June 14, 2014 was the day of our final meeting before the departure of all three LearnServe Abroad groups, the LearnServe Abroad Send-Off Reception – time for last minute preparations, passport checks, and lesson plans for teaching in country, as well as final words of encouragement from our supporters of the embassies of Jamaica and Paraguay (representatives of Embassy of Zambia unfortunately could not attend), the IMF as well as alumni. Students, teachers, parents and families had time to ask last minute questions – from the practical (Will they be able to have a shower every day? Do laundry?) to the philosophical (How will you help them process the poverty they will see?).
A big thank you to our key note speakers: Ariel Bowen, Embassy of Jamaica; Francisco Barreiro, Embassy of Paraguay, Orlando Carvajal, IMF, and Zora Williams, LearnServe Zambia alumna for giving valuable advise and encouragement.
As of June 22, 2014 all three groups have arrived at their destinations- students, luggage and all.
Tune in for updates and blogs!