Today I start my vacation!! Sara (my girlfriend from America) is coming in tonight and on Saturday we leave for Dubai and Istanbul. Expect a much more lively post with a lot of pictures after she leaves on the 22nd.
Before I left, I wanted to update everyone on where I stand with my projects. First is my Internet project with my NGO. Yesterday we went to Yerevan and purchased four new computers for our training center, and Sara is bringing a new laptop and projector from the States for the training center. We also finished installing our new WiFi Internet system, which allows for easy access to the Internet for 2 towns and 6 villages in our region (covers about 30,000 people). Needless to say it is coming along very well and I’m very happy with the results so far. Our goal is to increase Internet usage within the region by 300% by the end of the year, and we are well on our way!
The second major development is we acquired funding for wheelchair accessibility at School #2 in Noyemberyan. The Yerevan International Women’s Council provided us almost $1,500 of funding to build two new ramps to make the school fully accessible to students with disabilities. Next year, the school will be offering special education courses in partnership with a national NGO, “Bridge of Hope.” Construction should begin after I return from my vacation and be finished by early June.
The final big project, and the one for which I am now asking for assistance, is International Outreach Camp. The camp will bring 30 international students and 70 Armenian students together in July to discuss civic leadership issues and to develop skills to study countries and cultures effectively. I am very excited about the promise of this camp. The official website for the camp is http://www.iocoalition.org (Armenia’s camp info).
This is where you come in! I recently submitted a Peace Corps Partnership Project, which allows donors from America, both individuals and orgainizations, to make tax-deductable donations to volunteer and community-sponsored projects. There are 12 Peace Corps volunteers involved directly with this camp, and speaking for our group, we would appreciate you support in helping us fulfill our financial needs to ensure the camp is successful. Donating is easy and can be done online through the Peace Corps website:
https://www.peacecorps.gov/resources/donors/contribute/projdetail.cfm?projdesc=305-029
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One Response:
May 11th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Kyle,
Have a great, much deserved vacation with Sara. I look forward to your pictures. Sounds like you are really moving along with your projects. We’ve been in touch with Sarah in regards to donations for the camp. Take care have fun!
Mrs. Z.