"A day ago we were discussing the agenda," says a shell-shocked Shelvan Kannuthurai, head of the PPL initiative. "His keynote address and what we might discuss in the question period. Now I've got to contact everyone on a guest list of about a thousand! Jack Layton and nineteen members of his caucus. Justin Trudeau - he just emailed me - he wants to bring his mother. High Commissioners and Ambassadors from 105 different countries. About 145 Canadian Members of Parliament. Hundreds of government officials. Stockwell Day. Twelve cabinet ministers. Reverend Mpho Tutu, that's Archbishop Desmond Tutu's daughter. A Saudi prince - flying here on Monday!"
The program has drawn unprecedented enthusiasm from social entrepreneurs from around the globe. The grassroots nature, the fact that young volunteers from around the globe actually work in Africa to facilitate the provision of tuition-free online education, appeals to the many who despair of traditional aid. Teachers and professors from developed nations appreciate the opportunity to help by simply donating one e-course. Environmentalists focus on the program's use of re-useable books and technology.
"That is the good part of it," says Mr. Kannuthurai. "In the months of preparation for this event, we've seen so much enthusiasm and interest. Everyone wants to help. They're delighted to find a program they can believe in. They care about sustainability. I've talked to politicians, professors, diplomats. From Canada, the U.S., around the world. They're so enthusiastic. It's renewed my faith in human nature. It's renewed my faith in Canada."
"So this is just another hurdle - and we can overcome it. We've got an idea and a plan whose time has come. With PPL, we're going to educate and empower young Africans from within. The first reading of our bill comes up in Parliament on October 18th. Judging by what I've seen in the past few months, I'm confident that our Members of Parliament will respect and support it."
For more information on Professeurs pour la liberte, visit:http://www.myppl.org/billclinton or contact Jonathan Candolf at +1 (416) 640 2125 or PPL main line +1 (416) 413 1234.
© 2005 Business Wire
