Rotary seeks volunteers for project in Chile

 

 

Rotarians of District 6420, do you have a passion for teaching English to English language learners? Are you seeking a way to put your Spanish speaking skills to good use? Are you looking for a leadership opportunity?

If so, District 6420 has an opportunity for you.

District 6420 will be sending a Vocational Training Team of up to six people to Combarbala, Chile, the middle two weeks of June (exact dates to be determined) to help English language teachers develop stronger skills sets and develop new strategies and methodologies to better help their students develop stronger English language skills.

The population of Combarbala, 250 miles north of Chile’s capital, Santiago, is nearly 4,700. The community serves a rural area of 7,380 people.

Rotary is seeking applicants from within Rotary District 6420 boundaries who have experience (current or past) teaching English language learners or with ESL programs. Experience with curriculum development is a plus. Spanish speaking skills are required.

One of the team member positions is reserved for a Rotarian, who has the above mentioned skill sets and who also desires to serve as team leader. The team leader will help coordinate travel, develop team cohesion and serve as a facilitator during the team’s travels to Combarbala.

“This project is being timed so teachers can have an opportunity to participate and share their skills with peers from another country. Retirees who have teaching experience are also encouraged to apply,” P. Carter Newton, Vocational Training Team chair said.

“This is an opportunity for northwest Illinois residents to share their skills and of themselves to help those living in another part of the world. We believe that this project will help Combarbala’s young people take advantage of future educational and occupational opportunities,” P. Carter Newton, committee chair noted.

This will be the third Vocational Training Team District 6420 has organized. Previous teams worked in Guatemala and Uganda.

A link to the application can be found on the left navigation bar of the district’s website: rotary6420.org. If you have questions or would like to know more about Rotary or Combarbala, call Newton at 815-777-0019 (business) or 815-777-1765 (home) or email cnewton@galgazette.com. Completed applications can be sent to Newton’s email address.

Team leader interviews will take place on Saturday, Jan. 3 in Sterling. Team member interviews will take place on Saturday, Jan. 10 in Sterling.