Our Programs


​live Your Dream

Every year, Soroptimist International distributes more than $2.8 million in education awards to about 1,700 women from 122 countries around the world. Over half of our Live Your Dream Awards recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all of the women and families we serve have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction. Live Your Dream Awards recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.

While the Soroptimist organization has been in existence for 100 years and is represented at the United Nations, it began in London Ontario in 2013. Since then we have distributed financial awards through the Live Your Dream program to 12 deserving young women. Each of these recipients has used her award to improve her life and that of her family. We have been told that while the financial award made a big difference to their lives, what was equally appreciated was  the support which was provided and made them feel that they were validated and deserved to move forward.

All of our winners have succeeded or are in the process of reaching the goals that they have set. Several have since decided to move beyond their primary goal.  One young woman, of indigenous background, won 2 awards (SI London and Regional) ,and said: " As a result of these awards I was able to pay down some of my debt, which in turn allowed me to return to university this year to work towards finishing my second degree, being a major in psychology. The women and this entire organization have been nothing short of excellent, their compassion for helping women succeed is astonishing. I could not thank them enough and look forward to the day when I can give back to this organization by donating money to help another young woman in my situation." She is presently studying second year law.
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WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

  • A woman with primary financial responsibility for supporting their family,
  • Attending or has been accepted to a vocational/skills training program, or an undergraduate degree program,          
  • Has financial need,
  • And is motivated to achieve educational and career goals and, resides in one of SIA's member countries and territories​
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Dream It, Be It
The Soroptimist Dream It Be It Program provides girls in secondary school, who face obstacles and challenges, with career support and guidance. Through education and access to role models, girls will be empowered to pursue their career goals and reach their full potential.

Through a one-day conference, participants learn about career opportunities, setting and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles to success, and moving forward after setbacks.

SI London’s program is designed for newcomer youth who have come to Canada as refugees or immigrants, and for students from low-income families, as they may need more assistance in planning for a career. We have partnered successfully with both the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club.

We usually do a one-day in-person conference, but this year we hosted a three-day virtual conference which included a local influential keynote speaker each day, career exploration sessions that featured distinct fields of study, life skills sessions, mental health issues, and healthy relationships. Included in the conference each day was an entertainment session such as a local musical group, or a lesson on making a quick, healthy lunch.

One participant expressed the feelings of many:
“I loved the whole idea of empowering us. They made us feel like no matter our background or situation, we can make it. We can become something successful.”
 
Dream It Be It is a worthwhile investment in the future success of girls.

supporting COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONs

Anti-Human Trafficking Committee of London
​Anago
LifeSpin
Salaam Donation Centre
Rotholme Women's and Family Shelter (A Branch of London Mission Services)
Anova
Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre
Single Women in Motherhood
Childreach
My Sister's Place​
Salvation Army
Youth Opportunities Unlimited

around the world

Days for Girls
Mery Tarigan's Early Childhood Education School in Indonesia
Hekima Place in Kenya, Africa
​Breast Cancer Fund
​copyright @ 2019