Welcome Group Study Exchange Team from Brazil

March 28, 2006: Rotarians got to see firsthand what being a part of an international service organization is all about. Our club was visited by the Group Studies Exchange (GSE) Team from Brazil, which included six team members from District 4470 in Sao Paulo State, southwest Brazil. The Team is visiting cities all around the state, including Orangeburg, Columbia, Sumter and Charleston, where they joined our District Conference luncheon on Friday.

The Team was made up of teachers, consultants, and medical professionals who shared bits from their personal and professional lives. They also shared highlights of the Brazilian economy as well as attractions and important facets of their culture. For example, Brazil boasts the largest freshwater wetland as well as a series of waterways used for commerce and recreation. And who knew that the town of Birigui, where several of the team members call home, is the “children’s footwear capital” of the world! Brazil’s cars can run on gas as well as ethanol and natural gas, the country produces 100% of its oil demand strictly from offshore drilling, and has a large steel production.

We wish our new friends the best and thank them for visiting our Club. What a wonderful opportunity to learn about other cultures and lands through the common bond of Rotary!

By Amy Riley, Keyway Committee Chair