District 6420 appeals for help, for Vocational Training Team in Chile
Dear District 6420 Rotary Clubs and Rotary Club members:
Last month’s 8.3 magnitude earthquake impacted the lives of tens of thousands of Chileans, including the lives of Combarbalá, Chile residents. District 6420 sent a Vocational Training Team there for two weeks this past June. The earthquake damaged schools, residences and businesses (including the hotel where the team stayed) and caused considerable emotional stress due to the 200-plus aftershocks which kept so many people on guard.
District 6420 has invested much time, treasure and talent in the Combarbalá community thanks to the work of the Vocational Training Team and financial contributions from the Rotary Club of Galena, a Rotary International Global Grant and District Designated Funds. This enabled strong bonds to develop, grow and evolve. Bonds that are well worth building upon.
District 6420 has asked Combarbalá Rotarians how the District might marshal resources to be of help as the community recovers from the earthquake. Combarbalá Rotarians appreciated our offer and suggested that the most meaningful help is continuing the work which the Vocational Training Team started. This help involves bringing Combarbalá teachers of English to District 6420 in order to enhance their English teaching skills by observing classrooms within the district and speaking with native English speakers.
The District has set a goal of raising $15,000 by Nov. 15, 2015, enough money to bring at least 10 teachers to District 6420 for three weeks in January/February 2016, summer vacation for Chilean teachers. These funds will be used to purchase round-trip airfare plus provide a small stipend to purchase English-language classroom materials. The teachers will stay in private homes in the District.
Your support of this project, through cash donations or airline miles, will impact lives–Chilean teachers, their students and the community and give hope to a community that needs hope. The Rotary Club of Galena, through its 501(c)3 charitable foundation will coordinate the project with the help of the Vocational Training Team.
Tax deductible checks should be made out to the Galena Rotary Foundation and sent to Rotarian P. Carter Newton, 129 S. High St., Galena, IL 61036.
Those who would like to donate airline miles are encouraged to call or email Rotarian Newton, chair of the District 6420 Vocational Training Team Committee, at 815-238-0318 or cnewton@galgazette.com.
Thank you very much for your consideration and your donation.
Sincerely,
Jim Nelson, District Governor
P. Carter Newton, Vocational Training Team chair