Our Programs

Northern Highlands Regional High School hosted a successful 5K event, raising $5,517 to benefit TEEEM Burkina Faso, dedicated to providing access to clean drinking water and improving sanitation for tens of thousands of villagers. The funds will help build and rehabilitate wells, support community education on hygiene, and empower women and children with vital resources for a healthier future.

Students then doubled down on their efforts by hosting a successful Benefit Dinner in partnership with Pascack Hills, raising an impressive $10,320! A special evening featuring a silent auction with beautifully curated baskets, guests were treated to delicious food and meaningful presentations, including an inspiring appearance by Georgie Badiel Liberty herself.

As a community building event for kids thousands of miles apart, Highlands students also partnered with the French American Academy for a day of cultural exchange connecting students in New Jersey with peers in Burkina Faso. The event featured a live Zoom session where students shared questions about daily life and education, fostering mutual understanding and global awareness. The Highlands students then led an activity around The Water Princess, followed by the creation of booklets and gifts, including soccer balls and jump ropes, for the children in Burkina Faso. This meaningful collaboration highlighted the power of empathy, storytelling, and kindness in building connections across continents.

Verona High School hosted a Variety Show -- an unforgettable evening filled with talent, celebration, and meaningful purpose. Students lit up the stage with performances, creativity, and charisma, while also being honored with special awards, including Champion of Change, Congeniality, VHS Royalty, and VHS Royalty Runner-Up.

Beyond the entertainment, the night carried a powerful message. Throughout the show, students shared important facts about Burkina Faso and the ongoing water crisis, raising awareness and inspiring action. Between ticket sales and refreshments, students raised over $2,500 for TEEEM Burkina Faso.

Briarcliff Middle School students came together for an inspiring "Run-a-Thon" to support their peers in Uganda, using innovative storytelling to drive engagement. They created and shared personal "I Run" videos to spread awareness and build solidarity across borders. With each lap they completed, participants raised funds, securing $8,250 to support Ugandan students. Their ability to leverage personal narratives and collective action highlighted their leadership and marketing skills, proving that young people can be powerful changemakers.

Moscow Middle School World Cultures students demonstrated exceptional social entrepreneurship. Students planned, promoted, and hosted a Winter Dance that not only fostered school spirit but also raised an impressive $1,810 for mobile medical units in Ukraine. Their ability to turn a fun event into a meaningful fundraiser showcased their leadership, creativity, and commitment to making a difference.

Ramapo Ridge Middle School students showcased their entrepreneurial mindset through a creative partnership with Moe’s, a local restaurant. They organized a Dine-and-Donate event, working with the business to secure a portion of the evening’s sales. Through their outreach and promotional efforts, they successfully raised $625 to help build fresh water wells in Burkina Faso. This initiative not only raised funds but also strengthened community ties and illustrated how businesses and students can collaborate for global change.

Students then took it to the next level with local business collaboration by hosting a special Movie Night filled with fun, community spirit, and purpose. As students, families, and staff gathered to enjoy the film “Daddy Day Care,” they also came together to make a real-world impact, raising nearly $4,000!

Riverview Elementary School launched a school-wide Compassion Campaign to help students grow in empathy and global awareness. Teachers led special lessons across different subjects, connecting learning to the real-life challenges faced in Burkina Faso. Along the way, students participated in weekly “Compassion Bingo,” completing acts of kindness to build a caring community. The campaign culminated in a family celebration with a joyful outdoor book walk featuring of Georgie Badiel’s “The Water Princess.”

Yale University Undergraduates for UNICEF have partnered with TEEEM to launch the TYS Collaborative Mentorship Program. This initiative pairs Yale student mentors with selected TEEEM high school students to develop passion projects rooted in social impact and global citizenship. Over the course of a school year, participants will conduct research, design project proposals, and bring their ideas to life through advocacy, entrepreneurship, or community action. Together, Yale UNICEF and TEEEM are empowering the next generation of leaders to create meaningful change.