Montréal 2011 The countdown has begun!


says Yvonne Machuk, Convention Chair www.si-convention.org


Soroptimist International Convention July 10-14th 2011 The countdown has begun!


have already committed to being part of this exceptional experience. Please consider booking a room at one of


the hotels with whom we have contracted for space. This will ensure that we make the commitment and do not incur additional costs. Because of our arrangement with Tourisme Montreal to manage our selected accommodation, they are unable to recommend hotels outside the committed hotels. While the Sheraton and the Marriott are located a 15 minute walk from the Convention Centre, both hotels have offered free shuttles for Convention participants. For those who need letters of invitation


for visa purposes, please be advised that letters can only be issued once registration


As of March 8th 2011, 334 Soroptimists


fees have been paid. This is standard practice not only for SI International Conventions but for international conventions for other organisations as well. The deadline for the early registration


fee for the full convention of CAD$600 is rapidly approaching. After April 15, full registration will be CAD$700. Please visit www.si-convention.org to register and to book social events and tours. You may register now and book events at a later date as you will have your own convention account. The Convention Committee has been working diligently to provide you with a meaningful and enjoyable experience. Information regarding how to be a sponsor and/or exhibitor is now on the website. In the exhibit area, there will be many Canadian products of high quality


to satisfy your shopping needs as well as informative booths from SI and related projects. If your club would like be a convention sponsor, please visit the website. We have confirmed most of our speakers


for the convention and know that they will inspire and inform us in our Soroptimist work. All of our speakers are Canadian women of note in their respective fields. These speakers will be followed by break- out sessions where participants will engage in meaningful activities and discussions to inform awareness, advocacy and action in the Soroptimist world. Let’s break the attendance records in


Montreal and make this the largest SI Convention ever! I look forward to you joining us for four days of friendship, learning and fun. It won’t be the same without you!


Project SIerra education: the road to progress Alison Sutherland, SI Quadrennial Project Liaison reports


with her health much improved, she runs a small business trading in household goods so she can provide for her family’s basic needs. This year you are directly supporting


Project SIerra continues to transform lives of women and girls! Jemi, a single mother, unable to work due to a severe disability, struggled to care for her three children. Their living conditions deteriorated, family support evaporated, the children’s behaviour became increasingly out of control. Project SIerra developed a tailored support


package to help them back into community life and self sufficiency. Jemi’s children returned to school, social workers guided the family to mend broken relationships, including engaging Jemi’s extended family in building her a new home. After three years, Jemi successfully exited the project;


TIS March 2011 Page 12


350 young women and many families and single mothers who would otherwise be at risk of breaking up and abandoning their children. 32 young mothers who enrolled in the Bo programme in 2010 were all successfully reconciled with their families and communities within 6 months. Social workers worked with religious and community leaders to reduce the stigma and encourage their reintegration. These young women are now settled, learning skills, taking exams, receiving guidance on health and life skills to care for their babies. In rural areas, more families were ready to


exit the programmes last year than expected. Three single mothers received business start-up support of relevant skills training and a cash grant, so they can generate income to continue sending their children to school. One buys and sells food produce in her community and surrounding villages, and has already been hugely successful - her


monthly profit increased by nearly 40%, and her turnover almost doubled in three months since starting in October 2010. Another started a retail business in local


food produce and imported household items; her progress will be monitored. Children’s school attendance is also monitored after formal exit from the programme. The 62 children who left the project with their families in 2010 all completed their first semester examinations. Rick Foulsham, SI’s partner CEO wrote


to SI President Hanne: “The crucial thing you are giving these young people, most of whom have faced hardship and deprivation beyond our imagination, is the chance to regain their self respect. Thank you so much for your support.” This support has already raised


GB£811,647 for Project SIerra – well done! With just four months to run for SI’s last Quadrennial Project, let’s give one final push, so we reach our target and transform more lives! www.projectsierra.org and Facebook: Friends of Project SIerra


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