Dear All,
I am anxious to let you know about my next adventure with INGAGE!! This summer from June 25th- July 2nd I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic and working with teachers in the small town of Bani. We will be presenting professional development to the teachers in this community for five days. Two summers ago I had the pleasure of meeting many of these teachers and I am delighted to have the opportunity to reconnect and continue to learn and grow together.
This summer I will be in a new role as CO-LEADER of this trip. My dear friend Georgia Nelson and I will be taking our team to the Dominican Republc and guiding them through the week in several capacities. I will be responsible for what is presented each day to the teachers in Bani. My fellow teammates and I will prepare this spring as we hear what the needs and wants of the teachers are for the upcoming school year. Children growing up in the township of Bani face unique challenges and the teachers often do not have the training to address their academic or social/emotional needs. In this township area families struggle with daily hardships from lack of running water in their homes to lack of access to a quality education. I look forward to this position of leadership!
Currently, I am on the board of INGAGE and have invested a significant amount of time helping to further develop this organization. This year INGAGE is sending groups to Peru, Guatemala, Dominican Republic,Costa Rica, Egypt and Honduras. Our organization has grown significantly in the last two years. My greatest joy is being involved in the groundworks of INGAGE and the lives it has touched both here and abroad.
Since we will be
learning about the history and culture of the Dominican Republic
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. My present second graders are just beginning
the process of writing letters to second graders in Bani. We will
spend time after school studying the culture of the DR,
folktales originated there as well as creating an art project
that ties into the history of this part of the
world. This is only the beginning to building
strong relationships across the ocean!!!!
Each team member has been asked to raise funds to cover the expenses for this serving opportunity. This money covers airfare, lodging,and a limited amount of supplies needed for teachers and students. My hope is to raise funds above and beyond the $2300 required so that INGAGE can continue to serve this community with further trips and supplies.
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 http://give.ingageunlimited.org . Just select the Dominican Republic 2 Project, then my name from the drop down menu for team members.
Please email me if you have any questions!
I so appreciate
your consideration on behalf of INGAGE.
Nancy Kontney