The Rotary Club of St. Maarten, on behalf of the Rotary’s Group Study Exchange Team from England and Rotary Clubs in Devon, England, presented a check for US $3,500 to the St. Maarten Nature Foundation to benefit the ongoing Junior Park Ranger program.
The Group Study Exchange Program allows young professionals from around the world travel to other parts of the world to learn about local customs, history and their vocation in another environment. A team from St. Maarten, led by Assistant Governor Rebecca Low traveled to Devon, England and conversely a team from Devon, England came to St. Maarten with a vocational focus on Hospitality and Tourism. Rebecca Low commented, "this was a fantastic experience from a professional perspective, but also a great opportunity to make friendships around the world. One of the exceptional outcomes of Rotary’s Group Study Exchange is that lifelong friendships and bonds are forged".
When the team from Devon, England (Rotary District 1170) came to St Maarten they spent a day on the water with the Tadzio Bervoets of the Nature Foundation learning all about St Maarten’s ecology and marine biology as well as the role a strong, healthy environment plays in a tourism-based economy. This experience left the team with a desire to give back to St Maarten. As a result, over the last year the team, in collaboration with host Rotary clubs throughout Devon, held a series of fundraising "Caribbean nights." Caribbean food, drink and culture were on display as well as a formal presentation on the team’s experiences here on St. Maarten and around the Caribbean.
On a recent trip to Devon, England the team presented a check for US $3500 to Rotary Assistant Governor Rebecca Low during a Rotary Club of Ivybridge meeting. It was requested that the check be presented to the St Maarten Nature Foundation. These funds will be directed to the Junior Park Ranger program that teaches 13-17 year olds swimming skills, first aid, marine biology and leadership skills.
Tadzio Bervoets of the St. Maarten Nature Foundation graciously accepted the donation and thanked the Rotarians around the world for their generosity.
For more information please contact the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Press Officer at: pressrotarysxm@gmail.com or visit the website www.rotarysxm.org