Technology and Information for All (TINFA)

The dedication of Emma Le Du cannot be overstated. When she speaks of Technology and Information for All (TINFA), the enthusiasm is palpable. It was gratifying to be made aware that USR’s support has done much to aid TINFA’s work.

The group practices the doctrine that every person has worth and dignity and is of value to self and others. Their work is with K-12 students in rural Mexico and Guatemala with stress on technology in the classroom. This has been shown to constitute a tool for better education. An additional four schools in Guatemala will soon be in the program.

Emma reiterated how much our support has helped, both in regard to equipment and in the mentoring of teachers in the use of computers. A video showed not only the classes and teachers, but also the affection and appreciation for Emma, et al.

Comment: A happy amalgam of material support + motivation.

International Service Scholarship Banquet and Auction this Saturday

Saturday, May 9th, 6pm to 9pm

International Service Scholarship Banquet and Auction and Fireworks and Unlimited Booze. Come see and support the future of our Rotary club at UW Rotaract’s annual auction and banquet. Are there actually going to be fireworks? Maybe! But really, you should come for the booze, bartended by our very own Dan Newman. For only $25, you get a dinner from Cedar’s, entertainment from this generation’s brightest and best, and your chance to hire them before anyone else does! May 9th, 6pm to 9pm.

Please see the banquet flyer.

Purchase tickets: http://goo.gl/forms/DyzB8Uz9Cu

TINFA gets its first grant!

Because every child deserve a great education!

We support students and teachers in under-served areas of developing countries, through the use of simple and applicable technology in the classroom.

That’s right, today, TINFA received its first grant. We are excited and grateful. Through this generous donation of $6000 from the University Sunrise Rotary club of Seattle, TINFA will be able to provide the equipment kit and the initial training to one additional new school in Guatemala this coming year. We look forward to a long lasting and fruitful partnership with the club.

Thank you!

“Casa de Apoio” in Porto Velho, Brazil

As a result of our involvement in Belem, Brazil, our club was asked by the Rotary Club of Porto Velho-Rio Madeira to be its partner in helping to equip a residence for cancer patients in Porto Velho, Brazil. Porto Velho is an Amazon river town thousands of miles up the Amazon.

This project will benefit about 1000 patients each year. Our club, the club of Porto Velho-Rio Madeira, and districts 5030 and 4720 submitted an application to Rotary International for a World Community Service matching grant, and our matching grant was approved. The project provided Casa de Apoio such things as kitchen equipment, an air conditioner, drinking fountain, rocking chairs, iron, TV, stereo, and computer equipment.

The House of Support was built and is administered by the Rotary Club of Porto Velho-Rio Maderia. The average attendance is 70 people per day. In addition to lodging, they receive coffee, lunch and dinner. The pictures below are of Casa de Apoio and our Brazilian companheiros of the Rotary Club of Porto Velho-Rio Madeira.

Twin Club Project with João Pessoa: Home for Special Needs Children

Trophy The University Sunrise Rotary Club and its twin club, the Rotary Club of João Pessoa, Brazil sponsored a special Christmas Party for the children of the special needs center.

USR provided a grant through its member grants program. Special thanks go to Walter Ribeiro Santos and Emidio Vasconcelos Leitão da Cunha of the João Pessoa club for organizing the celebration.

The photo with the trophy was a demonstration of thanks from the people who work in the Casa, parents and students for your club. I will send you the trophy soon. I guarantee to you that the photos don’t show 10% of how wonderful was the party.
Thank you very much for everything.

Um abraço,
Emidio