RMI1040 Initiative hosts event to help education
NORMAN A Norman-area humanitarian organization is redefining what is possible for the African people who live in a world that seems impossible. The 1040 Initiative is hosting an event on September 11 at the Bricktown Brewery to raise awareness and funds for their education initiative, which is impacting thousands of children throughout the Ivory Coast.
The 1040 Initiative, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is building sustainable communities through ‘excellence in education’ by teaching children the principles of integrity, honesty, and love.
Mike Cousineau, 1040i president, says several facts about living conditions worldwide inspired him to create 1040i and enlist the help of other community volunteers, including business leaders, students, and construction workers to make trips to Code d’Ivoire, a country in West Africa.
“In a country where many families have to choose between putting food on the table and education, education loses out. Yet we know the only solution out of such poverty is through education. That is why we have committed to bringing hope to their future,” says Cousineau. “In addition to our other education initiatives, this year we will open the first ever bilingual academy in the heart of the Ivory Coast. We will begin with first and second grades, teaching all core subjects including computer sciences. This is how we will make a lasting difference in the Ivory Coast. In partnership with Rejoice Christian Schools in Owasso, OK, we are educating the next generation of leaders with honesty, integrity, and a vision for a brighter future.”
Cousineau says their desire to provide hope to the hopeless is what fueled them to build the bilingual academy and partner with other teachers and school directors throughout the country. In the four years, since 1040i was founded thousands of children have been impacted.
Cousineau has more than 35 years of experience fighting pain and suffering in West Africa. He says 1040i focuses on a tiny area in the Eastern hemisphere where some of the poorest people live and many area residents live on less than $2 per day. 1040i sends volunteer teams of doctors, business executives, fire fighters, construction workers, nurses and college students from all over the world to help with water, health and education.
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