contacts, opportunities and experiences, Education Foundation Graduates will be expected to work towards the establishment and promotion in their own countries of political and economic systems, aimed at enabling ordinary people to maximize control over their own individual lives, both politically and economically. Politically, through the development of democratic political institutions, and economically, through being allowed to pursue their own economic lives, unencumbered by political or bureaucratic interference.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
1. Two complementary educational programs
The program encompasses two distinct and related educational programs:
The Graduate program
The primary function of the Education Foundation will be to establish a scholarship program available to Approved Individuals deriving from those segments of society within Approved Countries, which are lacking sufficient financial resources and educational oppoprtunities.
All Approved Individuals will be chosen exclusively on the basis of their abilities, not least their ability to complete the educational program they have chosen. These abilities would normally be understood to mean academic/intellectual abilities.
The financial position, family and other contacts available to individuals coming from the upper levels of society in the Approved Countries provides them with the bulk of the opportunities available, both academic and economic, in their own countries and beyond. These individuals would not be eligible for scholarships or other assistance from the Education Foundation.
Scholarships are to be used by the Approved Individuals to study at an Approved Education Institution at an undergraduate level, as a minimum, based in an Approved Democratic Country.
On completing their studies, Education Foundation Graduates will normally be expected to establish themselves, in due course, in positions of growing importance in business, politics, public administration, the press and the professions (lawyers, doctors, teachers, etc.) within their own countries. From these positions, these Graduates will be able to strongly influence the economic, political and social developments in their countries towards democratic political institutions, freedom from government interference and the extension of equality of opportunity for all. This influence would, in due course, be expected to be decisive in the development of a democratic, political and equitable society in their respective countries.
This will ensure that the existing concentration of wealth and power in their countries and the existing policies entrenching these will be replaced by a system based upon meritocratic, egalitarian principles.
In addition, the example that they bring will incentivize others to seek their opportunities where this hope was not previously present.
The only effective way to achieve the decisive influence sought in the various third world countries for an opening up from the currently entrenched systems, is to have an increasing number of well educated individuals coming from the non-traditional, non-upper class levels of society progressively moving into positions of influence.
Education Foundation Graduates will have lived and experienced values of democracy, freedom and education during a formative part of their lives, being their university/college days. This experience would be expected to prove of decisive influence.
Today, new members of the ruling classes are individuals who have been given an opportunity usually as a result of having some connection with existing members of the ruling classes. These various connections have a tendency to reinforce the perpetuation of the system with their entrenched opportunities.
The Education Foundation’s Graduates, returning to their home countries, will widen the pool of potential members of the ruling class. By the nature of the Education Foundation’s Graduate program, returning Graduates will be the result of a meritocratic system, based on their having established their quality, firstly, through having been chosen to receive an Education Foundation scholarship and, secondly, by having completed their studies in an Approved Democratic Country along with other highly educated students.
Because of the importance attributed to the influence which returning Graduates would be expected to have in their countries, the Graduate program is considered the primary function of the Education Foundation.
The local education program
The Education Foundation's second program, which will be on the agenda of the Education Foundation moving forward, is the establishment of schools in Approved Countries for the provision of primary and secondary education to Approved Students. These local programs can be developed independently or in conjunction with other, non-governmental organizations, or by the approval of non-governmental educational programs already existing in Approved Countries (the "Approved Affiliates").
This will be achieved through the establishment of a string of primary and secondary schools in Approved Countries, where these do not already exist or are limited in their availability. The Education Foundation's local education program is not aimed at replacing or preventing the establishment of a schools system by local governments.
The Education Foundation does not believe that the relatively small level of funding available to promote local schools through its local education program will be sufficient to change the way the recipient countries develop their political, social and educational systems. Nevertheless, the Education Foundation’s local education programs can serve as an example to the local authorities of an educational program that works, as well as widening the pool of potential candidates for the Education Foundation’s Graduate program.
The Graduate program
The primary function of the Education Foundation will be to establish a scholarship program available to Approved Individuals deriving from those segments of society within Approved Countries, which are lacking sufficient financial resources and educational oppoprtunities.
All Approved Individuals will be chosen exclusively on the basis of their abilities, not least their ability to complete the educational program they have chosen. These abilities would normally be understood to mean academic/intellectual abilities.
The financial position, family and other contacts available to individuals coming from the upper levels of society in the Approved Countries provides them with the bulk of the opportunities available, both academic and economic, in their own countries and beyond. These individuals would not be eligible for scholarships or other assistance from the Education Foundation.
Scholarships are to be used by the Approved Individuals to study at an Approved Education Institution at an undergraduate level, as a minimum, based in an Approved Democratic Country.
On completing their studies, Education Foundation Graduates will normally be expected to establish themselves, in due course, in positions of growing importance in business, politics, public administration, the press and the professions (lawyers, doctors, teachers, etc.) within their own countries. From these positions, these Graduates will be able to strongly influence the economic, political and social developments in their countries towards democratic political institutions, freedom from government interference and the extension of equality of opportunity for all. This influence would, in due course, be expected to be decisive in the development of a democratic, political and equitable society in their respective countries.
This will ensure that the existing concentration of wealth and power in their countries and the existing policies entrenching these will be replaced by a system based upon meritocratic, egalitarian principles.
In addition, the example that they bring will incentivize others to seek their opportunities where this hope was not previously present.
The only effective way to achieve the decisive influence sought in the various third world countries for an opening up from the currently entrenched systems, is to have an increasing number of well educated individuals coming from the non-traditional, non-upper class levels of society progressively moving into positions of influence.
Education Foundation Graduates will have lived and experienced values of democracy, freedom and education during a formative part of their lives, being their university/college days. This experience would be expected to prove of decisive influence.
Today, new members of the ruling classes are individuals who have been given an opportunity usually as a result of having some connection with existing members of the ruling classes. These various connections have a tendency to reinforce the perpetuation of the system with their entrenched opportunities.
The Education Foundation’s Graduates, returning to their home countries, will widen the pool of potential members of the ruling class. By the nature of the Education Foundation’s Graduate program, returning Graduates will be the result of a meritocratic system, based on their having established their quality, firstly, through having been chosen to receive an Education Foundation scholarship and, secondly, by having completed their studies in an Approved Democratic Country along with other highly educated students.
Because of the importance attributed to the influence which returning Graduates would be expected to have in their countries, the Graduate program is considered the primary function of the Education Foundation.
The local education program
The Education Foundation's second program, which will be on the agenda of the Education Foundation moving forward, is the establishment of schools in Approved Countries for the provision of primary and secondary education to Approved Students. These local programs can be developed independently or in conjunction with other, non-governmental organizations, or by the approval of non-governmental educational programs already existing in Approved Countries (the "Approved Affiliates").
This will be achieved through the establishment of a string of primary and secondary schools in Approved Countries, where these do not already exist or are limited in their availability. The Education Foundation's local education program is not aimed at replacing or preventing the establishment of a schools system by local governments.
The Education Foundation does not believe that the relatively small level of funding available to promote local schools through its local education program will be sufficient to change the way the recipient countries develop their political, social and educational systems. Nevertheless, the Education Foundation’s local education programs can serve as an example to the local authorities of an educational program that works, as well as widening the pool of potential candidates for the Education Foundation’s Graduate program.
2. Administration
(a) The Board of Governors
The administration of the Education Foundation will be ultimately directed by the Board of Governors (the “Board”). The main function of the Board is to interpret the Charter of the Education Foundation and to ensure that the Charter is implemented.
Board composition and functioning:
The appointment of the membership of the Board of Governors.
The Chairman of the Board will be selected by a majority vote of the Board from among the existing membership of the Board.
The Chairman will not have a vote except to break a tied vote of the Board.
Each prospective member of the Board of Governors will be proposed by the Chairman, or by no less than two existing members of the Board.
Proposed Board Members and proposed reelections will be approved by a vote of no less than 60% of the votes of the existing Members of the Board.
Proposed reelections of existing Board Members will be approved by a vote of no less than 60% of the votes of the existing Members of the Board. This decision would be made in a meeting not including the Governor subject to potential reelection.
The Board of Governors will meet a minimum of twice per calendar year.
Extraordinary meetings of the Board of Governors may be convened, should a majority of the Board deem it necessary in writing.
Board decisions will be achieved by majority of votes of Members present at such vote, except for approval of new Board members (see earlier).
Each Board Member, except for the Chairman, will have one vote in all Board decisions.
Board Member votes are non-transferable.
Governors of the Board will have a three year term.
Resignations from the Board will be made in writing to the Chairman or to two existing Members of the Board. Resignations will be effective immediately upon recept of the resignation and will be irrevocable once effective.
Previous Members may be reelected to the Board on any future date, subject the following the election proceedures set out in this Charter.
All Governors would be expected to provide their services voluntarily and for no compensation, except for coverage of their reasonable expenses.
The responsibilities of the Board will include the following:
To ensure that the Graduate program is organized, within the terms of the Charter of the Education Foundation and the economic constraints of the Education Foundation.
To appoint the senior members of the Executive Committee of the Education Foundation.
To approve the list of Approved Courses.
To approve the list of Approved Education Institutions.
To approve the list of Approved Countries.
To approve the list of Approved Democratic Countries.
To approve the list of Approved Affiliates.
To approve the list of Approved Partners.
To approve the procedures to be followed for selection of Approved Individual.
To approve changes to the operating procedures of the Education Foundation.
To approve the potential donors of funds, in the context of maintaining the integrity of the objectives of the Education Foundation.
To take advantage of their contacts to facilitate and assist in the achievement of the Education Foundation's objectives.
In deciding on whether to approve a student from a country which may have a fellow national on the Board, this Governor will take no part in the decision-making process and will not be present when the decision is taken. No student will be denied a scholarship for the sole reason that a fellow national is then currently a Governor.
(b) The Advisory Board
In time, the Board of Governors will establish an Advisory Board with the aim of furthering the full range of the Education Foundation's objectives, including:
Opening up relationships which will secure the participation of Approved Educational institutions in the Education Foundation's activities.
Opening up relationships with financial institutions in Approved Democratic Countries and Approved Countries for the securing of additional scholarships for Approved students
Opening up relationships with financial institutions in Approved Democratic Countries and Approved Countries for the securing of student loans to assist Education Foundation students,
Securing funds for the Education Foundation itself, to enable it to widen its activities.
Opening up relationships in Approved Countries to enable the Education Foundation to develop its activities.
Assist Education Foundation graduates in their activites after graduation, both educational and career.
(c) The Executive Committee
The Executive Committee will be responsible for the day to day running of the Education Foundation and for implementing the policies of the Education Foundation, under the supervision of the Board, pursuant to this Charter.
The Executive Committee will be led by the Chief Executive and will also comprise the Education Director, the Chief Financial Officer, the Investment Director and the Fundraising Director.
(d) Senior Personnel of the Foundation
(i) Chairman of the Board of Governors. The non-executive Chairman of the Board, will have the chief responsibility for overseeing the implementation of this Charter.
(ii) Chief Executive. Will be responsible for the day to day management of the Education Foundation and for implementing the policies of the Education Foundation, under the supervision of the Board, pursuant to this Charter, including responsibility for the senior personnel of the Education Foundation, under the mandate of the Board.
(iii) Education Director. Is responsible for establishing and overseeing all the educational aspects of the Education Foundation and will report to the Chief Executive Officer.
(iv) Chief Financial Officer. Will be responsible for the financial and Administration aspects of the Education Foundation and will report to the Chief Executive Officer.
(v) Investment Director. Will be responsible for the investment of the Education Foundation's funds, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.
(vi) Fundraising Director. Will be responsible for all fundraising activities, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.
The administration of the Education Foundation will be ultimately directed by the Board of Governors (the “Board”). The main function of the Board is to interpret the Charter of the Education Foundation and to ensure that the Charter is implemented.
Board composition and functioning:
The Board of Governors will meet a minimum of twice per calendar year.
The responsibilities of the Board will include the following:
In deciding on whether to approve a student from a country which may have a fellow national on the Board, this Governor will take no part in the decision-making process and will not be present when the decision is taken. No student will be denied a scholarship for the sole reason that a fellow national is then currently a Governor.
(b) The Advisory Board
In time, the Board of Governors will establish an Advisory Board with the aim of furthering the full range of the Education Foundation's objectives, including:
(c) The Executive Committee
The Executive Committee will be responsible for the day to day running of the Education Foundation and for implementing the policies of the Education Foundation, under the supervision of the Board, pursuant to this Charter.
The Executive Committee will be led by the Chief Executive and will also comprise the Education Director, the Chief Financial Officer, the Investment Director and the Fundraising Director.
(d) Senior Personnel of the Foundation
(i) Chairman of the Board of Governors. The non-executive Chairman of the Board, will have the chief responsibility for overseeing the implementation of this Charter.
(ii) Chief Executive. Will be responsible for the day to day management of the Education Foundation and for implementing the policies of the Education Foundation, under the supervision of the Board, pursuant to this Charter, including responsibility for the senior personnel of the Education Foundation, under the mandate of the Board.
(iii) Education Director. Is responsible for establishing and overseeing all the educational aspects of the Education Foundation and will report to the Chief Executive Officer.
(iv) Chief Financial Officer. Will be responsible for the financial and Administration aspects of the Education Foundation and will report to the Chief Executive Officer.
(v) Investment Director. Will be responsible for the investment of the Education Foundation's funds, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.
(vi) Fundraising Director. Will be responsible for all fundraising activities, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.
3. Education
(i) The Education Director
The Education Director oversees all of the educational aspects of the Education Foundation
The Education Director is required to make policy recommendations to the Executive and the Board, including the academic requirements, the student selection criteria and the implementation and monitoring of the education policies as set down by the Board.
The Education Director must be mindful that its educational commitments can be funded, before these commitments are taken on. In this matter, he/she must liaise closely with the Chief Financial Officer.
Reporting to the Education Director will be the Graduate Administrator and the Education Inspectors.
(ii) The Graduate Administrator
The Graduate Administrator will:
establish the relationships with approved Universities and schools of advanced education worldwide, with special emphasis on the Approved Democratic Countries.
establish the relationships with the Approved Graduate Programs.
establish the required procedures for entry to Approved Courses and monitor student performance.
establish the required procedures to monitor continuing student performance.
establish the relationships required to enhance local student assistance.
establish the relationships required to have available local accommodation.
arrange for the availability of alternative scholarship and loan facilities, and of continuing student assistance.
(iii) The local education inspectors
Education Inspectors will implement and monitor the policies of the Education Foundation in Approved Countries, including:
developing and managing contacts with local, state and national governments.
the first filter for students wishing to participate in the Education Foundation Graduate programs (candidates rejected by the Education Inspector are able to appeal to the Graduate Administrator for their case to be considered.
developing and managing contacts with local communities and local education authorities.
establish a teacher-training program, which will enable the Education Foundation's teachers, under the local education program, to apply its educational standards consistently.
monitor the various Education Foundation school Headmasters.
The Education Director oversees all of the educational aspects of the Education Foundation
The Education Director is required to make policy recommendations to the Executive and the Board, including the academic requirements, the student selection criteria and the implementation and monitoring of the education policies as set down by the Board.
The Education Director must be mindful that its educational commitments can be funded, before these commitments are taken on. In this matter, he/she must liaise closely with the Chief Financial Officer.
Reporting to the Education Director will be the Graduate Administrator and the Education Inspectors.
(ii) The Graduate Administrator
The Graduate Administrator will:
arrange for the availability of alternative scholarship and loan facilities, and of continuing student assistance.
(iii) The local education inspectors
Education Inspectors will implement and monitor the policies of the Education Foundation in Approved Countries, including:
the first filter for students wishing to participate in the Education Foundation Graduate programs (candidates rejected by the Education Inspector are able to appeal to the Graduate Administrator for their case to be considered.
4. Finance
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will manage all the financial and Administration aspects of the operations of the Education Foundation. Ensuring that the current and projected future financial obligations of the Education Foundation can be met, taking special care that the educational commitments that are continuing can be adequately funded.
The CFO will have reporting responsibility for the Investment Committee and Fundraising Committee. The CFO can also be a member of these Committees.
(i) The Investment Committee
The Investment Committee, which will be chaired by the Investment Director, will be responsible for the investment of the Education Foundation's funds, both directly and by appointing external fund managers. This Committee's function is to maximize the net returns of the funds available to the Education Foundation, within the most important criterion of capital protection.
(ii) The Fundraising Committee
The Fundraising Committee, which will be chaired by the Fundraising Director, will be responsible for establishing a continuing program of fundraising that will enable the Education Foundation to finance the extension of its activities under its Charter.
Cofunding arrangements, such as from companies, for example, wishing to support students from specific Approved Countries, will also be arranged by the Fundraising Director. Any such Approved Partner wishing to participate in any way with the Education Foundation in any of its activities, will need approval of the Board.
The CFO will have reporting responsibility for the Investment Committee and Fundraising Committee. The CFO can also be a member of these Committees.
(i) The Investment Committee
The Investment Committee, which will be chaired by the Investment Director, will be responsible for the investment of the Education Foundation's funds, both directly and by appointing external fund managers. This Committee's function is to maximize the net returns of the funds available to the Education Foundation, within the most important criterion of capital protection.
(ii) The Fundraising Committee
The Fundraising Committee, which will be chaired by the Fundraising Director, will be responsible for establishing a continuing program of fundraising that will enable the Education Foundation to finance the extension of its activities under its Charter.
Cofunding arrangements, such as from companies, for example, wishing to support students from specific Approved Countries, will also be arranged by the Fundraising Director. Any such Approved Partner wishing to participate in any way with the Education Foundation in any of its activities, will need approval of the Board.
5. Repayment Charter
Students from all the educational programs, individuals assisted by the Advisory Committee as well as any individual assisted by the organization in any way will be required to sign the Repayment Charter.
The goal of the Repayment Charter is for the Education Foundation's beneficiaries to consider that they have an obligation to repay, financial and otherwise, to the Foundation in whichever way they can.
(a) Returning Graduates
Returning graduates would be expected to join Graduate Clubs that will be established.
Members of a Graduate Club will be encouraged to work to extend the goals of the Education Foundation. Participation in their local Education Foundation programs, if any, in whatever role is most appropriate, including:
as a local education teacher; as a visiting teacher; as a general help; as a fundraiser in their own country and elsewhere; as a help in contacts with governments and with government departments; as a model for actual and potential students to highlight the Education Foundation's goals and objectives; as a model for governments and government departments, to show what the Education Foundation's goals and objectives; as an advisor to the Advisory Committee;
The ongoing role of Education Foundation Graduates is fundamental in the promotion of the philosophy of the Education Foundation, which means the promotion of the importance and benefits of an independent education for all, as well as the promotion of freedom in both political and economic terms.
(b) Graduates not returning to an Approved Country
Graduates deciding not to return to an Approved Country and to live and work elsewhere will also be able to assist the Education Foundation.
If there is no Graduate Club and there are sufficient numbers in that country, a new Club can be formed. Otherwise, those Graduates would become members of the Graduate Club of their country of origin.
While these Graduates will not be able to work promoting the Education Foundation's work in their countries of origin, on the ground, they are still able to assist the Education Foundation.
Examples of possible work of non-returning Graduates in their countries of residence include:
arranging any funding which may be available in the countries in which they live, governmental and otherwise, with the goal of minimizing the funds available to the Education Foundation for use to further the Education Foundation's programs and goals. opening up educational programs for Education Foundation students to attend. promoting the Education Foundation and its goals in their country of residence, to government and otherwise. promoting the Education Foundation and its goals in their country of residence, to the Graduate's own government representatives located in that country.
(c) Entrepreneurs and others assisted by the Education Foundation
All those receiving assistance and advice, etc., from the Education Foundation would be expected to join the Graduate Clubs or Friends Associations in their respective countries. These members will be required to offer all possible assistance in developing the Education Foundation and its aims.
Membership of the Friends Association is open to anyone supporting the aims of the Education Foundation.
(d) Repayment of scholarships
The Education Foundation's Graduates, each of whom have received a scholarship, and all those receiving financial assistance from the Education Foundation, would be expected to repay the amounts that they have received. These repayments would be extended over a long period of time, so as to ensure that the Graduate who begins his work can be able to establish himself in his chosen profession or business, without the overwhelming burden of the above mentioned repayment obligations.
Graduates who return to an Approved Country, will be given longer repayment periods (say 20 years, versus 10 or 12 years for those that choose to continue their careers in a developed country). The Chief Financial Officer will establish repayments terms.
The goal of the Repayment Charter is for the Education Foundation's beneficiaries to consider that they have an obligation to repay, financial and otherwise, to the Foundation in whichever way they can.
(a) Returning Graduates
Returning graduates would be expected to join Graduate Clubs that will be established.
Members of a Graduate Club will be encouraged to work to extend the goals of the Education Foundation. Participation in their local Education Foundation programs, if any, in whatever role is most appropriate, including:
The ongoing role of Education Foundation Graduates is fundamental in the promotion of the philosophy of the Education Foundation, which means the promotion of the importance and benefits of an independent education for all, as well as the promotion of freedom in both political and economic terms.
(b) Graduates not returning to an Approved Country
Graduates deciding not to return to an Approved Country and to live and work elsewhere will also be able to assist the Education Foundation.
If there is no Graduate Club and there are sufficient numbers in that country, a new Club can be formed. Otherwise, those Graduates would become members of the Graduate Club of their country of origin.
While these Graduates will not be able to work promoting the Education Foundation's work in their countries of origin, on the ground, they are still able to assist the Education Foundation.
Examples of possible work of non-returning Graduates in their countries of residence include:
(c) Entrepreneurs and others assisted by the Education Foundation
All those receiving assistance and advice, etc., from the Education Foundation would be expected to join the Graduate Clubs or Friends Associations in their respective countries. These members will be required to offer all possible assistance in developing the Education Foundation and its aims.
Membership of the Friends Association is open to anyone supporting the aims of the Education Foundation.
(d) Repayment of scholarships
The Education Foundation's Graduates, each of whom have received a scholarship, and all those receiving financial assistance from the Education Foundation, would be expected to repay the amounts that they have received. These repayments would be extended over a long period of time, so as to ensure that the Graduate who begins his work can be able to establish himself in his chosen profession or business, without the overwhelming burden of the above mentioned repayment obligations.
Graduates who return to an Approved Country, will be given longer repayment periods (say 20 years, versus 10 or 12 years for those that choose to continue their careers in a developed country). The Chief Financial Officer will establish repayments terms.
6. Definitions
All approvals and evaluations and hearings of appeals will be finally determined by the Board, whose decision will be final.
Approved Individual: An Approved Individual is one that comes from an Approved Country and whose family nd/or personal financial situation is such to prevent them from undergoing the graduate studies of their choice in an Approved Academic Institution of their choice.
Approved Country: An Approved Country will be selected by using the appropriate definition for underdeveloped countries of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank).
Approved Democratic Country: An Approved Democratic Country is one which is democratic and with an open economic system.
Approved Course: An Approved Course is given by an Approved Education Institution located in in an Approved Democratic Country. Choice will not discriminate against any particular subject matter which is Approved, since the benefit for the student of being exposed to a democratic and free market environment at an important time in their lives, while gaining a higher education, is valid regardless of the subject matter chosen.
Approved Education Institution: An Approved Education Institution is one which has the minimum required academic standards and based in an Approved Democratic Country.
Approved Affiliate: An Approved Affiliate is a local educcation school or program chosen as a source of Approved Individuals and/or as a beneficiary of the Education Foundation resources under the local education program.
Approved Partner: An Approved Partner is a company or organisation which wishes to participate and/or partner in any of the programs of or wants to further the goals of the Education Foundation and which, through any such connection, does not bring the Education Foundation into disrepute.
The Education Foundation
The fundamental aim of the Education Foundation is to provide Third World countries with a pool of educated potential leaders. The Education Foundation’s main activity will be centered on promoting and supporting graduate and post-graduate education undertaken by deserving individuals deriving from less developed countries (LDC) and undertaken in Approved Democratic Countries. See the end of this document for a definition of all capitalized words used in this Charter.
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