Lewis Perinbam Award

Call for 2010 Nominees 

Lewis Perinbam Nomination Form 2010 

The Board of Trustees of the Lewis Perinbam Award in International Development and the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) are pleased to announce the 2010 competition for the Award. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, September 17, 2010. The winner will be announced at the beginning of November and presented at the WUSC Annual Assembly in Ottawa on November 5, 2010. Click here.

This award recognizes grassroots achievements in improving life in developing countries and expanding awareness of those countries among the Canadian public. Its monetary value is $2,500 but its true value lies in bringing international development home to Canadians by highlighting the dedication and accomplishments of ordinary citizens.

The award seeks to commend individuals who make volunteer contributions to international development rather than those who work in a paid professional capacity in this arena. However someone who works in the field but undertakes voluntary commitments over and above his or her employment would also be considered for the award.

2009 Winner - Christine Gervais

Founder and President of ACCESO International Helping schools, libraries and orphanages in 11 Latin American and Caribbean countries Provided over 1500 students with bursaries Human Rights workshops for disenfranchised Latin American women help them gain independent employment and education

To read about past recipients, click here. 

About Lewis Perinbam
Lewis Perinbam, O.C. (1925-2007) was admired and appreciated for his vast contributions to Canadian participation in development. Mr. Perinbam, who was born in Malaysia and educated in Scotland, was committed to sharing his knowledge of the developing world with Canadians who wanted to make a difference. He was the founding Executive Director of CUSO, the first full time Secretary-General of the Canadian National Commission for UNESCO and was for many years the General Secretary and CEO of World University Service of Canada (WUSC).

Joining the Canadian International Development Agency in 1969, he became the founding Director General of the Non-government Organizations Division, which he both pioneered and championed in the Agency and was later named Vice President, Special Programs - now the Canadian Partnership Branch. He continued to be sought after for important leadership and consultative roles. He led the Task Force on the Participation of Visible Minorities in the Public Service, whose 2000 report won respect - and generated change - throughout government and industry.

In October 1997 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. Mr. Perinbam served on numerous NGO Boards of Directors and was a longstanding advisor to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE).

To make a donation to the Lewis Perinbam award, click here.