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CHICLE holds free events at CHICLE several Sundays a month at 5:00 pm. These
are open to the public, not just our students. We have speakers on cultural or political
topics, and, occasionally, a musical presentation. These are our
presently scheduled upcoming events. It is, of course, possible that some events
may change. If you subscribe to our weekly email,
you will receive the most up-to-date information.
July 25, Sunday, 5:00 at CHICLE, Fourth meeting of our Cine Club
 Contact us for more information.
August 29, 2010, Sunday, 5:00 at CHICLE, Talk, Traveling to Ecuador, Melissa Tukey
 On Melissa Tukey's first guided trip to Ecuador, her group visited several schools.The children were bright and eager, but she noticed a grave limitation of educational resources. She returned home to Carrboro with a desire to help these children have access to books. Through the Arajuno Foundation, Melissa founded Fiesta de Libros, and took two Spanish classes at CHICLE to better equip her for her work
The Arajuno Foundation was established by Tom Larson, a former Peace Corps instructor in Ecuador, and a group of involved members based in Omaha who are dedicated to maintaining the fragile ecosystem of the Arajuno River. Melissa's Ecuadorian guide and project partner, Miguel Castanel, and she are the educational arm of the foundation. Tom and the foundation are working with local indigenous people by teaching them how to manage and replenish river resources.
Tom built and owns the lodge. He has ponds on the property for raising both fish and turtles to pass on. He has been instrumental in lowering the incidence of using dynamite to fish the river, a dangerous practice both to fishermen and the environment.
After five additional trips by Melissa to Ecuador, books and other materials have been delivered to two coastal schools, three one-room schools in the Amazon Basin, and several classrooms in Tena. English classes have been initiated at a high school for both students and teachers. Several small groups have accompanied Melissa to experience the culture and ecology of Ecuador as well as perform service in the schools. If you ask Melissa why she does this, she will tell you, "It's my heart". As a newly retired teacher and literacy coach in Chapel Hill, Melissa hopes to be able to devote more time to the project she believes will provide a "window on the world" for Ecuadorian children who have been lacking resources at school.
Travel groups, led by Melissa, spend two nights at the Arajuno Jungle Lodge, and work at three river schools. Because of her relationship with the foundation, groups can now deduct part of their trip from income taxes. The lodge and river schools are reachable by long canoe...lots of fun! The locals take good care of travellers and are extremely helpful and appreciative. So...this particular trip provides experiences in Quito, the Andes, and the Amazon headwaters.
Come to hear more about the project and upcoming trip.
Please call us at (919) 933-0398 or e-mail
us if you want more information. |
