This section discusses the different programs each month, especially ones we are directly involved with, or ones that experience changes, or new programs.
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 8 volunteer teachers. About 100 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.
The big news this month is the increase in size in classes. We now have around 100 kids. About 40-50 in the morning and 50-60 in the afternoon. The kids are in vacation still, from the regular schools, so many are sent by their parents to improve their skills, make-up certain classes or just keep them out of trouble. So we have had our hands full this month. I have over 20 kids in my class, although I now have a helper, so it's about 9 kids each (not all the kids come every day).
The natural medicine project has a two-fold purpose: first, to educate people about the workings of natural medicines, explaining how in many cases they are better than pharmaceutical medicines; and second, to provide people with cheaper alternative medicines that can often be grown right here in the community. The plants are grown both in the community center and in houses in the community. The plan for this year is to expand the project to incorporate massage therapy as well. The ultimate goal is to have an all-Natural pharmacy in the community.
In Natural Medicine, we have a new Nicaraguan volunteer, Mariela, who is planning to study medicine this year, possibly in Cuba. She has much experience in Natural Medicine and brings this experience to help with the project. She is also teaching folkloric dancing classes, once per week.
Alba is many things in the community. Alba works as the housekeeper of the nuns, 6 days per week, taking care of their house, cooking, washing clothes, etc. Also, she volunteers in the Literacy program and in the Elderly program.
In the Literacy program, she teaches a class of adults to read and write and do math. These classes have just started up for the new year this week. They span 2 hours every afternoon, Monday to Friday (at least, it was last year).
In the Elderly program, she helps to raise money to buy them food or medicine for the Elderly, as they are a much neglected part of this (and our) society. Also, many afternoons, after work, she goes with the group, visiting one or two elderly in their houses to see that they are ok, or if they need anything.
Alba is a loving person, who gives much to the community. We are always joking around here at the nuns' house when I come over to use the computer or see the nuns. She lives alone with her mother and some nephews, taking care of the family on her income.
I came back from my Christmas holidays and was not quite ready for work again, but we started up in education on the 8th anyway. But I was fairly well rested, so it went well. I started out with the grades 3-6, about 12 kids in the first days. But every day came more and more children. Finally when I had about 18 kids, we managed to find another teacher and I gave the 3's and 4's to her. So I remained with 10. Now with just 5's and 6's, I am up to about 25. Fortunately about 8 miss very regularly, so I have about 17-18 kids daily. Also, I have inherited a helper, so between us we seem to manage all right. It's really great news for the program (even though it's quite tiring), with over 100 kids now involved between the morning and afternoon.
One thing that happened this month, was the case of Carlito. Carlito is a young man in the barrio, about 16 years old. About two years ago, he started to get sick. He has lost most of the motor control in his tongue. With this, he has trouble eating and drinking and cannot speak. With the help of some Canadian friends, the nuns tried to find out what could be done, for Carlito's mother had gone to every length possible in Managua to resolve the problem but to no avail. So a video was made and sent to Canada to a neurologist at Sick Kids' Hospital, who gave 3 possible diagnoses: a brain tumor, copper poisoning or a very rare incurable disease. So, when this came back, an eye test and blood test was done and eliminated the possibility of copper poisoning. Next, Normand, a Canadian visiting from Ottawa, drove with Carlito to Honduras to get an MRI test, to see about the brain tumor. That trip was a story in itself, but they returned, and a few days ago, we received the results from Honduras. The results show that no tumor is present, thus that it is the incurable disease. This is very sad for us here, as it means that Carlito will probably just deteriorate more and more. But, on the other hand, now that we know, at least we can begin to work with the problem. Normand made a board with common words and phrases and numbers so that Carlito can communicate by pointing. The problem, of course, is that people assume that Carlito can't think or is stupid because he can't speak, but that just isn't true. He still has the mind of a 16 year old, who is educated, can add, subtract, multiply, talk, think, play, enjoy life. This is the lesson for us in the community - to learn to interact with Carlito so he becomes a regular, and not marginalized, member of our community.
In Nicaraguan news, news that may not have reached North America, was the cleaning of the traffic lights here. More than 3000 Managuans work on the street, literally, working at traffic lights, selling, singing, begging, trading, trying to make a living. With the new government of Arnoldo Aleman came the cleansing. Last Saturday, it was announced that police would be going out in teams to enforce the new rules disallowing street vendors at the traffic lights. Unfortunately for the poor, this was their only way to earn their way legally. Now, it is illegal. In clashes with police several people were injured. It is very sad, to see the government, who call themselves "Liberal", acting in a way reminiscent of the Fascists.
On Saturday, February 22nd, there will be a FOG fundraising dinner in Toronto, at a location to be announced. If interested in this slide show/talk/dinner, and learning more about what FOG is all about, please contact: [email protected]
A Vancouver dinner may also be planned. Email here before February 11th, if interested. The possible date would be Thursday, February 27th.
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, Chauffeur.
one year commitment. Spanish required.
Naturally, we still need money for the projects. Any help is appreciated.