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CURRENT PROJECT
Adopt A School (AAS) project is a relatively new
program to D9650 RAWCS.
To date, DVDs & posters have been distributed to
44 schools in the Hastings region of NSW, accompanied by a letter to
the Principals, outlining the objectives and aspirations of the
program. The response has been positive and over 30 of those schools
are now involved. Others are realising the importance and reciprocal
benefits of such a program and are becoming involved.
AAS has collected, stored and packed nine pallets
of goods to be shipped to the Island of Tanna, Vanuatu. These goods
include 400 school uniforms, which have been cleaned, sorted and
placed in plastic bags by the donor school. Also included are books
of a non-curricular content, many “Kits for Kids” and stackable
chairs, etc. “Kits for Kids” is a concept where copy paper boxes are
filled with children’s school needs such as pencils, paper, string,
erasers, glue, paper clips, etc.
The next phase is to get many more D9650 Rotary
Clubs in District 9650 involved. Club International Service Directors
have/will be contacted with the aim of allocating Tanna Island schools
to D9650 clubs. It is proposed a meeting will be convened with
representatives from all the clubs who have signed on.
These representatives will be expected to visit
their allocated school on a regular basis to keep them informed of
progress and to find out from the school what is required. For the
purpose of showing our schools just what they are achieving and to
build a sense of rapport, a digital camera will be sent to Tanna. The
images will be compiled on a DVD and distributed as an update to the
schools involved. Eventually, the Australian schools will have a
strong sense of “belonging” and communicate with to their adopted
school to realize their needs.
A reporting system and regular meetings of club
representatives will ensure that the program fosters new ideas and is
sustainable.
Reg Pierce
International Service Director
Rotary Club of Wauchope
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