Coquimatlan Municipality School - Monday October 23, 2017
A happy band of Rotarians and Ambassadors were eagerly greeted and welcomed by local Rotarians and staff of the Coquimatlan Municipal School . The children were in their classrooms and were excited about our visit and the anticipation of what was going to happen. The kids who attend the school have varying disabilities and are aged from around four years old to young adults. School is important to these children and adults and getting to the school from their community is not easy for them.
I want to introduce you to Mercedes, one of the younger pupils in the classroom we were invited into. This is what she had to say about her School:
Translation: "I am Mercedes – Mechita to my friends, I am a talkative person, always wanting to be informed of everything, so I always ask questions. I insist that I come to my school from my community because I am so happy there."
The initial welcome quickly progressed to the official handover of the handibus to the school. The President of the Community was there to officially receive the keys to the vehicle and many parents and members of the local Rotary Club were also present. The school children, young adults and staff were part of the audience for the official handover. Many speeches and photos!
The President had a great idea,‘’Let's load up the handibus with some of the school pupils for a photo-shoot!’" The tailgate elevator was lowered and pupils in wheelchairs were loaded on-board. Other students climbed up the bus steps to take a seat inside. There was a look on the faces of the students that was amazing. Their eyes sparkled with pride for their new acquisition. Tears and smiles spread infectiously among the kids and adults alike. It was a special moment which touched the hearts of everyone. My Rotary Moment!
A final surprise was to follow. The President decided that as the bus was now filled he would drive those kids on board home. So off they went!
The handibus was now in Service to provide transport for these Very Special Kids to attend their Very Special School and other trips out to enrich their lives.
ROTARY MAKING A DIFFERENCE
John Fortunka
Rotary Club of Calgary Fish Creek