This section discusses the different programs in the El Recreo community project. The focus is on programs that are new or changing, and on those with which we are directly involved. This is my last (sob, sniff) monthly report as I return to Canada on Saturday after finishing my year of volunteerism here.
The painting in the center was touched up with lettering to say "Library" and "Project Generating Life" with a beautiful logo also painted on. It looks even better now. A mural is planned as well, to be done by the children in the painting group.
In the works is a new computer lab for teaching young people from the barrio some computer skills. The room that is currently used for teaching the older children literacy will be converted in a computer lab if all goes well in getting the computer equipment. An Italian volunteer is helping us with the experience he had setting up a similiar lab in San Salvador.
Mother's Day was on May 30 here (also my birthday!), so we celebrated with a big party on the 29th, with all the mothers in the projects invited to a lunch and then all mothers in general invited to a cultural event: singing, dancing, guitar playing, etc. A fun event for all.
It's still hot, but at least it rained on May 31st. We are really in winter here now, as the rains appear to have arrived for real.
I haven't been following the political situation closely this month, but the discussions between Aleman and Ortega continue. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of friction and finger-pointing going on but not much has been resolved. In worse news, the political right is rumoured to be organising goon squads to confront the leftist groups that have been protesting (peacefully until now). This can only lead to violence, sadly for the people here.
We are currently looking in Canada for the eyeglass equipment, and also we are looking for eyeglasses or parts of eyeglasses. If anyone has an old pair of glasses, even broken ones, frames or lenses, please let us know. Or even if you have friends who have old glasses. We need a ton of glassses for the project. If anyone is really interested, you could ask a few friends and collegues at work or school, and try and collect a few. Once you have collected a bunch, we can collect them in Toronto, Ottawa or Vancouver.