Her first visit was to La Union Escuela Latinoamericana which is located in the Comuna Estacion Central, one of Santiago's most economically-challenged areas. The population of the school is made up of 800+ students with 70% of students being immigrants. Kristin met with two groups of 35 students in seventh and eighth grades engaging the students in some community building activities using Organic World Language (OWL) teaching strategies. The students shared their experiences of being bullied at school. They brainstormed some techniques to break the cycle of bullying. They concluded with writing some positive attributes on each others' paper plates.

 

Workshops with teachers and staffs to share ideas and follow up activities to do with the students. Kristin delivered anti-bullying books for the students and teachers donated by our Club. Ten different schools for students, teachers, school staff and parents. Kristin prior to the end of her trip participated in a panel focused on cyberbullying which consisted of a lawyer, two psychologists, and the parents of a young woman who committed suicide because of cyberbullying. Kristin says, the experience for her was powerful and life-changing.

 

In her two week visit, Kristin spoke to over 700 children, teachers, school staff and families. The message that she wants to convey to all of us is that we all play an important role in the lives of children. One small step to help change the lives of children is the beginning and certainly not the end. During her trip to Chile, Kristin was heavily involved with Rotarians visiting eight Clubs during her stay.