02/14/12

"A Smile can change the World"

 "A Smile can change the World" flag prepared by Dorothy Grant Elementary School (DGES) - 2nd Grade Class 2011-2012, Fontana, California was a big hit when received by 1st & 2nd Grade Students at the Malha'a Primary School, Rotuma Island, South Pacific - Sept. 29 through Oct. 6, 2011. Beverly Matheson (KJ6RSX), the students teacher recently completed her training and passed her FCC Amateur Radio Technician's Class License.

DGES Students Video about their School and Flags - December 2011

The purpose of the project is to teach the students:

•  Learned a new Culture; the class watch a movie on Rotuma Island, view numerous photos of the island and read about it's culture

•  Learned about Foreign Money Exchange; Various combinations of coin and paper money was delivered back to the kids to assist in their normal class "Learning about money"

•  Learned about Geography; tracked the flag to and from Rotuma Island

•  Learned about Foreign travel; Airplanes and boats

•  Wrote letters and prepared questions and made a presentation during the closing meeting with 3D2R DX-pedition Co-Leader David Collingham at the DGES school on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011

Official 3D2R Website Link

Rotuma High School Amateur Radio Club - 3D2RI

About Nadi and Suva, Fiji

Nadi is the third-largest conurbation in Fiji. It is located on the western side of the main island of Viti Levu, and had a population of 42,284 during last count and Suva is the capital and largest city of Fiji. Suva is located on the southeast coast of the island of Viti Levu, in the Central Division, Rewa Province.

About Rotuma Island

Rotuma is a volcanic island of approximately 43 sq. kilometers, located at 12 degrees south latitude and 177 degrees east longitude, approximately 465 kilometers north of Fiji. Although the island has been politically part of Fiji since 1881, Rotuman culture more closely resembles that of the Polynesian islands to the east, most noticeably Tonga, Samoa, Futuna and Uvea. Because of their Polynesian appearance and distinctive language, Rotumans now constitute a recognizable minority group within the Republic of Fiji.

Click here to see an aerial view of Rotuma Island

Dorothy Grant Elementary School (DGES) - 2nd Grade Class 2011-2012 Students shows off gift from Rotuma Island, South Pacific	Dorothy Grant Elementary School (DGES) - 2nd Grade Class 2011-2012 Students with Teacher Beverly Matheson (KJ6RSX) and David Collingham (K3LP) -3D2R DX-Pedition Co-Team Leader	Dorothy Grant Elementary School (DGES) - 2nd Grade Class 2011-20