Literacy Alive Global Humanitarian Project - Belize

Posted by Ian Warwick 
 
 
Invitation to Rotarians and Friends to participate in Literacy Alive Global Humanitarian Project in Belize

ImageTerrific things are happening in Belize to improve Literacy in the Cayo District where our club has provided a strong support program for six pilot schools in the first phase of the Literacy Alive future global vision project.  There have been some notable successes from the project including:

·         Significant training of Belize teachers
·         Support educational leaders in literacy
·         Student improvements in reading
·         Addition of student reading resources
·         Strong network of relationships and friends developed between Red Deer and Cayo distict.

Our club with the Sylvan Lake club have tentative approval (at the club, Rotary District 5350 and Rotary International level )  to move to phase two of the project and we are looking for more Rotarians  and community leaders to be part of the journey

1.       VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

  • BE A VOCATIONAL TEAM MEMBER:
  • Volunteer to be a Community Reading Coach Training member of the team (all training/costs provided), or a Literacy Educator providing literacy support to Cayo district schools.
  • Join the team as a VOLUN- TRAVEL MEMBER (pay own costs ) and choose your level of volunteer contributions  and involvement in participation in all Rotary social events,  touring pilot schools and enjoying the amazing sites of the jungle and sea that Belize provides. 

2.       EXCURSION DETAILS:   Two Vocational Training Teams (VTT’s) are planned:

  • November  10 – 17 (2013):   Approximately 10 members needed for full time positions and up to 10 Volun-travel members .**VTT members work full days in school setting or in the community doing support work for the school programs.       
  • March 23 – 30 (2014):   Repeat of November plan.
Image2011 – 2012 Team: Rotarians, Phil Pattison, MaryAnne Jablonski, Glenn Moore, Lynne Paradis, and community members:Bob Jablonski, Rebekah Seidel, Brian Einerson, Cheryl Rolston, Corinne Brown, Cheryl Gascoyne, TerryBolen, Stephen Kwasny, Shelly Kundert, Judith McIntyre (not all shown)

WHY CONSIDER BELIZE HUMANITARIAN WORK?

Mutual Benefits for Belize and for Canadian participants.   Some feedback from Rotarian participants:

  • “The VTT experience exceeded my expectations.  I tried to keep my expectations modest as we were visiting a developing country for the first time.  Our VTT bonded together in the full sense of the term “team”, we were assisted greatly with members of the Rotary Club of San Ignacio and we were able to start the process of improving schools.”
  • “If actions speak louder than words, I can say that I have repeatedly said to my friends and colleagues since my return that I think I got more out of the trip than the Belizeans did! “
  • “Belize is a tremendously beautiful country and Belizeans are very warm, hospitable, hopeful and supportive people.  They are very grateful for the support that Canadians are giving them and are focused on improving their country for their children.”

MORE INFORMATION:

Contact:      Lynne Paradis            587  877 8512 paradislynne@gmail.com
Information also available following each Rotary meeting.

Planning Meeting for participants
Wednesday, May 29.  4:30 – 6:00.
Holy Family School,  69 Douglas Avenue.