In the heart of Toronto, Richard and Robert Picart are transforming their mother's extraordinary life story into a powerful force for change by creating a scholarship in her memory.
Inspired by their mother, Veta Goddie' Picart's lifelong commitment to health care, the brothers established the Goddie Nursing Scholarship at George Brown College (GBC). Their vision is ambitious and deeply personal: to support Black nursing students by creating new opportunities.
"It's about helping people move forward and creating opportunities that weren't available to our mother," Richard shares.
Veta's pursuit of knowledge
Born in rural Jamaica, Veta overcame tremendous obstacles, including losing both parents at an early age and becoming an indentured servant to pursue her education. Her journey took her from Jamaica to England, where she trained as a psychiatric nurse and midwife, and finally to Canada in 1965, where she continued her forty-year nursing career and became a mother.
Nursing became her calling and a vessel for transformation. She didn't just practice a profession; she embodied a philosophy of care that extended beyond hospital walls and influenced everyone around her.
"Education wasn't just important for our mother it was a lifeline," Richard explains. "It was the way she found her way up and out."
"Coming from nothing and taking the risk to throw yourself into the world in pursuit of education takes intellectual bravery and awareness," adds Robert.
From personal story to community impact
What began as a personal story shared through a podcast evolved into something more profound a mission to amplify the voices and experiences of Black Canadians of Afro-Caribbean heritage.
With his mother, Robert captured Veta's lived experiences in a book titled "Goddie". Her story is not merely about surviving but how you can create opportunities to thrive and uplift others along the way. The book is a testament to the notion that one person's story can illuminate the paths of many, connecting generations and celebrating the extraordinary within the seemingly ordinary.
The brothers haven't stopped there. Recognizing the broader need for representation and understanding, they developed new educational resources for Grades 6-12 students, which are now rolling out in classrooms across Ontario. The cross-curricular resources explore Black Canadian history through the lens of their mother's journey, providing context and inspiration for future generations.
Paying it forward: A family tradition
For Robert and Richard, giving back isn't optional it's a fundamental part of their family's ethos. They continue that tradition as donors, demonstrating that the most impactful scholarships stem from love, respect, and a steadfast commitment to education.
In selecting GBC for the scholarship, they discovered a strong affinity with the college. GBC has provided nursing education to Ontarians for 50 years and has a vibrant community of learners from all walks of life.
"You can go and see the campus, the buildings, the infrastructure, the investments, they're forward moving. We want to be a part of that leaning forward while not forgetting the past," Robert shares. "We think it's important to be a part of that. We're city kids. It's a city education."
