Teaching volunteer bound for Belize
by Bret Bradigan

Education can take you far. Just ask Katie Finley, a recent graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas College, who will be heading for Belize Aug. 21.
The Ojai resident will spend a year as a volunteer high school teacher at a Catholic high school, Mount Carmel, in the mountains bordering Nicaragua. Belize, a former British protectorate, is situated on the Atlantic coast of Central America, just south of Mexico. The government of this small, impoverished country provides for no education past elementary school. All secondary education is done by private schools, or through volunteers.
Finley said, "I wanted to volunteer somewhere. This seemed like a good way to volunteer in a safe environment - it's a pretty peaceful country."
The teaching volunteers are sponsored by a Catholic lay organization, Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. The cost of the program will run about $3,000 for airfare, health insurance and incidental expenses. Room and board will be provided by the society.
To raise that money, Finley is hosting a reception at Tottenham Court, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 9. Tickets are $7 in advance and $9 at the door, and can be purchased at Tottenham Court. The event features hors d'oeuvres, drinks, music and door prizes. The store will also donate 10 percent of gift shop purchases to Finley's fund.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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