ANNUAL MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS  

2007

TWI for the Children, Inc.

The Board of Directors of TWI for the Children, Inc. held its annual meeting by mail and email on 30 November 2007.

Bobby J. Houser, Corporation President presided and responded to questions. George M. Houser served as Secretary.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The Chairperson requested and received confirmation of officers. The following persons were confirmed for offices shown after their names for the CY 2008:

        Bobby J Houser, President
        George M. Houser, Secretary

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pursuant to paragraph 3.4 of the Articles of Incorporation, the number of Directors will be no less than three (3) or more than ten (10).

Board of Directors: The following persons agreed to remain on the Board of Directors:

                Mrs. Julia Warden, Director, Accotink Academy , 1633 Bennington Hollow Lane , Reston VA 20194 . 

                Mrs. Lisbeth H. Willis, Director of Alumni, Philadelphia University, 232 W. School House Ln. , Philadelphia , PA 19144 . (Chairperson, Executive Committee of the Board.)

                LTG ( USA , Retired) Harry E. Soyster, 2181 Jamieson Ave., #1503 , Alexandria , VA 22314

                Dr. Philippe Dupont, Associate Professor, The George Washington University, Foundation School of Prince George’s County, 8422 Bells Ridge Terrace, Potomac , MD 20854

OTHER BUSINESS

      The Secretary has submitted payment for the annual Corporation registration fee to the State Corporation Office.

       A report of the TWI for the Children Bosnian Activity, Year 2007 was prepared by the Secretary and filed at the Corporation Office. The 2007 projects were as follows:

Executive Summary

TWI completed all of its proposed projects and established new projects in 2007.  We were able to conduct camps for children in Bosnia and Herzegovina , Kosovo , Serbia , and in Montenegro . These camps hosted more than 2,500 children in 25 schools and four orphanages.  We hosted training workshops, under the tutelage of Mrs. Bonnie Miller and Dr. Philippe Dupont, for educators in Kosovo , Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina . TWI reached more than 1,300 educators at eight workshops and provided educators from each participating organization with manuals, DVDs, and handouts that could be taken with them back to their organizations. TWI provided a university volunteer and her Bosnian partner for a month-long project at an orphanage in Montenegro . The volunteer provided educational assistance to orphans in this institution and taught an English class in Bosnia . TWI hosted children with special needs and their families to a weekend retreat/camp in a monastery at Rama in central Bosnia . We also were privileged to continue support for the “ Learning Center for Children with Special Needs” in Sarajevo . We have continued to help our disabled Transportation Coordinator in Sarajevo . It has been a great year filled with wonderful opportunities to be of service to the people of the Balkans.

Report of “TWI for the Children” 2007 Project Activities

Camps for Children in the Balkans

Cost: $30,333.00

TWI has been conducting camps for children throughout the Balkans for the past ten years.  Camps are conducted at schools in villages and in orphanages where children have not been able to go on vacation. These children received periods of organized camp.  TWI provided a combination of stories, games, crafts, song and dance designed to teach the children lessons in geography, ethics, reconciliation and love mixed with periods of recreation, fun and games. Teachers at these schools also benefited by being introduced to new teaching techniques and methods.  Schools and orphanages benefited from camp related donations of sports equipment and gifts for the teachers. The children are provided gifts, crafts and lunches. In 1997, TWI began its camp project with 5 schools and about 500 children. In 2007, TWI camp teams went to 25 schools and orphanages in four Balkan countries and worked with more than 2,500 children.

•       Camps 2 Kids 2007. ($30,333.00)  During the summer of 2007, we expanded this project to three Camp2Kids teams by hosting two teams from the New Jersey Synod group in addition to the TWI Team. These teams took camps to more than 2,500 children during June and July 2007. The New Jersey Teams concentrated on taking one-day camps to schools in Bosnian villages while the TWI Team worked with orphanages and schools in Kosovo , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Montenegro and Serbia , and with children with special needs in Sarajevo . Our volunteers continued a six-year partnership with the New Jersey Synod Lutheran Church Teams. Many of our volunteers for the TWI Camp2Kids Team returned from 2006. The New Jersey team, consisting of 23 volunteers, conducted camps at schools in Bihac,  Kozarac, Sipovo, Gradacac, Donja Mahala, Brcko, Jajce, Gorazde, Foca, Potoci, Travnick, Visoko, Vares, Srebrenica and a school in Sarajevo (Vojkovici). The New Jersey Team also held a two-day retreat at the “House of Peace” in Rama.  The TWI team hosted camps at Pristina and Ferizaj,  Kosovo, Paracin, Serbia, a camp for children with special needs at a two day retreat at the “House of Peace” in Rama, new schools in Sanski Most and Prijedor, Bosnia and in the Republic of Srpska town of Trebijne, camps at orphanages in Zenica and Sarajevo and extended-stay (two-day) camps at orphanages in Mostar and Montenegro.

Training Workshops 2007.

Cost: $15,360.00

The TWI for the Children Training Workshop Project seeks to give educators tools to promote student self-awareness, actions and consequences, critical thinking, reasoned decision-making, civic responsibility, and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. These workshops are requested by principals, directors of schools and members of the government to address topics requested by teachers, parents and staff. The workshops help teachers and administrators provide education that will equip students with the academic knowledge, life skills, and thirst for lifelong learning that they will need in order to become successful adults, partners, parents, employees, citizens, voters, community members and leaders in the future. Training the trainers allows us to multiply our instruction many times over and taking the instruction to the areas of need makes this valuable instruction available to many more than could be reached by using one centralized instruction location.

• March 2007 Training Workshop - Kosovo: ($2,000.00) In March 2007, Bonnie Miller, a TWI training consultant, presented a seminar for 156 teachers (mostly from primary schools) from the Gjakova area in Kosovo.  The purpose of these workshops is to provide current workshop information and to demonstrate new teaching techniques. Power point presentations, video, small and large group discussion, and hands-on activities were methods of demonstrating how subjects can be taught to students using a variety of approaches. The morning session covered material on accommodating children with different needs and learning styles and used active learning methods to make education interesting and relevant to children’s present and future lives.  Ways of designing classroom climates and school environments that foster children’s  learning, self-esteem, creativity, adaptability, and motivation were also topics of discussion. The section on Emotional Intelligence discussed how teachers can help children acquire crucial “people skills” such as: self-awareness, self-confidence, resiliency, coping with stress and emotions, communication, empathy, social skills, responsibility, and conflict resolution. The afternoon session focused on learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder.  Symptoms of these syndromes and their effects on academic, family and social lives of children were discussed.  Hands-on activities to simulate learning problems, videos demonstrating symptoms and teaching methods, and power point presentations were used to supplement the written materials provided for participants.  A variety of ideas were presented suggesting simple techniques that teachers can use to help children with special needs in the regular classroom.  The importance of parent-teacher communication was highlighted, and suggestions for encouraging home-school teamwork through parent-teacher conferences were presented. All participants received the following materials, especially updated for these workshops and donated by TWI for the Children:

        “Communicating with Children: Manual for Parents”

        “I Can Learn” – DVD on learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder  -- one per school

        “I Can Learn” – accompanying guidebook for teachers

        “Connecting with Children in the Classroom:  Manual for Teachers”

        April 2007, TWI Workshops in Bosnia: ($5,760.00) In April 2007, Educators in Becko, Gradacac and Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, were enthusiastic participants in workshops on Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder presented by Bonnie Miller, organized by the TWI Coordinator, Azra Saje and interpreted by Vjeko Saje. Topics included characteristics of learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder and their impact, not only on academic performance, but also on the child’s social and family life.  Uniqueness and temperament of children as well as their special talents were discussed.  Numerous strategies for helping these children in the classroom and for cooperating with their parents were offered in the workshop.  In addition, materials created by Bonnie Miller were distributed to each participant. Over 350 educators, pedagogical institute staff and orphanage caretakers participated in these workshops. 

• Training Workshop Workshops in Prizren, Kosovo September 6 - 8 2007: ( $3,000.00) Bonnie Miller returned to Kosovo to present a two-day weekend workshop to teachers and school directors from the Prizren region and students from the University of Pristina .  Education in today’s technological and globalized era involves not only teaching the basics and specific skills in a relevant manner, but also preparing young people to be adaptable lifetime learners as the world situation and the demands of the marketplace change. In the two-day workshop, Bonnie used power point presentations, videos, simulations, hands-on activities, small and large group discussion, and role plays to introduce educators to new teaching skills.  She emphasized that it is important to help children learn through various modalities:  visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, including active learning methods. Taking into account the individual differences and needs of students, participants also discussed ways to make schools into stimulating and caring centers of learning by changing classroom and school climates and encouraging teachers to develop nurturing relationships with their students.  She pointed-out that schools can be also primary sources of teaching emotional intelligence by building competencies in communication, stress management, conflict resolution, and problem-solving, skills that students will need in their adult lives. The second day, Bonnie presented a workshop to (81) university students from the University of Pristina . More than one hundred (100) teachers, pedagogues and school directors traveled from Drenas to Prizren to participate in an educational workshop.  The topics were similar to other workshops already presented in many cities in Kosovo during the last 3½ years:  Understanding the child as a whole; New methods of teaching; Identifying and helping children with learning and attention problems; and Teamwork with parents.  The audience was extremely enthusiastic.  The Deputy Minister of Education for Drenas introduced the seminar, and the participants’ official certificates were signed by the Kosovo Ministry of Education in addition to QPEA and TWI.  A camera crew covered the beginning of the workshop and interviewed QPEA director, Ramush Lekaj.  The shows were broadcast several times on local and national television.

•      November 5 – 9 2007, Training Workshops-Serbia:  ($5,548.00) Philippe Dupont, accompanied by Bobby Houser presented workshops to educators in Belgrade , Paracin and Jagodina Serbia during the period 5 – 9 November 2007.  TWI was asked by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address “Practical Strategies for Parents and Professionals” (Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorders). At the Jagodina school TWI addressed “Strategies for Teachers and Professionals (aggression, inclusive education, student motivation and attention deficit disorder). At the Jagodina Pedagogue Faculty TWI addressed “Practical strategies for students studying to be teachers” (learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders). In Paracin at the Center for Social Welfare, TWI addressed “Practical strategies for teachers and professionals” (planning successful teaching strategies with students with attention deficit disorders, motivation and attention disorder, and strategies for behavior management). The workshops were provided to educators and parents of foster care children in Belgrade hosted by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.  Teachers, parents and school officials attended the workshop in Paracin and Jagodina and a workshop was also provided to students at the University of Jagodina Pedagogue Faculty . Handouts on the topics requested by participants at each venue were provided at the workshops. Of special interest was the focus on “Inclusion of children with special needs in the classroom” which becomes law in Serbia in 2008

Manuals and Instructional Material.

Cost: $16,062.00

In 2007, TWI had to replace and print new and additional hand-out materials, DVD’s and manuals to be provided at Training Workshops.  The expense of this effort was significant, but necessary to furnish materials that workshop participants can take back to their organizations for further use. Up-to-date educational material is critical to the future of education in the Balkans.

Humanitarian Support Projects:

Cost: $31,115.00

These projects provide assistance to children with special needs in the Balkans.

•       Learning Center : ($26,450.00) In 2007, TWI for the Children, continued funding for the Learning Center for Children with Special Needs in Sarajevo , Bosnia .  In 2005, the “ Learning Center ” was registered in Sarajevo as the Association of Mothers with Children with Special Needs “Joy of Life” and made TWI for the Children a member of their Advisory Board, serving as educational advisors for their children, teachers and parents. In this capacity, TWI for the Children, Inc. helps organize projects for teachers, caretakers and parents that teach such topics as how to work with children with disabilities, learning disorders, attention deficit disorders, trauma, drug and alcohol prevention and ways parents can work with their children in the home.  Funding for the Learning Center provided financial assistance to increase the size of their facility, to increase its physical plant and improve the instructor base for the children with special needs. Children with special needs learn about boundaries by performing and becoming aware of their freedom. They build awareness of their purpose in society by studying with typical kids learning to study and think independently. They realize various ways of expressing themselves, and how to love and receive affection. This project has been a significant success story for TWI and shows possibilities of becoming self-sufficient in the future. 

•       Camp for Children with Special Needs: ($3,214.00) In July 2007, TWI for the Children, Inc. continued its annual project to host children with special needs and their families at a weekend retreat and periods of camp-time tailored for the children with special needs.  The camp/retreat was held again this year at the monastery at Rama in the mountains of central Bosnia . Fifty-one persons attended the retreat.  This is the fifth year TWI has been able to provide this retreat to these families. At this camp/retreat, families and their children with special needs swim, play games and participate in a day of camp activities. Meals and transportation from Sarajevo are provided as well as excellent accommodations. The families look forward to this activity each year.

    •         Gifts for TWI Coordinator: ($1,000.00) In 2007, TWI for the Children, Inc. provided support to our Transportation       Coordinator, Vahid Memic, who lost his leg to cancer.  Vahid has improved marginally, but is hesitant to use his artificial leg. He helps finds drivers to provide transportation, maintains our van and helps with transportation for our projects.

        Support for Orphanages:  ($451.00) In July 2007 a donor provided a swing set to the Mostar orphanages.

International Studies:

Cost: $20,178.00

These projects seek to provide educational opportunities to students in the Balkans.

•       Scholarships Abroad: ($15,880.00) In 2007, TWI for the Children provided funds to four students, Ibro Ademovic, , Senad Halilovic Sead Halilovic at Anatolia College in Greece and Nedim Hamzic at the American University in Athens, Greece and one student, Nedzad Hamzic, at Sarajevo University in Bosnia for the 2007 school year. All of the students are from Bosnia . These students must maintain above average grades as well as demonstrate continued leadership ability to retain these scholarships which provide for food and accommodations while in school. Students are selected on their financial need and scholastic background.  The aim of the project is to provide future leaders of high quality to their country.

•       Educational Support for Orphanages: ($4,298.00) In 2007, this project, which partners an American university student with a Bosnian university student, sent a volunteer from the United States and a Bosnian University student to work with children in an orphanage in Montenegro.  Our volunteer, Emily Hill, has been with us for the past four years. She and her Bosnian partner provided elementary instruction in the English language and helped the children with their school studies. Instruction is provided and integrated with crafts, computer instruction and games.  Classroom instruction is not part of the project. The volunteer and her Bosnian partner lived at the orphanage and worked from May 15 – July 26, 2007. Additionally, Emily and her Bosnian partner provided a week-long English Language Course to interested students in Gradacac , Bosnia and Herzegovnia.  The success of this project is best determined by the overall improvement in grades achieved by the children at the orphanages. In Montenegro , the English class students rose by one or two grades and in one case from a failing grade to a “B”.

Administration

Cost: $4,548.00

·        TWI administrative costs were used to provide telephone, mail, office supplies and office equipment needed to correspond with volunteers and with our coordinators in the Balkans.  We primarily used Skype and our cell-phones to communicate in the U.S. and email for day-to-day communication. We copy our certificates and our handouts in-house.  We have continued to use our Web Site to provide information to our volunteers and to provide information on our activities not only in the current year, but also for past activities.

Projects Proposed for 2008:

*        Camps to Kids in Bosnia and Herzegovnia , Serbia , Montenegro and Kosovo. TWI will continue this project with three teams. Two teams from New Jersey will provide coverage of schools in Bosnia . One team from TWI will work with orphanages in Bosnia and in Montenegro and a second team from TWI will provide camps in Serbia and in Kosovo.  TWI is coordinating with the Center for Promotion of Education in Kosovo to establish a camp project for schools in that country. The TWI core group will coordinate the camp theme and will oversee all teams involved in the Camps2Kids projects.  Leaders selected by TWI organize and supervise their teams. Individual teams help off-set costs for lunches, transportation, interpreters, craft supplies and sports equipment for the schools they will visit through fund raising activities.

        Training Workshops: TWI for the Children will continue providing Training Workshops by traveling to areas of need, thereby maximizing the outreach of the workshops to instructors throughout the Balkans. Taking training workshops to train key teachers, caregivers and administrators in subjects such as learning disabilities in children, discipline, drugs, teaching strategies and other topics specifically requested by schools and orphanages maximizes the numbers of educators we are able to reach. In 2008, TWI will attempt to have the participants at these workshops partially pay for the course work, provide their transportation to the workshops and pay for their refreshments. The degree of paid participation at these courses will indicate how well the workshops are being accepted and emails from participants will provide TWI with feedback on when and how well their reviews were received by their organizations. However, we realize that many of the workshops are helping in areas where people are very poor and it is a problem for the people to pay. Workshops in Serbia may be hosted by the Ministry and additional workshops may be hosted at Universities.

International Studies:

*           Scholarships Abroad: TWI will continue to provide scholarships for the four students from Bosnia to allow them to complete their 2007-2008 course of study. Three of the students will graduate in June 2008, and TWI will continue to provide scholarships for two of the students for the 2008-2009 school year.

*        Educational Support to Orphanages: TWI will try to find a  student volunteer for a one-month work term in Montenegro . Additionally, volunteers will be sought to teach at orphanages in Bosnia and Herzegovina . We have been asked to emphasize English-speaking instruction as a major part of our time with the children and adolescents.  Our volunteers should be university or graduate students. “University major is not a consideration, but their love for children is a major consideration.”  These volunteers will be partnered with university students from Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina .

Humanitarian Support Projects:

*               Gifts for Persons of Need:  In 2008, TWI will continue to assist our Transportation Coordinator, as he recovers from the amputation of his leg.

*       Camp/Retreat for Children with Special Needs: This camp will be conducted again in 2008.  It will be scheduled to consist of a 2-day camp at the monastery at Rama for the children and their families at the monastery in Rama.

*              Learning Center for Children with Special Needs: TWI will provide funding for improvement of the Center and advice for the efficient operation of the Learning Center .

Other: We have reduced administrative costs by using "Skype" for all international phone calls and our personal mobile phones for business related long distance calls in the US . We will use our frequent flyer miles, when possible, to fly to the Balkans. The Euro/dollar rate continues to be unfavorable and has caused our project budgets to be under funded.  We continue to fund-raise for our projects, and are asking our volunteers to pay more of their costs. Please, check out our web site and give us your opinion (http://www.twi4kids.org/).

 Budget:  The Financial Report for the period January 2007 to December 2007 is attached. If we cannot obtain approximately $9,100.00 from new donations we will have to cancel some projects or cut back on budgeted projects. We are confident that new donations in this amount can be obtained.

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George M. Houser

George M. Houser, Secretary
TWI for the Children, Inc