Dear Family and Friends,
I hope you are doing well! I want to let you know about an amazing opportunity I have had to travel with a team of teachers from my school district to Costa Rica and South Africa. I am so blessed to work in a school and teaching community that allows me to receive amazing professional development and also to present at national conventions (AMLE and NAGC), now is my time to share. I am excited to return to explore a new region and have the opportunity to work with teachers and students more directly.
I am wondering if you would be willing to be a part of my support team and help me raise these funds? This is a volunteer service trip facilitated by the non-profit organization INGAGE UNLIMITED. All contributions are 501(c)3 tax deductible donations, and they can be made online at https://give.ingageunlimited.org/costarica2018 Just select my name from the drop down menu of team members. Your donation will assist with our travel and provide support for the families and students with whom we engage along the way. I will also be sending out Tweets, pictures, and video updates following the trip to share about our experience. Please let me know if you have any questions!
Each summer we visit areas where families struggle with daily hardships attributed to living in poverty, such as the lack of access to a quality education. Children growing up in this area face unique challenges and the teachers often do not have the training to address their academic or social/emotional needs. We will be preparing and presenting professional development workshops for teachers who work with students from several schools in areas of extreme need. The professional development workshops will be based on the needs and desires expressed by the teachers praticipating in the training.
I am sure the learning will be mutual and many relationships will be established. I will also be looking for ways that I can bring this experience back into my own classroom and develop connections and service learning opportunities within my extra curricular opportunities. I am so excited for this opportunity to be of service, sharing my passion for teaching and helping children.
Thank you so much for your consideration.
Christine Dykstra