Dear Family and Friends,
I hope you are doing 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, apartheid and its effects, and visiting some of their 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. Poverty affects each of our schools in various ways. Upon return, I will share be our experiences in South Africa with the Lines Elementary staff. I will also be providing strategies that Barrington 220 teachers can implement to engage low income students effectively. I am so excited for this opportunity to be of service, sharing my passion for teaching and helping children.
Each team member has been asked to raise funds by April to cover the expenses and resources for this service opportunity. I am wondering if you would like 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 http://give.ingageunlimited.org/southafrica. Just select my name from the drop down menu of team members. Your donation will assist with our travel and provide support for the teachers, 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!
Thank you so much for your consideration.
With gratitude,
Michele Giovannelli