| Maria Elena |
This section discusses the different programs each month, especially ones we are directly involved with, or ones that experience changes, or new programs. December is a month when not too much happens, mostly year end winding down and parties.
The education program, as previously mentioned, is a program that runs for 2.5 hours in the morning and another 2.5 hours in the afternoon, tutoring kids so they can advance in their studies. There is currently one paid coordinator, three paid teachers, and about 4 volunteer teachers. About 50-60 kids are involved in the program which costs them one cordoba per week ($0.11 US). They come in either the afternoon or the morning, and go to the regular school the other half of the day. I continue to volunteer as a teacher in the afternoon.
As I mentioned, we now have a coordinator - Silvio. I will no longer coordinate the programs, as we decided it was better for a local person to do it, with a better understanding of the culture and needs of both the children and teachers. Silvio is also attending university classes in the evenings, so he'll be busy. We wish him well with his new responsibilities.
The class finished for the year with a party. A group of students from the UCA (University of Central America) came to the school with a pinata and gifts for all the kids in the education and nutrition programs (nearly 200 in all). Also, for the last week or so of classes, we didn't do much classwork, as we were doing Bethlehem figures for the nativity scene. So our classes start again on the seventh to help the children who have to write the makeup exams to pass the year. Classes in the regular schools start in late February/early March.
Maria Elena is in charge of the popular library program, she is the librarian. She works Monday to Friday, 8 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m., as well as Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m. She gets books for the kids (and teenagers), plays games with the children, reads to them, cleans, and generally takes good care of the place.
She also volunteers in the centre for other activities, decorating the salon for Christmas, etc. As well, she is a single mother, with a 2 year old boy, Christopher. He's very cute. Maria Elena, like many single mothers here, still lives with her mother and family. She is one of the bright young stars of the barrio, responsible and reliable. She is only 18.
All holidays here are celebrated a lot here and Christmas was no exception. It was very fun and we had a great time. Stuart arrived on the 23rd for a visit, in time to enjoy the barrio in celebration mode. On the 24th is when the celebrations occur. It's a holiday from noon, although I spent my afternoon wrapping presents (as usual, at the last minute). At five o'clock, we had mass in the community centre, a fun event, saying Feliz Navidad to all and hugs all around. After, Stuart and I went to dinner at the nuns house. We sat around and chatted and exchanged gifts. At around 8 p.m., we went to Doña Nubia's, although on the way I stopped at a few houses to drop off presents and say hello. At Doña Nubia's, it was a big party. We danced for hours with the children and the adults. There was more food, as there always is at Nicaraguan parties, and, of course, dancing. At 12, everyone in Managua (it seemed) set off fireworks, roman candles and bombs. (It was fun, but also dangerous, 17 people in Managua were injured by the fireworks.) And then we exchanged gifts. Then finally home to sleep, stopping at one more party on the way to dance some more.
After Xmas, I went to a wedding of some friends (from Youth Challenge) in Costa Rica. It was a good opportunity to relax and get away from the project, and also to see some friends. The wedding was crazy, action-packed and beautiful. We went on several day-trips with the wedding party and to the beach after. We also went swimming after the ceremony and reception of the wedding itself. I enjoyed myself thoroughly, meeting some new friends in the bargain.
Skills needed for the education, health or other programs:
Medical (Doctor, Nurse), Teachers (Carpentry, Electricity, Baking, Sewing, Sports, Music, Haircutting/styling, Painting), Social Worker, Psychologist, Librarian, Chaffeur.
one year commitment. Spanish required.
Naturally, we still need money for the projects. Any help is appreciated.