WHS Interact at New Generations Conference

The Westbrook High School Interact Club sent seven students this past weekend to the New Generations Conference. Attendees were treated to a continental breakfast and a couple of ice breakers in the cafeteria where they met and learned about students from other schools.  The energy in the room was high!   Then off to the auditorium for a series of speakers which included a panel discussing Student Exchange, RYLA and Roteract, and a presentation by David Talbot of Crutches 4 Africa, among other speakers.  

 

L-R: Christine Johnson - W-G Rotary, Brianna Garcia,

Natalie Merrill, Letta Oeur - Interact President, 

Reily Schumacher, Courtney Arsenault, Danielle Breunig,

Reilley Joyce, Bruce Dyer - Interact Advisor

 

After a great lunch, keynote speaker Rotarian Deepa Willingham, Founder/Chair of PACE Universal, talked about poverty and illiteracy in the world, especially among girls in developing countries. It is estimated that 600-800 thousand people are trafficked across international borders each year. Most of these are women and girls, including girls as young as 5.  In the US, it is estimated that 14,500 -17500 people are trafficked annually, primarily women and children. Extreme poverty and lack of schooling are significant factors driving these numbers. With no education, the cycle of poverty continues from one generation to the next.

 

 

Promise of Assurance to Children Everywhere (PACE) was established to meet the educational needs of girls in impoverished areas of India and elsewhere. PACE started with 25 students at its pilot learning center in Piyali, India, and now has over 200 girls enrolled. There is currently a second school under construction in Mexico and another planned for Honduras. There is even discussion of establishing a program in Appalachia.  The school provides full education to girls of the community, but also offers programs to their mothers in finance and language skills. In Piyali, this has led to many small businesses that allow women to provide income to the household, raising the standard of living for the entire family.

 

To read more go to: paceuniveral.org or watch this YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/YwEhKu3T51Q