As you can see from the photos, this project was a tremendous success!

I won’t bury the headline on this one – due in part to our Nampa Rotary $10,000 district matching grant service project, the Breaking Chains Academy of Development is in the process of breaking their own records for educational achievement! They have graduated more students from their program this year than in any previous year. The Rotary Club of Nampa is proud of our grant project, and more than pleased to be making a difference in our community.

Now, to the details of the project.

More than half of the allocation was put towards badly needed educational technology items. Before this grant, the Executive Director, who is also their only full-time teacher and employee, only had books and a white board to use. Now, they have expanded to teaching in two rooms if needed, and the one has the television. They use it to supplement teaching with videos and other online activities in addition to what you see in the picture. What you see is important as well – as they can work on the tablet and have it broadcast to the television.  Further, you see some unboxing of the computers for students to use for test preparation and testtaking. Before the arrival of this hardware, students would consistently be kicked out of their examination during testing because of an old computer, bad connections, and the like. This is a night and day difference that allows for regular successes! It was wonderful to see the look in their eyes as these teaching tools arrived onsite. As much as we tried to help, these teenagers really took the lead in terms of replacing the old gear and setting up the new!
 
 
 
 
 
The recreational activities were also important because many of these students would not otherwise have the opportunity to socialize and celebrate in this manner. These trips represent a giant leap forward for the Breaking Chains organization, adding both to the legitimacy and appeal of attending as a student. Parents and families are also grateful for positive engagement outside of the classroom. Their gratitude and smiles tell an amazing story of how much these little trips into the community were needed.
 
 
 

The painting project is not quite complete. You’ll see in the attached photos that a lot has been done, but all of the murals are not yet finished – though it is on the schedule be done in the very near future! Out of all of the activities that students could participate in, they find that overall, painting is the one that seems to be their favorite. That is why the students really wanted to get a professional in to assist them with some individual pieces as well as a few murals that they could assist with. Indeed, it is hard to imagine the pride they take and the focus with which they approach these opportunities. They know that when someone from the Rotary Club of Nampa shows up that we are there with a genuine heart of love and service.
 

Again, this project has had outsized impact in our community. We are glad to support this organization as they grow their ability to serve our community. We now have a few Rotarians who serve as board members for Breaking Chains Academy of Development, and intentional individual giving outside of the umbrella of the club as well. Our  participation in these projects has created a lasting partnership that will continue to grow.
 
As you can see from the photos, this project was a tremendous success!

I won’t bury the headline on this one – due in part to our Nampa Rotary $10,000 district matching grant service project, the Breaking Chains Academy of Development is in the process of breaking their own records for educational achievement! They have graduated more students from their program this year than in any previous year. The Rotary Club of Nampa is proud of our grant project, and more than pleased to be making a difference in our community.

Now, to the details of the project.

More than half of the allocation was put towards badly needed educational technology items. Before this grant, the Executive Director, who is also their only full-time teacher and employee, only had books and a white board to use. Now, they have expanded to teaching in two rooms if needed, and the one has the television. They use it to supplement teaching with videos and other online activities in addition to what you see in the picture. What you see is important as well – as they can work on the tablet and have it broadcast to the television.  Further, you see some unboxing of the computers for students to use for test preparation and testtaking. Before the arrival of this hardware, students would consistently be kicked out of their examination during testing because of an old computer, bad connections, and the like. This is a night and day difference that allows for regular successes! It was wonderful to see the look in their eyes as these teaching tools arrived onsite. As much as we tried to help, these teenagers really took the lead in terms of replacing the old gear and setting up the new!
 
 
 
 
 
The recreational activities were also important because many of these students would not otherwise have the opportunity to socialize and celebrate in this manner. These trips represent a giant leap forward for the Breaking Chains organization, adding both to the legitimacy and appeal of attending as a student. Parents and families are also grateful for positive engagement outside of the classroom. Their gratitude and smiles tell an amazing story of how much these little trips into the community were needed.
 
 
 

The painting project is not quite complete. You’ll see in the attached photos that a lot has been done, but all of the murals are not yet finished – though it is on the schedule be done in the very near future! Out of all of the activities that students could participate in, they find that overall, painting is the one that seems to be their favorite. That is why the students really wanted to get a professional in to assist them with some individual pieces as well as a few murals that they could assist with. Indeed, it is hard to imagine the pride they take and the focus with which they approach these opportunities. They know that when someone from the Rotary Club of Nampa shows up that we are there with a genuine heart of love and service.
 

Again, this project has had outsized impact in our community. We are glad to support this organization as they grow their ability to serve our community. We now have a few Rotarians who serve as board members for Breaking Chains Academy of Development, and intentional individual giving outside of the umbrella of the club as well. Our  participation in these projects has created a lasting partnership that will continue to grow.