Dear Family and Friends,
I hope this letter finds you well! I want to let you know about an amazing opportunity I have to travel with a team of teachers from my school district to South Africa this summer.
We will be preparing and presenting professional development workshops for teachers who work with students at a school located in the township of Potchefstroom outside of Johannesburg. In township areas families struggle with daily hardships from lack of running water in their homes to lack of access to a quality education. Children growing up in the township face unique challenges and the teachers often do not have the training to address their academic or social/emotional needs.
As a team we will study Eric Jensen’s book Teaching with Poverty in Mind to help us prepare appropriate materials to adequately address the needs described by the teachers. As we spend time with educators and community leaders we will also gain an understanding of the challenges they face and learn from their experiences. I am sure the learning will be mutual and many relationships will be established.
Since we will be learning about the history and culture of South Africa and visiting some of the prominent historical sites, I will also be looking for ways that I can bring this experience back into my own classroom and develop connections within my curriculum where possible.
Each team member has been asked to raise funds to cover the expenses for this serving opportunity. I am wondering if you would like to be a part of my support team and help me raise these funds? Because this is a volunteer service trip facilitated by the non-profit organization INGAGE Unlimited, all donations are tax deductible and can be made online here.
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. Before, during, and after the trip, I will send out Facebook posts, Tweets, pictures, and video updates to share information about our experience. Please let me know if you have any questions!
Thank you for your consideration!
Much love,
Ilona