2013 Outbound (Nigeria) Group Study Exchange Team Visits Club
July 23rd Meeting
Candy introduced outbound group study exchange team leader, Rotarian Sheila Rollins who described a visit full of amazing experiences, overwhelming emotions and great hosts! Also present was Steve Nappi, a special education teacher at Clickman Academy and Kaitlyn Oddy, a USM grad student who along with Bob Wallstrom comprised the team. Both Steve & Kaitlyn presented their impressions.
“Arriving in Abuja, Nigeria the team wasted no time in visiting special needs facilities where teachers and directors were interested in having the team share their vast knowledge and experience in working with special needs children. The team also enjoyed visiting local Rotary clubs and touring the growing and wonderful city of Abuja.
“Each school presented the opportunity to collaborate with teachers and administrators on techniques and to share ideas. We also were able to see first-hand what the needs of the schools were.
“For me, another important aspect of this trip was the ability to connect with Rotarians. I have always believed that Rotary is an extension of my family. I now know first-hand that this is true. In Nigeria, the Rotarians that hosted us and took us around were incredibly giving and caring. Day in and out they tirelessly took the team around to schools, Rotary meetings, and made sure our personal needs were attended to.”
The former Group Study Exchange whose participants were multi-disciplined is now called Vocation Exchange which focuses on a single discipline which this year was special needs children. Sheila Rollins is the District Governor elect for 2015.