Former head prefect talks about choice

Everyday choices can make a difference, Vijayant Bala (Class of ’94) told students at the Academic Assembly Monday, April 7. The assembly was held to honour those students on the Headmaster’s List for the Winter Term.

A former head prefect and winner of the Pitcher Prize, VJ is the founder of a company that makes accessory products out of jute, including tote bags.

“If you use this bag 20 times instead of 20 plastic bags, you’re making a difference. It’s a simple choice,” he said.

VJ came to Stanstead from Kuwait in 1990 shortly after it was invaded by Iraq. He and his family were out of the country at the time and consequently avoided danger. However, all their papers were stuck in Kuwait. As Headmaster Wolfe explained, Stanstead accepted VJ without any real evidence that he had been a student anywhere.

The school didn’t regret the decision. VJ thrived at Stanstead, which today he attributes to school’s sense of community. “There weren’t too many students so your personality really had a chance to stand out,” he said. “I found genuine interest in who I was. The attention could have been good or it could have been bad but it was interest.”

After graduation, VJ studied Engineering at Queen’s University. He then decided to capitalize on his entrepreneurial and people skills. He also knew he wanted to make a difference. He looked around and found jute.

Jute is a plant fibre grown primarily in Bangladesh and India. It is strong, biodegradable, easily grown and, as it decomposes, is conducive to further vegetable growth.

VJ started a company called Hey Jute and headed to India in search of a company that could create their first product – a jute iPod case. VJ was approached by a self-help group that was trying to raise women out of difficult situations. They won the contract and continue to make all of Hey Jute’s products.

“That choice now allows 15 women in India to support themselves and their families,” said VJ.

In addition, 4 percent of Hey Jute’s profits go to Children’s Rights and You, an Indian non-governmental organization that champions rights for children.

Earlier this year, VJ approached Art teacher Christian Williams about having his students create a design for one of Hey Jute’s tote bags. A number of students submitted designs but Mihwa Kim’s design was ultimately chosen. VJ took special note of the ripple effect of this project.

“The artists transferred their feelings to a piece of paper,” he said. “You made a choice. Little did you know that by making that simple choice you made a difference to women on the other side of the world.”

VJ promised a “Mihwa bag” for everyone at Stanstead.

In closing, VJ encouraged the students to capitalize on the power of choices.

“The more choices you make in a certain direction the more chances are that your life will move in that direction. You are full of power and potential,” he said.

After his speech, VJ stayed to hand out Academic pins to those on the Headmaster’s List. He also presented the University of Toronto National Book Award to Pierre-Olivier Jean as the student who best demonstrates “superior academic performance, original and creative thought, and exceptional achievement in a broad context.”

The evening also saw the presentation of certificates to those Grade 8 students who excelled in the Canadian Scholastic Achievement Contest -- Natasha Podd, Anchi Numfor, Maria Rubio, Campbell Wolfe and Jason Cowen -- plus a medal to the school’s top points earner Chelsy Martin.

Pierre-Olivier Jean receives the UofT Book Prize from VJ Bala

Mr. Kopar and top Scholastic Contest winner Chelsy Martin