A Child’s Smile…!

“There is in every child at every stage a new miracle of vigorous unfolding, which constitutes a new hope and a new responsibility for all.”    by  Erik Erikson

The ED Salary Support Campaign

ED Salary Support    Goal: $2,500.00       Actual: $2,600.00        Deadline: Achieved

“VICTORY”…how sweet it is!  “Friends”…everyone take a bow and accept the thanks and appreciation for a job done exceptionally well.  This week we officially declare the ED Salary Support Campaign complete and successful.

How sweet is this? “Friends” involved in 2015 may recall that it required a huge local “parking lot” sale in April to get us across the finish line. In 2016, there was a “yard sale” in July that provided the small amount of funds needed to reach our goal. Then, last year we completed our fundraising efforts at the end of February. Declaring victory today makes this even more astounding than last year.

Meadow Elementary School

My instincts told me when “Friends of Copey” first began that kids from places outside of Copey would be a key element associated with this venture. Pen Pal opportunities were considered an excellent way to facilitate awareness and meaningful connections between students at the Learning Center and students attending American schools.

We have had several Pen Pal connections over the four years and each one provided special opportunities for students to learn. Then, with the success of the “Pathway Project”, we have possibly established the ultimate educational form of student to student connection. Copey students traveling to America and interacting with US students a couple of weeks each summer provides extraordinary and mutually beneficial opportunities for learning and discovery.

You have read about Meadow Elementary School in Utah and you know the students collected boxes and boxes of school supplies and materials to donate to the Copey Learning Center. And, you know a team of school representatives (four total) will travel to Copey to personally deliver the supplies.

In hindsight, it was a simple invitation to set up a “Pen Pal” connection with the Meadow Elementary School and the Copey Learning Center which started all this. As often the case, educators quickly see how contact with students from other countries can offer meaningful educational experiences. With the availability of Skype service, students can meet and share time with others from a different culture, different geography, and a different language.

The team heading to Copey will meet the current volunteer teachers working at the Learning Center along with the staff and local community volunteers. All devoted to making a difference in the lives of kids in their community. The team also plans to spend some time volunteering and sharing some of their expertise to help the cause. The Copey community is fully aware of the team’s arrival and be certain the team will return to Utah with lasting memories.

Following the trip to Copey, I expect we will continue with the original plan to establish a “Pen Pal” relationship. I ask all the teachers and staff at Meadow Elementary School, parents, and students to closely follow these events over the next several months. All are welcomed to join “Friends of Copey”…requiring nothing more than a desire to help a community dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the kids in their community.

I hope other schools will recognize the value and the potential educational benefits this can provide. I am always willing to help.