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| How Can YOU Help?!!? |
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| Hello, my name is Chantel Sloan and I am a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bulgaria, which is a small country in Eastern Europe just north of Greece. I am a 24-year-old graduate of Atlanta Christian College in Atlanta, Georgia, with a degree in Elementary Education. I came to Bulgaria in June 2001 in order to serve my country and the country of Bulgaria, while teaching English to Bulgarian school children to give them an opportunity for a brighter future, as well as act as a “springboard” that will allow the children to believe in themselves, succeed, and strive for a promising tomorrow. I teach English in Western Bulgarian in the small town of Samokov, which has a population of about 30,000 inhabitants. Samokov is composed of 1/3 of the Roma (gypsy) population as well as Bulgarians of various backgrounds and socioeconomic status. The primary school in which I teach strives to educate Bulgarian children in the arts as well as to keep Roma children in the school system, many of whom drop out by the ages of eleven, twelve, and thirteen. I teach five groups of fifth and sixth grade students and I teach English with one other colleague, who also teaches many groups of students each day. Teaching in Bulgaria is filled with a litany of rewards and challenges, but every day brings experiences that I will cherish and remember for the rest of my life. My colleagues and I face an incredible challenge every time we enter the classroom. We are left to teach classes without any resources in a school with little money and capability to supply these resources. The result? The endless use of outdated textbooks, voluminous notes and lectures, and students whom have never truly experienced the joy of learning. Each day, as I enter my classroom in Bulgaria, I long for materials that will make my lessons come alive and open up a world of opportunity for my students. As a teacher, I see this as a disappointment; however, as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I see this as my mission! Therefore, I have set out to supply the materials that will provide my students and my colleagues with much needed resources. My ultimate goal is to provide a Language Resource Center for my school in order to make language learning an important part of Bulgarian society in the hopes of providing a better tomorrow for the Bulgarian people. In addition, because English is not the only language of opportunity for the Bulgarian children, I am also hoping to obtain materials in French and German. THIS is where YOU can help… What do we need? · Books for all ages and abilities (from easy children’s books, to slightly difficult chapter books and class sets), · Videotapes (both movies and learning tapes), we need learning games and flashcards/pictures in order to further language learning, · Encyclopedias, Bulgarian-English Dictionaries, English Dictionaries and Thesauruses, · Various suitable magazines (such as National Geographic, People, Highlights, Time, etc.) · Cassette tapes and compact discs of songs and stories, · Toys and hands-on materials to enhance language learning, · Jigsaw puzzles, colorful posters, and various maps, · A television as well as a multi-system VCR (for American and European videos!), · A dry erase board, markers and erasers, · A copy machine, · An overhead projector and overhead sleeves and markers, · A CD player, · Activities books/games for teachers, · Computer or electronic games, · Visual aides of all kinds, stickers, and stamps, · Products such as colorful paper, poster board, and Crayola markers, As you can see, we need a vast array of learning materials, which will enhance, strengthen, and enliven the language learning of children in Bulgaria. Where can you find such materials? · Many of you may decide to hold drives and events at your school, church, or workplace requesting donations for the children in Bulgaria, · Some of you may visit libraries, schools, and shops asking for donations for this noble cause, · Still, others may decide to send money or purchase items at stores, teacher supply shops, and book or toy stores. · Some of you also know others who would gladly donate items or money to Bulgarian schoolchildren. What address should materials/donations be sent to? · Educational materials can be sent, through "book" or "M-Bag" (ask your local post office!) rates to: Chantel A. Sloan Peace Corps P.O. Box 259 Sofia, 1000 Bulgaria Be sure to mark all boxes/packages as “Educational Materials” or “Books”! If you choose to donate money, even just a dollar or two, e-mail me (pcvteach@hotmail.com) as soon as possible. Thank you, in advance, for your willingness to help. With your assistance and donations you will become a vital part of the U.S. Peace Corps mission, as we strive to bring about a better tomorrow and work together to provide a brighter future for children all over the world! Best regards, Chantel A. Sloan Peace Corps Volunteer, Bulgaria (2001-2003) |
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