Teachers go on mission to help schools abroad
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

INTERNATIONAL GOODWILL—Viewpoint School fifth-grade teacher Caroline Hogg visits with students in grades one and two at Wairiki Primary School in Fiji. Hogg was one of five local teachers to visit the South Pacific on behalf of Global Classrooms for Peace.

Five area women traveled to the island nation of Fiji recently on a mission of education and peace.

Calabasas Viewpoint School teachers Caroline Hogg and Deborah McDonald went to the South Pacific on behalf of the organization Global Classrooms for Peace to help Fijian schools incorporate better teaching techniques and implement a more advanced curriculum.

They were joined by Gina Bryant of Indian Hills High School in Calabasas and Genevieve James of Flory Academy of Science and Technology in Moorpark.

The teachers shared cultural experiences and exchanged ideas on education during the two-week trip from Aug. 1 to 14.

"Global Classrooms for Peace was founded for the purpose to foster peace and understanding through cultural exchange and education," said Global Classroom's founder Lori Hall, a member of the Calabasas Rotary Club.

Rotary helped sponsor the trip.

"In addition, we also help with building and facility improvements so that the children have the opportunity to learn in proper classroom facilities," Hall said.

Among other places, the teachers visited Taveuni, one of 300 islands that make up Fiji. Their adventure began with a sea plane landing and a traditional welcoming ceremony with regional chiefs and warriors.

The women then traveled to different schools and met with the local teachers and students.

"I end my day with asking my students if they wouldn't mind singing the Fijian National Anthem, and they oblige me happily," Bryant wrote in her blog. "They sing in perfect unison, and harmony. I watch one of my new students, Apenisa, while he sings with closed eyes, and a large smile. I don't think any country has a more beautiful song, or more compelling singers."

Hogg, a second-grade teacher who lives in Simi Valley, said she enjoyed learning about the culture of the faraway island.

"Friday night a group of village students came to Maravu to perform traditional dances for us," Hogg wrote. "The movements were so beautiful and graceful. The program ended with our students inviting us to dance with them. It felt like our week had come full circle as our students became our teachers."

Calabasas Rotary Club threw a fundraising party for Global Classrooms for Peace in September, which raised $10,000. The amount was then matched by the Rotary Club.

The program is supported by the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Millennium Challenge Organization, the Conejo Teachers Association and Rotary International.

To see more pictures and read the teacher blogs, visit www.calabasasrotary.com. For more about Global Classrooms, go to globalclassroomsforpeace.com.