SRI LANKA DISTRICT 1240 DREAM VILLAGE

District 1240's Group Study Exchange in 2003/4 is with District 3220, Sri Lanka and it is hoped to co-operate with them on a local humanitarian project.
The Rotary Club of Ingatestone has accepted the invitation to Lend a Hand to the needy of Sri Lanka by raising funds for a Matching Grant.

• The proposal is to build low cost housing for the needy in deprived areas of Sri Lanka.
• Each village complex will comprise 30 houses.
• Sri Lanka Rotary Clubs will provide libraries and community centres for each of the villages.
• The cost per house and toilet is about $1,000 (say £650).
• The land acquisition is being finalised now from local donations.
• Clubs in District 1240 are invited to participate in the scheme by allocating or raising £650 per Club to create a District 1240 ‘Dream Village’.
• The Group Study Exchange Team going out to Sri Lanka in February/March 2004 will have the opportunity of visiting the completed village.

This Rotary year the Group Study Exchange is with Sri Lanka.

GSE is an educational activity of the Rotary Foundation. It offers a unique opportunity to promote understanding and friendly relations by bringing young business and professional people in another part of the world. Participants are able to share in the way of life of the country to which they go by staying in homes and getting to know their hosts.
From their study of another country and their observations of customs, business and professional life, comes the opportunity for the development of understanding and lasting friendships. Also they are able to share some of their understanding of their own country, customs and way of life.