Board of Directors
Raphael Freston
Raphael Freston is the regional coordinator for Development and Peace – Caritas Canada in British Columbia and the Yukon. Originally from Brazil, growing up he frequently asked himself about the issues of poverty, inequality and exclusion in the Global South. Yet, it is his faith in the message of Jesus to love both our neighbours and our enemies, to welcome the stranger, and in the cross as the ultimate sign of sacrifice to go beyond ourselves that drives his passion for global solidarity and social justice.
He has a BA degree in Social Sciences from the University of São Paulo, a Master of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Toronto and a Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Waterloo.
He has researched extensively on trade unions and global solidarity, democracy and culture, and social inclusion. In addition, he has worked in homeless shelters and with at-risk youth, as a civic educator in Ghana, and as a land defender for campesino and indigenous peoples in Guatemala.
His research and work have been driven by the challenge to think of, and be in solidarity with, the poor above all.