DISASTER!
For the past two years, Teachers Without Borders has been working extensively with teacher leaders in science-inquiry training in Dujiangyan which has suffered immense damage. At least 19,000 people have lost their lives, many of whom are children. The toll could rise to 50,000. Landslides, power failures, and destroyed mobile towers have made it extremely difficult to communicate. The threat of broken dams and inclement weather have made rescue and recovery efforts extraordinarily treacherous.
See: www.founder.twbtools.com
MOST OF ALL, WE NEED IDEAS and INVOLVEMENT. Please use this blog as a vehicle for participating in a global collaboration of teachers and students. We’ll post your ideas, comments, and experiences. If you wish to donate, we’ll find the right place for you.
What We’re Doing
First and foremost, we’re gathering information - with support. This is the exact area where we work and has been one of the hardest hit; the loss of life of students and teachers is devastating. Information is key, and then we will act.
* The Agilent Foundation, responsible for funding and providing expertise for our operations in Dujiangyan for the past two years, will work with us closely to ensure that the funding for 2008 is put to best use.
* The Rockefeller Bros. Charitable Fund, representing an anonymous donor, has also given us the discretion to use their allocation of funds (originally intended for our science-inquiry training) to do the right thing - help teachers and students.
We have an obligation to the people we serve and who have given us so much. We also have an obligation to honor the intention and good will of all those who seek to lend a hand in this hour of need.
Teachers Without Borders has been the only organization with direct activities and government access in the area. In fact, we are no longer considered “outside” anymore. The Bureau of Education is our close friend and they need our help. Our work (and that for which we are responsible), therefore, must be practical, focused, supervised, transparent, and accountable.
There are several possibilities we can initiate or support (school rebuilding; counseling; directed training for teachers who run tent-schools), but they are merely abstractions until we know more. We are determined, as well, that funds are spent appropriately and efficiently. Again, add your comments and check back often for updates.
