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~ Progress report on LMC Schools for- Vietnam initiative Tom BuUington Over the past several months, the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) has been promoting the Schools for Vietnam program--an initiative developed to provide adequate school facilities across the impoverished nation ofVietnam through the East Meets West Foundation. The League has been encouraged by the participa- tion of city, community, and school officials across the state and appreciates the donations and work done on behalf of this worthy cause. Two schools are already under construction in Vietnam with funds donated by the Northland Vietnam Veteran's Association, private donors. city employee groups, and League of Minnesota Cities employees. Iu addition, students belonging to the Youth Connection Council (YCC) from School District 196 (Rosemount- Apple Valley-Eagan) met last week to discuss their ongoing projects related to Schools for Vietnam. According to Community Education Youth Services Manager Connie Elvin, the district currendy has three schools actively participating, with another fuur planning to start raising funds soon. Here's a progress report from Elvin: . Apple Valley High School has a dance every year with the idea that the funds raised will go to an organization in the community. Apple Valley Mayor Mary Hamann- Roland, spoke to students about this cause and students decided to donate the money for the Vietnam school. They raised $2,000. But, it sounds like they may continue to try and raise more. Two students from YCC would like to see the five high schools compete to see who can bring in the most money. They will be contacting student conncils from each of the schools to get things rolling. . Valley Middle School students produced a video using Student Council members and a student whose parents come from Vietnam. They explained why it was impor- tant to give money to this project and included pictures ofVietnam. They raised $500. . Two students from the School of Enviromnental Studies worked at the Target Center fur Papa John's one night and raised $200.A few students from YCC also conducted games at the zoo in Apple Valley fur the "Spring Fling - Celebration of Spring" and raised $100. . Dakota Hills Middle School Student Council plans to implement its fund-raiser the first week of May. They will have students buy paper bricks that are placed on a wall, building a school for Vietnam. . Students from YCC continue to find ways to raise money. They plan to contact Cub Foods to sell hot dogs. A portion of the mouey earned will be returned for the Vietnam project. And there are still opportu- nities to work at the Target Center. Plans are to continue money-raising effurts through mid-May. "I have been qnite impressed with the ideas and motivation of these YCC students," Elvin commented. "Some of them began the year a litde on the shy side, but they certainly shine when there is a need or an opportunity to serve, whether it be their own community or an interna- tional outreach effort. I am proud to be a part of the Youth Connection Council and to associate with so many responsible and dedicated young people. They enjoy the opportunity of being able to make a difference for others and I always find their enthusi- astn contagious." For more information on how you can get involved in helping this program please coutact Laura Knshner, LMC, at (651) 281-1203 or lkushner@lnmc.org'l" Page 8 LMC Cities Bulletin