The team has recently returned from Belize where they were involved in providing professional development to teachers, community librarians, ministry officials and education leaders.  Focus of the vocational outreach project was providing teachers with a teaching tool to address the literacy learning gap caused by the pandemic.  Schools in Belize were closed for nearly 2 years resulting in students returning to school with decreased literacy skills.  Teachers were assisted in learning the skills necessary to providing students with intensive reading interventions to lessen the gap. Students who participate in the program which was created by Dr. George Georgiou and is used also in Alberta schools, have the potential to be able to make large gains in a short period of time with the focused, research and evidence based teaching strategies. During their time in Belize, the team worked with their 2 Belize Rotary partners, planned with the Ministry of Education for next steps, provided post secondary institutions with information, provided support for 59 schools, and conducted reading assessments and collected evidence on success of the program. Training for over 40 community libraries was also provided. The project was featured on a national talk show and received extensive newspaper coverage (see club website).  During their visit, Rotary Inspiration awards funds were also transferred. The team will return to Belize in the spring to continue their work which has the potential to quickly change the lives of the students of Belize.  Exciting times lie ahead!!

 

Cheryl G presented Darcy M. with a banner from the Punta Gorda Rotary Club, one of the partners in this international project. 

Guests of Rotary: 

Jodie Jameson from the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (guest of Donna Purcell)

Christine Swift from Cooperators (guest of Leigh Sands)

Gina Belich: Inclusion Alberta (friend of Rotary)

Dr. Cliff Soper, former Rotarian, and Jason Baranec, former Rotarian. (guest of Lynne Paradis

 

50/50 Draw:  2 numbers were drawn but no one came to claim the pot.  Could it be that they were nervous about reciting the 4 Way Pledge without the support of the visual?

 

We welcome David Allen (sponsored by Chris W.) and Jean Stinson (sponsored by Adele P). We look forward to working alongside you to promote service to others.   

 

First reading for membership for Deena Kordt and Lisa Mackey.  Please share any concerns with Leanne regarding their potential membership to membership@rotaryclubofreddeer.ca

 

Inspector Heidi Ravenhill (also known as Heidi Swabey) is originally from the Yukon where a street bears the name of her father (there also is one in London, England!) Heidi is an avid hiker, biker, skier, quilter and a very competitive Catan player.  She enjoys spending time with her husband and family.  Heidi has been involved with the Canadian Adaptive SnowSports Society through which she taught a woman who was blind to ski.  In Grande Prairie she was instrumental in establishing the CIBC Run for the Cure.  Heidi is keen to share her gifts with others in the Red Deer community wherever possible.  Welcome Heidi!