Teacher Training is a Go (July 10, 2012)

Well, just by the skin of our teeth were we able to put together the funds to send Rea, six of her staff, and a representative from both MOJUB and Les Petits Amis de SOPUDEP to the Dominican Republic for the teacher training course. As of yesterday they arrived in Santo Domingo, the Dominican capitol, and today completed the first of the four day training. 

The following is Rea's email to me after today's administration tutorial.

"Hi Ryan,

We are in the DR now and  the first day was great!  We had two workshops, one for the teachers and one for administration. Although we only had one person to translate into Kryole today, all the administrative training was in spanish, while someone translated  in english. I was able to translate for the administrative workshop, but tomorrow they are sending another  Haitian translator.

It is a great experience for us and I don't want to miss anything!

Thank you so much and everybody is very happy. For most people in this Haitian delegation, it is the first time they have ever traveled anywhere. It is all very positive.

Thanks again Ryan.

I will let you know more tomorrow.

Rea"

The Sawatzky Family Foundation would like to thank all the individuals as well as "Sanctuary for  Kids" and "Haiti Union Solidarity Fund" who generously donated to make this training seminar happen for this select group of Haitian's who struggle everyday to improve the lives of those around them. 

Again, it was right down to the wire, but it happened. The implications of this workshop for Haitian educators could have immensely positive effects on how schools with little resources  impact their youth.

Once I can gain a full report on the workshop I will post an update. To all those who participated, thank-you! In spite of having the flu, I've been smiling about this all week.

Ryan Sawatzky
The Sawatzky Family Foundation