Photo essay

In May, a team of six people will travel to Brazil with the objective of making dreams real for children everywhere and Liz Depers was one of those who has accepted the challenge.

Team members will be encouraging Rotary Clubs in Brazil to develop service projects and programs that assist youth at risk. This includes providing opportunities for young people working in areas related to the education and protection of youth.

"The language barrier is definitely a concern, although our team are having Portuguese language lessons which should help us a bit. Also, four weeks is a long time to be away from your family and support network - but its going to be worth it."

Liz has worked in child care for ten years and is now a Children’s Services Coordinator, supporting 26 long day care centres, preschools and outside school hours care services throughout the Illawarra.

"I am on the only team member with qualifications in early childhood and it is an opportunity of a lifetime for me, I would never have thought I would have the opportunity to gain experience in another country. It is going to be a great opportunity for me to develop professionally and personally."

For four to six weeks, Liz and her team members study Brazil’s institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships and exchange ideas.

"I really don’t know what I expect, other than its going to be a huge cultural shift. I’m just trying to not expect too much so I can get the most out of it."

This photo essay would be appropriate for a local newspaper like the Mercury due to the fact it features a local person and her achievements and high quality care of local children at Stewart Street Children's House. The story is inspirational and is important for the Mercury due to it's locality and 'feel-good' nature.