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HISTORY OF BULLDOG CLUB INTERNATIONAL

P.O. BOX 2024, IRKUTSK, RUSSIA  664005 

  The Bulldog Club was organized on February 18, 1989 in Irkutsk, Russia with pupils from School #44 and a teacher named Sergei I. Baikov.  Bulldog Club is an English-speaking club which takes its name from Turlock High School, California, USA, with whom it has friendship links.  In 1989 the club was located in Middle School #1 where Bulldog Club members first met 3 students and a teacher from Eugene High School, Eugene, Oregon.  They participated in a school festival devoted to the Russian Folk Holiday.  In 1990, the club was also opened for students from High School #26 and the location was moved to the Center of Extracurricular Activities of the Kirov District in Irkutsk.  This is the current center of Bulldog Club.  In 1992 the club was officially registerd by the Administration of Kirov District as a non-political, non-profit organization for children aged 5 to 17, eager to participate in communication among children from different lands and backgrounds.

In 1994, the club participated in the Life Link Conference in Sweden, a convention devoted to problems of the environment.  This year also saw a group of members go to Hastings School, England to study.

Presently, the club has a second location at Experimental High School #44.

OUR MASCOT

Many years ago students at High School #80 adopted the Bulldog as their mascot and symbol.  The bulldog is a very fierce dog.  It is not big.  Its nose is short, its under jaw is larger than the upper which gives it a very fierce look.  The bulldog is very strong--it can attack any animal, even a bull from which it takes its name.  The bulldog is also very clever and is a true friend to its owner.  Our Bulldog is a friend to all and came from Turlock, California to make new friends.  One of our friends is an American artist, Nancy Christensen who visited our club in 1993 and presented pieces of her artwork to Bulldog Club.

GENERAL AIMS

1.  LEARNING TO LIVE IN A COMMUNITY

·       Live and work amicably with each other

·       Learn the value of cooperation, give and take

·       Develop self-confidence and initiative

·       Develop respect for people and diversity

·       Learn good manners for in club and out

2.  ACQUIRING LEARNING SKILLS

·       The ability to speak clearly and confidently

·       The ability to read fluently and with understanding

·       The ability to express oneself in writing

3.  TO LIVE A FULL AND ENJOYABLE LIFE

Children should be busy and happy.  They should enjoy a full life in club and, therefore, will be prepared to take full advantage of their adult life.  We hope that they will develop a greater understanding and tolerance towards others, reagardless of race, color, politics, and religion.

4.  PREPARATION FOR FUTURE EDUCATION

We provide a broad education based upon developing the individual child to his/her fullest potential in terms of skills, attitudes, and knowledge.

5.  BULLDOG QUALITIES

·       Punctual and trustworthy:  Bulldog keeps his promises; people can trust Bulldog.

·       Friendly:  Bulldog seeks to understand others.

·       Courteous:  Bulldog is polite to everyone and practices good manners.

·       Cheerful:  Bulldog tries to make others’ lives more interesting and fun.

·       Industrious:  Bulldog is a hard-working student and seeks knowledge.

·       Leadership:  Bulldog is a leader and takes initiative.