At this Monday’s Meeting we welcomed Pam Carne as our Guest Speaker. Pam outlined a very interesting Rotary project called Teacher in a Box. Pam explained that essentially it provides people with offline access to an extensive array of FREE educational and training materials via any wi-fi enabled device.
What captured my interest is that No Internet access is required.
This project supports self paced learning as well as classroom teaching and has a Hugh impact where there are limited teaching resources or where teachers have limited training or education.
Together with a group of Crows Nest Rotarians I attended Neuroblastoma Australia’s Sienna’s Gala Dinner last Friday night. Our Club was a Platinum Sponsor for this event. We heard from Sienna’s Mum Lucy, Professor Murray Norris from the Children’s Cancer Institute and the encouraging research and drugs being trialled , and Stephanie, whose daughter Saskis has been diagnosed with Neuroblastoma and is undergoing chemotherapy . There were times that a few tears were shed by me as I listened and watched a video of these brave beautiful children suffering from Neuroblastoma. I am proud that Our Club, could, via this event, help raise funds for children’s cancer research.
I have asked that the Thank You letter from Lucy be part of this Bulletin. Please watch the video included .
Neuroblastoma Australia’s Office is in Crows Nest and I have asked Lucy Jones to please come and give an update about the research being sponsored by this Charity.
Next Meeting Monday - 7th March 2019 - ‘Club Discussion'
President Sue will chair an update on the club activities including a result of the vote to merge districts.
Last Monday's Meeting, the 4th March - our Speaker was
Pam Carne of Blacktown Rotary, spoke to us about the ‘Teacher in a Box’ project.
Triggered by a visit to Africa in 2014, fellow Rotarian Jeanette of the Paddington club tackled the problem of children’s education without the Internet. Teacher in a Box involves getting 2nd hand laptops (mainly from e-waste). Then they are stripped & cleaned, before uploading education videos. These videos & other material include the usual educational material for children, but also music, medical advice, growing of food, peace building and UNESCO library to name a few. What was fascinating was the wide application of these preloaded Laptops. Students in Africa doing engineering degrees, Kid’s hospital in Manilla continuing a child’s education in bed and villages developing vegetable gardens for their food. Other countries include PNG, Cambodia & Liberia.
We ended the session with a very informative demonstration. We thank Pam for a very informative session on a device we should be able to use on our international projects. More information at teacherinabox.org.au
A group us attended Neuroblastoma Gala Dinner - A successful evening enjoyed by the members who attended. It was satisfying to see where our money goes and how it will be spent. Sue has invited Director Lucy Jones to visit our club.
Thank you letters received from Mary's House and ShelterBox
Rotaract of North Sydney has been established – we will monitor with interest
President Sue requests that this week we vote on whether the merger discussion should proceed.
Subcommittee meeting this week for the 50th birthday celebrations – watch this space.
Tom Sweeney has reserved 10 seats for club members for Joy’s new play Caravan – please reply directly to Tom ASAP.
Reminders
Friday 29th - 31st March 2019 - District Conference in Newcastle. Members asked to consider
Club Directors Meeting at the Church Hall, the 7th April at 6pm
District Assembly - Sunday 14th of April - New board members please register.
Tuesday 29th April 2019 - our Club’s 50th Birthday Celebrations!! Confirmed for the Kirribilli Club - invites will be issued next week.
