The new term begins

I apologise to readers that I am writing so much but I want to capture all the events, adventures and excitement of life here!

Yesterday I was invited to Las Pilas and the secondary school to their first day of school celebration. It was such a fun event , particularly at the primary school. When we arrived parents, teachers and children were gathered.

The new speaker was in use and a fun atmosphere prevailed. There were no lessons, it was a day of celebration and organisation. One of the teachers gave a speech which referred to the support her school had received, then came dancing with the piñata. Much to my surprise I was asked to take the first turn. 

When the fun was over, we were offered a snack of enchiladas and juice. We walked back to Marvin's. En route we were stopped by a mother seeking help. She asked if we could help with a wheelchair for her handicapped child. We explained this was outside the scope of our project but that we knew someone who might help. Patrick's friends are involved in the German clinic project so I've followed that up.  But we were able to offer uniform for her older child who should have been included. Marvin says next year he is going to check the lists. 

At lunchtime another request was presented at Marvin's house. Here we were able to help the mother access pens and exercise books from the secondary school but not shoes as we have not bought shoes before for anyone.  This needs a properly thought out decision, not a knee jerk reaction.

We arrived at the secondary school, and very soon proceedings started. First prayers, national hymn, general welcome. Then the names of the teachers were given out, plus poetry and dancing.

The headteacher outlined expectations of dress and clothing, cleanliness, hairstyles.  This was addressed to parents too.  Next the teachers introduced themselves their subjects and read our various class lists. Later I was asked to speak.  I told how I had come to Ometepe, learnt about the need and had been able to help with the support of many kind people. I asked the children to help their headteacher and teachers to look after all we had given them and wished them good luck in their school year. 

The headteacher followed this up, making it clear that if anything was broken or damaged it was the child and parents' responsibility to replace or mend it.  This is a big step forward as Marvin explained that sometimes, people are less respectful if they haven't worked for something. This was certainly an issue with the previous head teacher who managed to break a laptop, and a printer and somehow keep the school speaker at home! I have learnt a lot, and when I gave out things to the satellite schools I jokingly said they were not to clean their homes etc and that Marvin would come to the schools and check. Actually its not a joke, because Marvin is quite clear, he will make sure everything is above board. Also I will only pass money to Marvin or the headteacher, as they fully receipt everything.  

As we left the secondary school the students were making their way home. 

 We called on the primary school and checked out a few issues there. We have three more uniforms to organise then no more til next year. The school was prepared for the new year and I have been invited to an event on Friday. I've asked if the musical instruments will be used as I'd like a video.

I came back to Miraflores with time to prepare a snack, update the accounts, start the blog, organise myself for tomorrow, by which time my eyes won't stay open! 

I've met a lovely young lady from Calgary who's keen to help with the project. She works in the emergency services. Today she leaves , having donated a bag of bits from her suitcase,  and taking one of my pamphlets with her. Patrick has also given me a donation towards our cement purchase for today.    

We purchased the cement and a range of other materials for the secondary school floor and some repairs in Las Pilas.  We didn't return on the bus with the cement much to my disappointment. As we had bought so much it turned out cheaper to hire the transport.  

I now know quite a lot about building material and all the Spanish words, and the company know me well. Marvin gets a discount, so I'm all ready for when I build my house!

We did have a bus experience on the outward journey. We were all packed on like sardines and I had my back pressed to the windscreen as people clambered on and off over my feet and Marvin hung out of the door!

I felt for the physically impaired student from the secondary school whom I had met the day before. It's hard enough for an able bodied person to fight your way off the bus! But such are the challenges of life here. And they are lucky if they can actually go to school. Many don't.