School Latrine Project Update

Thank you, Stewart, for the update you provided on the primary school well and toilet project in Nigeria. Together, our club was able to give $5,000 to the project, which was matched with a district grant for an additional $5,000. The work was completed over two weeks and was ready for the school's opening this year. In addition, a dilapidated classroom building was razed, and major repairs and renovations were carried out on another classroom building. These improvements were funded separately from Rotary, using resources that were raised through other channels.

A Letter from Outbound Exchange Student, Merideth Silk

Hi there! I have now been in Belgium for 2 months! Time is flying!

One of the coolest parts so far has been getting to explore more of Belgium on my own. I’ve taken the train to both Brussels and Bruges, and I loved being able to travel around and see different parts of the country. Bruges was especially beautiful, and it was so fun just walking around, seeing the canals, and trying Belgian waffles!

This weekend, I’m also going to Barcelona with the Rotary district, and I am BEYOND excited! I’ve been looking forward to it so much, and I think it’s so cool that Rotary gives us opportunities like this to travel and experience even more of Europe while meeting other exchange students.

Everyone here has been so nice and welcoming, which has made such a difference. My host family has been great, and I’ve met some really nice people at school. I’m still adjusting to how different everything is, but I’m starting to feel more comfortable with everyday life here.

School is probably the hardest part right now because of the language barrier. I studied some French before coming, but actually having to understand teachers, follow conversations, and respond in French all day is a completely different experience! Sometimes I understand what’s going on, but I still struggle to find the words to say what I want. At the same time, I can tell I’m learning, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. I’m starting to understand more when people talk, and I’m picking up little words and expressions from hearing French every day.

One thing I’ve noticed is how much the little everyday things are different here. People eat dinner so much later than we do in the US, and public transportation is a much bigger part of life. I’ve also loved seeing how different school is and getting to experience things that would never be part of my normal routine back home. It’s funny how things that felt completely unfamiliar when I first arrived are slowly becoming normal.

I know I still have so much to learn, especially with French, but I’m really happy to be here and excited for everything that’s still ahead. I’m trying to make the most of this year, even on the harder days, because I know how special this opportunity is. Thank you again for helping make this experience possible for me! I really appreciate it, and I wanted to make sure I kept you updated on how everything is going. I’m excited to see what the next few months bring.

- Meredith Silk