OAK PARK COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

The Oak Park "CIA" was founded in 1930's as an organization to study world cultures and problems.

In 1964 it joined with the Peace Corps to create the "School to School" program which helped to build or renovate well over 200 schools throughout the world.

In its 35th year, the Council set a record by funding 35 schools.

Today many people feel that there is very little that they can do about world problems faced by children such as lack of schools, libraries, and educational supplies. By attending the annual dinner in the fall or the annual meeting in the spring, area residents can learn more about this unique program. For only $1,000, private donors can actually fund a school. Sponsoring a school in a third world country has become a tradition with some Oak Park and River Forest families -- they celebrate special occasions such as an anniversary, birthday, wedding or as a memorial in someone's memory. Families or clubs pool their resources to donate $1,000. Each year the Council adds to its list of schools throughout the world and has been recognized by the Peace Corps as an outstanding American program to further world understanding.

School construction or additions have been done in African, Latin American, Caribbean, Asian, and European countries.

Many former Peace Corps volunteers become active in the "School to School" program, and each year a presentation is given showing the experience of a Peace Corps volunteer in a developing country. This takes place at the fall fund-raising dinner, held at Oak Park and River Forest High School.

Some donors have actually visited "their" schools -- among them Elsie Jacobsen, Edith Conley, Dwight and Mildred Follett.

The challenge for the future of this organization is to bring new young residents of Oak Park and River Forest into the organization. Many of the leaders have spent 30-40 years building the programs and want to attract young people into caring and doing something about the lives of children in other countries.

For additional information about the Council and its "School to School" program, contact Mildred Erhardt, 708-366-5828 or Elsie Jacobsen, 708-396-6777.

Links To Selected World Affairs Information Sites

 

URL: http://www.oprf.com/opcia/ - Posted May 20, 2000 - Courtesy the Oak Park Tourist