Fundraising!

So something like this does not happen for free. The whole experience is going to cost about $5000 once you include things like vaccinations and necessary supplies (like a mosquito net and a wind-up flashlight!). We are all being encouraged to fundraise half of our expenses for the trip. If you are interested in contributing and you are a Canadian, I can get you a tax receipt for a donation over $20. If you are not a Canadian but you'd still like to contribute, thank you! But please contact me before you send anything so that I can let you know how best to do it.

Thanks! Merci! Gracias! XieXie!

What is this all about?

My name is Erika and I am a teacher in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. I have been given the amazing opportunity to travel to Kampala, Uganda with a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization called Niteo Africa. We will be gone for two weeks at the end of July with two main goals to attain:

1. to put together a resource center for teachers and children
2. to observe, work with, and learn from teachers in Kampala schools

I can't believe my good fortune in being selected as one of 8 teachers to participate in this project.

As it is a "mission" project (although not a religious mission, it must be called a mission in order to get special flight status!), we are all allowed extra baggage to take on the flight. I am hoping to take two bags of books and sporting supplies to give to the children. Thanks so much for the generosity of my BookCrossing buddies who are already offering to send me books to take. You guys are awesome!

This trip is going to cost about $5000. Each participant is strongly encouraged to fundraise half and is obligated to pay half out of pocket. I have a couple of ideas for fundraising: selling notecards with photos from my trips to China, the Arctic, and Kampala as well as selling 2009 calendars with photos as well. I have not fundraised as an adult before so I am looking for ideas. Any suggestions? Thanks!

NITEO Africa

www.niteoafrica.org

Teaching Together: A Journey in Reflection

Born out of a deep belief in professional educators, this project is designed to EMPOWER and VALIDATE the work and efforts done by teachers in Africa.

Pairing a Canadian teacher with two Ugandan Educational Leaders, they will then teach together in Ugandan schools during the day for two weeks. During that time they will be reflecting on their experiences as professionals in facilitated conversation. In an atmosphere of encouragement and mutual respect they will have a chance to discuss the practice and conceptions of teaching and learning in Uganda and help everyone develop professionally: improving practice and boosting student achievement.

Through this experience the goal is that Canadian and Ugandan teachers will grow in the belief that they can bring about change in their students, community, and world.

I agree with you, Ugandan children have what it takes to impact positive change in the country, and the world, and teachers are a major contributor in helping the children achieve that.
Sheila Tugume, Ugandan patriot