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Local Voices

Cooperative for Education (CoEd)

The Rotary Club of Gig Harbor Midday heard from Stan Liebenberg, of the Rotary Club of Gig Harbor (morning).  He talked about a program he supports - the scholarship program of the Cooperative for Education (CoEd), a Cincinnati-based literacy group which is working to improve the education of students in rural Guatemala. Stan shared that the Rotary Club of Gig Harbor (morning) has supported CoEd for the past 6 years, and he and his wife also personally support their efforts.  CoEd does phenomenal work in Guatemala (check out their website at www.coeduc.org). 

Currently, approximately 70 Rotary Clubs in the US, Canada, and the Cayman Islands; a dozen or so Rotary Districts; and The Rotary Foundation provide financial support to CoEd (as do other foundations, churches, charitable organizations, and individuals).  Basically Stan's appeal centers on the fact that to go to middle school (grades 7-9) as well as high school (grades 10-12) in Guatemala, families have to pay tuition. This is virtually impossible for many of the indigenous population who are subsistence farmers.  However, to get a good job in Guatemala these days takes a 12th grade education.  This virtually assures that the cycle of poverty will continue for another generation unless funds are available to help promising students from poor families to attend grades 7-12. 

To fund a scholarship costs $70/month.  The Olson Foundation in the Rotary Club of Gig Harbor has agreed to fund $10 for each donor.  Stan is proposing a "Fund a Student" drive to secure as many $60 commitments as possible.  If he get donors to sign up for 36 months, then one student from a poor family can go through all of middle school.  If you would like to donate $60 (or more) to this fund or learn more, please contact Stan at stangret45@aol.com.  

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