From One School to a Movement / How it started

Derrick Brown is a 27-year U.S. Army veteran. After three decades of service to country, he turned his retirement into a mission — investing over $70,000 of his own savings to start EGTE Foundation in 2013 and serve the children no one else was reaching.

Twelve years later, that mission has grown into 70+ humanitarian projects across 5 countries — Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, and the United States.

The mission hasn't changed: ensure every child has a seat at the table of opportunity.

Education Is a Human Right

Twelve years of supporting in Cambodians. The next chapter starts now.

In 2016, EGTE Foundation built the Rovieng Computer School in Cambodia's Preah Vihear Province for $4,943. That school still serves 90+ children daily.

In 2025, the Thailand–Cambodia border conflict closed more than 1,300 schools and displaced over 322,000 children. Our partners on the ground have been scouting the next sites ever since.

Now we are launching the 5 Schools for Cambodia campaign — starting with Phase 1: a $1,600 emergency school repair happening this month.

Meet Our Founder

The Mandala Challenge

Building creativity, focus, and self-expression — one mandala at a time.

The Mandala Challenge is EGTE Foundation's monthly art competition for youth ages 5–12. Free materials. $100 prize. Two age divisions.

When children explore the mandala's symmetrical patterns, they build skills that show up everywhere else — math, reading, focus, self-regulation. But the Mandala Challenge does more than build skills. It gives every child a place where their creativity matters and their work is seen.

Currently active in Jacksonville, Florida. Expanding to additional Central Florida schools through 2026.

Developed in partnership with MAY Kids Transform, integrating 22+ years of Creative Mindfulness curriculum.

Creative Futures: The Pilot Worked

March 2026 • Joe R. Lee Branch • Eatonville, Florida

25 students. 9 industry professionals. Over 100 hours of mentorship donated.

Two days of hands-on workshops in film, music, and creative-industry career exposure. Every student left with a workbook, certificate, T-shirt, and a USB drive loaded with their own work.

In attendance: BGCCF Vice President Ericka Dickerson, the Mayor of Eatonville, and the Chief of Police.

Funded by Stellar Cares. Hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida.

This wasn't a one-off event. It's the model. We're scaling it to nine workshops between April and December 2026.