Dr. Mavis Burke, Founder
PACE Canada started life in 1987 as Women for PACE Canada when Jamaican-born educator Dr. Mavis Burke founded the organization in response to a request from then Prime Minister of Jamaica the Most Hon. Edward Seaga. Initially, the mandate of the organization was to assist community-based pre-schools (called basic schools) in Jamaica. Not only has the organization undergone a name change in recognition of the significant contributions and participation by men, but the group’s focus has since expanded to include the well-being of children in Canada. The launch of the Adopt-a-School Program revolutionized assistance to basic schools / early childhood institutions in Jamaica. For CDN$1 per day ($365 per year), Canadian patrons adopt a school of their own choosing or if they prefer, a school is selected for them. The schools use the funds for everything – from purchasing school equipment and supplies to fixing fences and roofs to buying refrigerators and stoves so that their students can have a hot meal each day.
