Our Club's Closeout Report to the Rotary Foundation

SPECIAL NOTE: Past President Rafi Aldor was the principal leader putting the outstanding Deaf School Project in Jerusalem together. He was instrumental in PROJECT DESIGN and IMPLEMENATION in conjunction with the administration of the Deaf School Administration. He is the author of the Report below. His exemplar "Service Above Self" in the true spirit of Rotary. For a full report see the link at the bottom of this report. Special Thanks to the Rotary Foundation, The Beare Foundation and the Rotary Clubs of Sao Paulo West (District 4430) and Istanbul-Karakoy Rotary Club (District 2420)

Matching Grant Number: 65704 Project Country: Israel

Our International Partnership:

Host Partner Rotary Club: Jerusalem Rotary Club (District 2490)

International Partner Rotary Club: Sao Paulo-West (District 4430)

Rotary Club Istanbul-Karakoy RC (2420)

Project Narrative

1. Briefly describe the project.

What were your original objectives?

1. To improve the facilities in the music room for hearing impaired children

2. To improve the quality of music therapy in the treatment of the affected children from all communities.

When and where did the project take place, and who were the beneficiaries?

1.The project was carried out at the Alliance Israelite Universelle School for the Deaf in Jerusalem’s Kiryat Hayovel neighbourhood. The project started in October 2008 and was completed in March 2009. The Music Room was formally dedicated on 27 April 2009.

2. The beneficiaries are the 90 students who have hearing problems that range from medium to severe. Many of the children suffer from additional problems such as learning difficulties, retardation, cerebral palsy and communication disorders. The pupils are aged six to twenty-one and come from all sectors of the Jewish and Arab population. The facilities are also available for affected children who have been absorbed into the regular school system but who require specialist support such as the Music Room.

Rotarian Involvement and Oversight

3. How did Rotarians manage and oversee the project?

Members of the Jerusalem Rotary Club were in constant communication with the school, especially with the Principal, Dr. Gilla Tatar, and participated in the planning stage.

There was oversight of the purchase of equipment to ensure quality control and the need to remain within agreed parameters.

4. How many Rotarians from the host partner club participated in the project?

5. In what way did the host Rotarians participate in the project? Please list all non-financial involvement.

Visits to the school during the formulation of the project and contributing technical and planning expertise (architect) available in the Jerusalem Rotary Club.
Ensuring that the equipment and instruments were all utilized for their intended specific purpose. (Music specialist)

Observing Music Room classes and music therapy sessions..
Maintaining contact with the school to ensure continuity and sustainability of the project.

7. In what way did the international Rotarians participate in the project? Please list all non-financial involvement.

The international partner was kept informed of the development of the project and the utilization of the Music Room once it was operational.
Participation in the dedication ceremony.


Community Impact

8. How many people benefited from the project? 90+ children immediately

9. What was the impact of the project on the beneficiaries?

Based on information from the Principal and the Music Therapist
Observable therapeutic improvement in the children.
Improved social behavior due to the ensemble activity.
Immediate access to a new world – music.

10. What are the expected long-term community impacts of the project?
By improving hearing and communication skills better educational prospects for the children.

Improved social absorption into the family, friends and community.

Financial Statement
Currency Used: New Israel Shekels (NIS)
Exchange Rate: NIS 4.05 = 1 USD

11. Income Sources of Income
Currency Amount

1. TRF Matching Grant Award and Contributions
US$ 27,700

2. Other Income (identify):
The Aaron Beare Foundation, Durban, S. Africa
US $2,074
Total Income:
US$ 29,774

12. Expenses

Musical instruments: $23,649

Amplification sound system, vibrating system for stage, light-sound system, microphones, plasma screen: $5,832
US$ 29,774

For Detailed Report See

http://rotaryclubjerusalem.homestead.com/Rotary_Deaf_School_Matching_Grant_Matching_Grants_Report_Form_23.07.09.pdf