19 minute read
Rotary Work in Ethiopia - “Teachers for Teachers”
Dave Bennet, Rotary Member, Neepawa
From October 16 to November 24, 2015, eight retired teachers from MB and SK and one public health nurse from MB participated in a Rotary International Mentorship program in Ethiopia. The Vocational Training Team (VTT) which worked as resource personnel and mentors with teachers in schools in Bahir Dar was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Prince Albert, SK and was received by the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa West in Ethiopia. The Canadian group included the Team leader, Rotarian Chris Clinton from Prince Albert, Linda Johnstone, Lynda Richard and Nancy Cosway from Winnipeg, Bill Taylor and Al Razzaghi from Brandon, Betty Arscott from Saskatoon, and Jane Parrott and Jack Phalen from Prince Albert. All team members found it to be a very challenging but also a very rewarding experience.
Rotary District 5550 is planning to send another VTT (Vocational Training Team) this time to Guatemala. Again it will be an educational mentoring program which is being planned for February 2017 and will involve 4 teachers (retired or active) and a Rotary team leader. Language experience in Spanish would be an asset. Applicant deadline is June 17, 2016. Contact VTT Chair Gailmarie Anderson at (306) 752-5870 or (306) 921-9788 (cell) or Email: melfort.museum@sasktel. net for further information. If you receive your copy of KIT after this deadline you may contact the Chair to see if applicants may still apply.
Below is part of the report by one of the VTT Ethiopia participants. Some others will appear in future issues of KIT.
Report by Nancy Cosway - Public Health Nurse - Winnipeg
This report is a summary of my activities as one member of the nine member VTT team. There were challenges throughout the project duration, yet I feel that I accomplished the task which I was set out to achieve. My focus was on the WASH club and menstrual hygiene at three schools, and responsibility for the distribution of 80 “Days for Girls” kits with soap. After a brief assessment of the water and toilet situation at all three schools, the following activities were implemented.
Dilchibo School - Grades 5 to 8
I met with the WASH club advisor, Mr. Amsalu, and provided bars of soap brought by the team, that could be hung at the hand washing facility at the school. On his initiative, a plastic container with a tap was placed outside in the area of the main taps and a bar of soap tied with a cord to the tree so that the children could use the soap when washing their hands. After the first day this soap disappeared, so a mechanism to monitor the use of the soap was put in place. Future plans include putting plastic washing stands at the girls’ and boys’ latrines as there are no washing facilities there.
I worked with four Physical Education teachers to provide educational interventions on WASH with Grades 5 to 8. The focus was on disease prevention and critical times for hand washing. I used word search, making a poster, demonstration and discussion and games to provide the instruction. I interacted with 15 classes with a total of 791 students, and attended the Girls Club meetings with the teacher, Ms. Meserat. We discussed the issues the girls are facing –a lack of washing facility, lack of privacy, lack of supplies, no safe space for girls, etc. I had visited a rural school earlier and encouraged the teacher to consider a similar space for girls at Dilchibo school. Ms. Meserat assured me that something would be done very soon.
Days for Girls Activities (www.daysforgirls.org)
The distribution of the “Days for Girls” kits was very exciting. I was able to arrange for several contacts in Bahir Dar with women who are interested in becoming involved in the production, education and distribution of locally made kits - a wonderful sustainability solution.
Felege Abay School - Grades 1 to 4 and a Special Needs class. The water supply was at one side of the school property and the latrines were at the other side. There was no tap water available. Soap was provided to the principal to distribute to the teachers for use by the children. I interacted with Grade 4 classes on hand washing, and provided English teaching aids to Ms. Genet, the teacher, who was going to translate them into Amharic and make posters. I observed the Special Needs Children washing their hands with soap before eating. I also was involved with the ten female Special Needs students and talked to them and their mothers about care of the body. ¡
Seniors Vote 2016
John Sushelnitsky, Co-Chair, Political Advocacy
On April 14, 2016, The Seniors Vote 2015 Coalition held its third media press conference at the Barbara Mitchell Resource Centre at 51 Morrow Ave., Winnipeg.
The coalition consists of the following organizations: • Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba • Manitoba Association of Senior Centres • Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba • Transportation Options Network for Seniors • The Canadian Association for Retired Persons (CARP) – West Winnipeg • The Federation des Aines Franco – Manitobans
Inc. (FAFM) • Long Term and Continuing Care Association
Manitoba
The first speaker was Jim Ewanchuk of the Active Living Coalition. He was followed by Peggy Prendergast of RTAM. The third speaker was Tom Farrel of the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres. The script, strategy and organization details were crafted by Adam Dooley who introduced the speakers. These speeches were featured in both the Free Press and the Winnipeg Sun.
Other media attending were the CBC and CTV and the University of Winnipeg. Even some politicians were there, with the election to follow in five days! All in all, the press conference was a very effective platform to project our concerns for seniors. ¡
Tribute To Mr. K.
Connor Derraugh
Iwent to Charleswood Junior High and in Grade 9 I had to make a decision on what High School I would go to. Shaftesbury was my catchment school and Oak Park was also close by, but I had met Mr. K. when he helped out at Charleswood and really enjoyed the way that he taught. I went to the open house at Vincent Massey and visited with Mr. Kristjanson. After we talked, I told my parents that I don’t need to go to the other open houses, Massey was where I wanted to go.
Ever since Grade 7, I wanted to be a U of M Jazz Studies student. In my Grade 9 year, 7 of the 15 students accepted into the Jazz program were from Vincent Massey. I knew that it was because of Mr. K. I couldn’t wait to learn from him and be in his program.
Three months later in May, 2010, I went in for a routine day surgery to repair a deviated septum in my nose. Something went wrong and I ended up having a brain hemorrhage, which left my right side paralyzed and left me in the hospital for a month instead of one day. When I came home from the hospital, I couldn’t make a sound on the piano with my right hand. I thought my future was shattered.
When I went to Vincent Massey that fall, I didn’t know anyone. I was at a new school in a new neighbourhood. I was 15 years old, scared, lonely and lost, trying to deal with a new disability.
I could only play the piano with my left hand, but Mr. K. still placed me in the Senior Jazz Band. I was shocked!
Mr. K. said that he put me in the Grade 12 band for three reasons. The students were more mature and would treat me better. The rehearsals were during regular school hours so my day would be shorter and less tiring. But the big reason was because he thought that musically, that’s where I belonged.
Mr. K. believed in me, and because he believed in me, I started to believe in myself.
Mr. K. told me that the band room at Massey would become my second home, and it was. It was where I felt safe and accepted. It even became my locker! Every day I just threw my backpack and sax beside the piano and sat down and started playing. I didn’t know where my actual locker was for all of high school!
Mr. K. kept a watchful eye over me all through high school and helped me to regain my confidence and my right hand. In Grade 10, I would be playing piano with just my left hand, and Mr. K. would walk over and place my right hand on the piano and say, “You can do this”. He couldn’t have been more kind and supportive to me.
One month into Grade 12, Mr. K. got sick and had to have surgery himself. He was not at school for several months. We all really missed him. While he was gone, I wrote a song for him titled, “All You Need is the Letter K.” I rehearsed it with the jazz ensemble at school, and when he came to our Christmas jazz concert, we played it for him. He was very surprised and honoured.
When I graduated from Massey, Mr. K. invited me back to volunteer and help out with the jazz program. I loved it! It was another great chance to work with my favourite teacher in my favourite room. I still go back and help at Massey in May and June when University is over.
I just finished my third year of Jazz Studies at the University of Manitoba, and I have a very special person to thank for getting me there, Mr. Bill Kristjanson. Mr. K. helped me heal and made me a better musician. But above all, he made me a better person.
People often talk about that special teacher that inspired them and changed their lives. For me, that special teacher was Mr. Kristjanson. ¡
IN MEMORIAM
We remember these RTAM colleagues for their years of educational service to Manitoba’s children and youth. The list covers names received from TRAF as of April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.
Ettie Ackman, Winnipeg Jean (Dulcie) Anderson, Carman Marion R. Bachman, Victoria, BC Raymond R. Bailey, Winnipeg Eric Bartz, Winnipeg Eveline L. Berube, Winnipeg Ronald M. Bodner, Winnipeg Russell F. Bodnar, Winnipeg Ernest D. Boguski, Roblin Jane Bosace, Winnipeg Albert D. Brady, Winnipeg Douglas E. Bridge, Winnipeg Richard N. Burkett, North Saanich, BC Arthur Buss, Victoria, BC Elizabeth A. Caldwell, Winnipeg Henri P. Caron, Winnipeg Barbara Chapman, Erickson William D. Chapman, St. Claude Jeannette I. Charbonneau, Winnipeg Claudia Cheslock, Selkirk Joyce E. Coulson, Sandy Lake Gerald M. Curle, Carberry Beverly Anne Dalman, Winnipeg Joseph G.A. Degen, Winnipeg J.A. Bertrand Delaquis, Winnipeg M.A. Russell Denton, Winnipeg Stanley A. Didkowski, Winnipeg Barbara Linda Drouin, Winnipeg Aline M.E. Duval, Winnipeg Tina Dyck, Winnipeg Thomas A. Edwards, Neepawa Sarah Fehr, Winnipeg William G. Fernie, Winnipeg Daniel R. Filipowich, St. Andrews Anna B. Firman, Winnipeg Frances Fredette, Winnipeg Elizabeth Friesen, Winnipeg Alison A. Glassco, Winnipeg Neil Goertzen, Gladstone Cesar S. Gonzales, Brandon Ruth Hallonquist, Winnipeg Olga Hanchar, Calgary, AB Betty E. Helgason, Ashern Faye Lynn Henoch, Winnipeg Marjorie K. Hindley, Bridgewater, NS Frank J. Horner, Calgary, AB Eleanor M. Ingalls, Oakville, ON Thomas J. Irwin, Petersfield Elizabeth M. Irwin, Winnipeg Isabel M. Jeffery, Winnipeg Helen Johnson, Watrous, SK Paul Kereliuk, Winnipeg Edith M. Little, Eriksdale Nicholas Kohuch, Winnipeg Linda M. Kohut, Winnipeg Eleanor H.A. Kowalewich, Winnipeg Annemarie Kramer, Winnipeg Benjamin P. Kubrakovich, Gimli Albert G. Labun, Winnipeg Margaret Sue Lafreniere, Cartier M. Eileen Laing, Morden Janis Lamb, Winnipeg Paul Andrew Laval, Souris Rowena M. Lawrence, Winnipeg Helen Letkemann, Winkler Victor Loewen, Winnipeg Helen Logan, Winnipeg Constance L. Lyman, Grandview Beatrice M. MacKenzie, Winnipeg David D. Maharaj, Winnipeg Leslie May Malcolmson, Winnipeg Donna P. Manahan, Winnipeg M. Jean McConnell, Brandon Frank McKinnon, Calgary, AB Alan McKnight, Killarney Marion Mills, Winnipeg Jeannette T. Morgan, Qualicum Beach, BC Surinder Mullick, Steinbach Evangeline Mundell, Brandon Ida Irene Murdoch, Winnipeg John I. Naherny, Mission, BC Deirdre P. Nancoo, Winnipeg Elisabeth Nash, Winnipeg Ann O. Nazeravich, Winnipeg Ellen Jean Neelin, Stonewall Kay Lynne Neubuhr, Flin Flon Eleonore G. Neufeld, Winkler David A. Osborne, Winnipeg Ernest Pankratz, Winnipeg Ida J. Patterson, Edena, MN Emily Pawlyk, Winnipeg Hardy J. Penner, Winnipeg Peter F. Penner, Winnipeg Phyllis A. Popham, Duncan, BC Guenter Poschadel, Winnipeg Asa L. Reid, Portage la Prairie A. Irene Rempel, Winnipeg Waldemar Rempel, Steinbach Barbara Ann Rhind-Harrison, Portage la Prairie M. Jean Robinson, Winnipeg J. Elizabeth Ruby, Winnipeg Beach Shirley M. Rypp, Winnipeg Carl J. Safnuk, Kelowna, BC Sylvia Samuel, Winnipeg Steven Scrupa, Neepawa Irvin Sera, Winnipeg Diana E. Shapiro, Calgary, AB Audrey J. Simon, Neepawa Mohindar Singh, Winnipeg Valentine L. Smyth, Winnipeg Elizabeth S. Sneesby, Neepawa Dorothy J. Spalding, Whitehorse, YT Herbert M. Spencer, Winnipeg Dorothy J. Stewart, Dominion City Robert E. Still, Winnipeg Kenneth J. Stobbe, Dauphin Lawrence P. Suchar, Oakbank Walter D. Suderman, Sooke, BC Nancy J. Tardiff, Winnipeg Verna F. Taylor, Winnipeg Eric D. Taylor, London, ON Barbara A. Thompson, Winnipeg Leona J. Tomchuk, Winnipeg Mary E. Toombs, Winnipeg John R. Topping, Camp Morton Iris S. Torfason, Calgary AB Pamela A. Tottle, Winnipeg Joe W. Tysarski, Grandview Lynda D. Unrau, Winnipeg L. Jean Walker, Winnipeg H. Marlene Websdale, Winnipeg Ellen E. Wherrett, Winnipeg Jean S. Williamson, Winnipeg Alice Winia, High River, AB M. Frances Winters, Okotoks, AB Michael W. Witt, Winnipeg Leslie B. Wrightson, Parksville, BC
Mary-Anne Slegers
RTAM Executive Director
Mary-Anne Slegers accepted the position of Executive Director, RTAM effective March 1, 2016. As the Executive Director, a position new to RTAM, Mary-Anne will be working with the President and the Board of Directors as the organization defines its future direction and develops a strategic plan to direct growth. She will be responsible for managing, developing and implementing the administrative and operational systems necessary to support the Board.
Mary-Anne comes to RTAM with a wealth of work experience and skill in the areas of planning, policy development and implementation and fiscal, organizational and administrative management, complimented by a Bachelor of Education with an Accounting major.
Mary-Anne is excited to be joining RTAM in the new position of Executive Director at a time when the organization is growing and expanding in its role as a strong voice for retired teachers in Manitoba. ¡
LIFE MEMBERS
FEBRUARY, 2016 Alyce Budinsky, Winnipeg Sheila Calof, Winnipeg Irene E. Crofts, Winnipeg Paul Moroz, Winnipeg Frank Senkow, Arborg
MARCH, 2016 Anne M. Bazan, Winnipeg Kathleen Major, Victoria, BC
APRIL, 2016 Anne Boschman, Abbotsford, BC L. Joyce Cawston, Virden Eleanor M. Sparling, Calgary, AB
Brandon Chapter AGM
Meryl Orth
Westman Retired Educators’ Association (WREA) April Meeting with guest Marvin Krawec, President of RTAM.
We were delighted to welcome RTAM President Martin Krawec to our April Chapter meeting and AGM. Chapter President Meryl Orth welcomed and presented Mavin with a memento of appreciation from WREA members. We then all listened as Marvin explained what is currently happening with RTAM in the province. He spoke on financial issues as well as the importance of RTAM members with respect to volunteerism in the community and how we help do millions of dollars of work for free. Wow, was that ever astounding to learn. After a delicious home cooked meal, prepared by our caterer, Shirley Shwaluk, we forged ahead with our AGM. Important issues, such as our donation boxes, laying a wreath at Remembrance Day Services and door prizes, were discussed and voted on.
We happily elected Judy Olmstead as our 20162017 President. We had a brief discussion on our Chapter Initiative Grant event which is a bus trip in to Winnipeg. Then 25 members are going on a guided tour of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. There,we will take some time to explore all that The Forks has to offer before beginning our long trek home!
We ended our meeting with a presentation by Bill Taylor on his recent trip over to Ethiopia Africa, with Rotary International VTT Program, where he shared pictures and his experience over there. This was an eye opening presentation where we learned what the conditions are in the educational system over there. It is a real privilege to be a teacher here in Brandon. ¡
Retired Women Teachers’ Association
Ruth Hartnell
I’d like to invite all women retired teachers to join our organization.The RWTA has been active for 65 years with the goals of dealing with problems concerning the welfare of our members and providing an opportunity for them to continue social relationships. Our lunches held four times a year, are a good means of meeting new people and reconnecting with our retired friends/colleagues. The lunches are held at the MASONIC CENTRE, 420 Corydon Avenue, (Confusion Corner) Winnipeg. For more information, please contact CECILE ALERIESKENE –phone 204-256-6176 or email caskene@mymts.net. We look forward to welcoming you on the following lunch dates;
SEPTEMBER 29, 2016, DECEMBER 8, 2016,
FEBRUARY 23, 2017 and APRIL 20, 2017 These dates include a delicious meal and entertainment for $20, and as our annual membership is only $8.00, one of the best bargains in town.
We hope to see you there! ¡
It’s all about friendship. The Bear Clan and the Retired Women Teachers’ Association of MB joined hands in the Friendship Dance at a recent members’ event. All retired women teachers are invited to join in fun and friendship for RWYA’s 65th anniversary luncheon. SAVE THE DATE! SEPTEMBER 29 at the Masonic Temple, Corydon Avenue at Osborne St. To reserve your place ($20.00) for this special get together please call Brenda by September 20 at 204-284-1437.
The Great gathering . . . From page 18 Le Grand rassemblement . . . de la page 18
meeting was videotaped and another 360 persons followed the discussions live via the website of La Liberté, the French newspaper.
Many and various concerns were identified both in the report and at the gathering, where suggestions and concrete actions were also requested and offered by participants. These will be reviewed and an action plan will be proposed at the next AGM of the SFM on October 13, 2016, at the Université de Saint-Boniface.
An English version of the full report, “Des voix qui rassemblent: parcours identitaires, défis et aspirations de la francophonie manitobaine”, can easily be found at the following link: www.sfm.mb.ca. ¡ rassemblées au Centre scolaire Léo-Rémillard pour recevoir le rapport et en discuter. La rencontre fut filmée et 360 autres personnes ont pu la suivre en direct par webdiffusion sur le site de La Liberté. De nombreux défis furent identifiés au cours de la journée, et des suggestions d’actions espérées et possibles furent offertes par des participants. Tout ceci sera étudié et un plan d’action sera proposé à la prochaine AGA de la SFM le 13 octobre 2016 à l’Université de Saint-Boniface. Une version complète du rapport «Des voix qui rassemblent: parcours identitaires, défis et aspirations de la francophonie manitobaine» se trouve au lien suivant: www.sfm.mb.ca. ¡
WREA Chapter Initiative Grant –
Trip to the Canadia Museum for Human Rights Meryl Orth
The Westman Retired Educators’ Association (Brandon) Chapter chose May 5, 2016, to go and tour the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. What a day to choose! The hottest day of the year, with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees! We began the journey on a bright 8:30 a.m. meeting at the Wal-Mart parking lot, where Judy Olmstead took a photo op of the event.
We boarded the bus and were on the road by 9 a.m. Taking a bag lunch, we ate on the bus and upon arriving at the museum, we were ready for our tour. The 60 minute tours turned out to be almost 120 minutes; the guides were kind enough to add on additional sections, with lots of information for us to absorb. We saw 6 out of the 7, galleries. We could choose to tour the Tower of Hope. The tour guides helped us understand the Museum’s mandate: “to explore the subject of human rights with special, but not exclusive, reference to Canada, in order to enhance the public’s understanding of human rights, to promote respect for others and to encourage reflection and dialogue.”
The architecture of the Museum is not just beautiful – it’s full of symbolism. We found out what the architect’s vision was and also the significance of the site was, as well as “the raw power” of the building’s design and materials. After the tour, many felt that though much was explained in the galleries, further visits would be necessary to really explore every gallery in detail.
We, interestingly, discovered that the galleries change approximately every six months, except for the Holocaust Gallery and Indigenous Perspectives.
It was so interesting to learn about the design and structure of the museum and that the private sector had raised the largest amount of money in Canada for the building of this museum. We were told how the museum is always observant of what is occurring in the world in terms of human rights and always changing to incorporate any other events or situations involving human rights.
We ended the day by taking a quick trip to The Forks, where everyone enjoyed choosing their supper from the marvelous assortments offered by the many restaurants.
A very satisfied and happy group boarded the bus for home. ¡
Okanagan Chapter AGM
L. to R. Roy Lycar, Jim Patterson, Nancy Kostiuk, Ken Ferg, Sue Forsyth, Lorne & Sue Lisik, Gene Ferg, Mary Fabris, Lorna Rothwell, and May Botterill.
