Six students from The University of Findlay’s Rotaract Club will travel to San José, Costa Rica, Jan. 24-27 to participate in the Uniendo America Project Fair.

Students traveling to Costa Rica include senior Stephanie Back, senior Devin Games, sophomore Stephanie Heydinger, senior Nichole Shoemaker, junior Melody Snyder and senior Virginia Wills.

The purpose of the fair is to connect Rotarians from around the world. Central American Rotarians will present their potential projects to Rotarians from North America; Rotarians from North America will take the proposals back to their clubs who agree to partner with a Central American club and make the project a reality. Presentations include water, health, education and ecological projects for the needy.

While at the fair, the UF students will gather information about all projects and compile the information into a useable spreadsheet to share with Rotary clubs in North America. In addition, upon their return to the United States, the students will prepare a PowerPoint presentation about the trip and share the information with any of the District 6600 Rotary clubs that request it and at the district conference, which is being held April 25-27 at the Kalahari Water park Resort and Conference Center in Sandusky, Ohio.

The students also will take suitcases full of items, such as toys and clothing, to give to local Costa Ricans. “They don’t have the funds to buy things that we take for granted,” said Back, UF Rotaract Club president. “I hope I can put a smile on someone’s face.”

The local Rotary clubs, through MESA (Medical Equipment and Supplies Abroad), are assisting the students financially with the trip. Rotary members from the Findlay area will accompany the students to the conference, as well.

The UF Rotaract Club is a student organization on The University of Findlay campus. The group is supported by and works in conjunction with Findlay-based Rotary clubs.