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U.S. and Mexican Rotatians Work to Expand Akumal Montessori |
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 The Foothills Rotary Club of Fort Collins celebrated 30 years of its existence in 2007 and to commemorate that event, decided to find an international service project of its own. For many years, the club (along with other Rotary clubs in Fort Collins) made periodic financial contributions to international service projects through Rotary International. As a result of existing contacts that two club members (Art Bavoso and Ron Rockvam) had in Mexico, a match was found with fellow Rotarians in the Playa Del Carmen Rotary Club in the state of Quintana Roo. Specifically, the two service clubs are collaborating on work to expand the Escuela Otoch Paal Montessori in the pueblo of Akumal, Mexico.  In essence, thanks to the tireless efforts of some devoted people in Colorado, the Montessori preschool in Akumal is able to continue its efforts to provide high quality early education services to local children. Collaborations such as these are truly inspiring, as the donors expect nothing more in return than a “thank you.” As one Foothills Club members says: “Come to the school, and see the children, and the teachers. What a worthwhile project this is!!”  How you can help. As a non-profit community-based learning center, Otoch Paal does not generate sufficient funds to pay for all necessary school improvements. Monetary donations and donations in kind are always welcome. Donations can be made directly at the school. Or more information can be found at: montessoriaroundtheworld.org/otoch.html. The Rotary Club of Fort Collins, Colorado has already raised money for one new roof but they are still working on raising funds for the second (and last) grass roof that needs to be replaced at Otoch Paal). If you are interested in donating to the roof project, please contact Foothills Rotary Club Members Art Bavoso (art@thirdsector.biz) or Ron Rockvam (dvantage@msn.com). Are you associated with a Montessori school that could donate used learning materials for the preschool/kindergarten classroom? Contact Eleonor Bermudez Ferrer, of Otoch Paal, at: leocancun@hotmail.com or Ellie Zucker, parent, at: elzucker@aol.com. Directions to Otoch Paal: The school is located near the back of Akumal Pueblo, on the Northern edge of the town. It can be reached by following the Pueblo’s main street (avenida) to the fourth block on the right hand side of the street. After passing the secondary and kindergarten schools (which are on the main street), turn right at the corner where the kindergarten is located and continue to the next corner. Otoch Paal is next to the kindergarten and the entrance is at the far corner, near the town’s edge. |
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