News Item: 

A Major Matching Grant in the amount of US$4,500  has been awarded by The Rotary Foundation to the Rotary Club of Topsfield, Boxford and Middleton and the Rotary Club of San Pedro de Macoris. This, together with a contribution of US$3,000 from the Rotary Club of Topsfield, Boxford and Middleton, and a SHARE (DDF) contribution of US$3,000 from District 7930, provide a total project amount of US$10,500 to help deaf and hard of hearing children in The Dominican Republic. The Rotary Club of Topsfield, Boxford and Middleton will coordinate the project internationally and the Rotary Club of San Pedro de Macoris will coordinate the project locally in The Dominican Republic.

The grant specifically supports a school for the deaf called Centro Alternativo Experinmental del Sordo (CAES).    The project embraces distribution and donations of technology, educational materials and supplies, and hearing health services to over 65 students.  Training to teachers and parents will also help prepare this community for better auditory-development and education programs and services for deaf and hard of hearing children learning spoken language.   Donations being accepted now through March 31st include hearing aid batteries (size 13), school supplies, office equipment (file cabinets, corkboards, shelving), baseball gear (gloves, caps, waffle bats, helmets, catchers gear), hearing aid batteries (size 13), hearing aids, and early childhood books in Spanish.

Rotarian Joanne Travers has been working in the Dominican Republic for about 3 years helping schools, parents and teachers learn how to develop spoken language in young deaf and hard of hearing children. She has deployed over $30,000 in technology and has provided 2 intensive training programs each year since her organization became involved in the DR. Her expertise in this field is leading TBM Rotary and the Rotary Club of San Pedro de Macoris in this mission tentatively scheduled for May 28-June 4th, 2005.  Volunteers from the United States include Rotarians, Audiolgists, and Teachers of the Deaf.

The grant does not support the need for acoustic panels and sound proofing materials.  Donations and contributions are welcome to support this critical initiative.  Contact Rotarian Joanne Travers, Executive Director of Partners for A Greater Voice, for further information.  Telephone: 978-312-1200 email: traversjo@comcast.net 

You may also visit www.greatervoice.com for more information on this non-profit 501(c)3 organization.