Gates was introduced to Tanzania by his grandmother in 2002. He had been fascinated with East Africa since kindergarten, and wanted to be an exotic animal veterinarian in the Serengeti National Wildlife Park.
On his 15th birthday, his grandmother agreed to take him on a safari, but she required her grandson to first perform community service in Tanzania. This began his love of the country and the people.
“The Chapel School is a place where we teach service as a way of life,” stated James Dhyne, principal. Middle School students at The Chapel School learned some Swahili and had the opportunity to do a valuable compare/contrast activity between their lives and the lives of African children.
After the presentation, Danny Gates spent some time with MaryAnn Cahalin’s seventh-grade class. He also enjoyed playing kick ball with TJ Walsh in physical education, his “favorite part of the day.” The students enjoyed meeting Danny and formed genuine friendships.
“It was like he has been part of our class for years,” said one eighth grader. “He really just fit right in,” stated another. Various programs at the school enable the wonderfully diverse Chapel School family, which includes parents, guardians, students, teachers, administrators, to explore and celebrate traditions and accomplishments of people from a wide range of backgrounds. Field trips, special visitors and interdisciplinary curriculum connections help to make each unique experience meaningful and memorable.
Read more about the Janada Batchelor Foundation at here.
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