Speakers for today were David and Marissa Troxell who delivered a great presentation with photos about the Early Child Development Center our Club contributed $5,000 toward, along with a $5,000 contribution from the Welland Rotary Club in Canada. The area in which the Center was developed is Macatabo. The building had been
constructed as a place for parents to leave their children as a day care center while they work.
The building had been neglected. This project accomplished wonderful upgrades to the Center, including redoing a kitchen, restrooms, handwashing stations, a classroom, a new ceiling, windows and painting to make everything clean and well-kept. The Rotary Club there provided uniforms for the children. The before-and-after pictures were striking.
Matriculation at the Center has risen from 15 three to five-year-olds to 35-40, with room for 60 children.
A theater and playground area needs to be redone for about $500 from each Rotary involved in the Center if we can continue to participate. He also mentioned the idea of a health center to be located near the Center.
David emphasized that the project helps the parents so they can work; also, that the attendance of the children gets them ready “to funnel into” the regular education system.
He noted that the Center has been transformed. He and Marissa will travel in December for the ribbon-cutting.
The group expressed pride in both of the Troxells for their work. The couple thanked the Club for its financial support.
