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Showing posts from February, 2018

2018 achievements and plans

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Kids and Kayaks This organisation was born out of Jose Antonio's dream and the friendship we developed after he was my guide in Ometepe in 2015 and 2016. I obtained his services through Vapues Tours in 2015 and sought his expertise again in 2016 because he had been so helpful. He taught me about the life of the local people. Across the Atlantic ocean plans were formed through our shared passion to improve the lives of children in Urbaite and Santa Teresa on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua. This became Kids and Kayaks ( and later The Forgotten Children of the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes), a charity to improve the lives of local children's education and welfare. It is led by José Antonio Ruiz Hernandez in Nicaragua and Carolyn Susan Gibbs in England. In January 2018 I arrived with around £3000 donated by friends, family and local organisations. I brought a case of equipment and further equipment came in the containers of Peace and Hope, a registered charity also working in Nicara

Ometepe Album

Album of experiences on Ometepe Jan/Feb 2018

Farewells

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   I didn't quite know what to expect, just that the school had arranged a farewell today. So I went by taxi from the hotel dropped off my motorcycle gear at Jordy's families house and met José and his family. The speakers were in use, music was coming from the pavilion and children were gathering. Amada and Mayella were organising papers and receipts for me. Then Uriel arrived with food. I was glad I hadn't eaten much breakfast. I was taken into the hall where children, teachers and parents were gathered. It was less formal than at home and there was a certain amount of movement and noise. There was a dance by teachers, then children, then a very emotional poetry recitation where I was crowned with a coronet! And the inevitable speech.  I received a certificate in the name of the education system, all of which gives a bit more clout to our project and will hopefully help in the future. The teacher from the satellite school brought a receipt and thanks for

A couple of days relaxation

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On Saturday I moved to La Omaja, the idea having been to chill for a couple of days before my travels. However plans here are not made ahead as I have discovered. If you want an event,  you invite people or put the word out and everyone turns up. So on Friday the school told me they had to do a farewell activity and it was going to be  Monday, actually quite long term planning.  I just love this spontaneity. So yesterday I transferred to La  Omaja and was greeted by the young men I remember from last time and enjoyed those heavenly views from before. Weather was a bit unpredictable so I passed the afternoon relaxing and painting.  In the evening I did my best to prepare for an 18th birthday party at a local restaurant. My top was a bit crumpled so I first put it out in the sun then in the bathroom and then decided that in the dark it would be passable and if not no one here would be rude enough to comment. I asked the hotel if it was safe to walk to the restaurant  so they

Final achievements for the school

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Yesterday, Friday, I went to the school again whereby was treated to a tour of the classes. The only visible equipment was the lecture type chairs they use, some of which were in a bad state and a few tables and chairs for the little ones. One classroom was completely open and another has no light. All are in a bad state of repair. What I also find interesting is the range of hazards, steps, deep drops everywhere with potential dangers lurking at every turn. One class was learning English for the first time and the teacher was very keen for them to practice their new words.  I could see options here for connections to England of a mutually beneficial nature. I heard many sad stories about children with no parents. And clearly the schools lack of resources makes it very difficult for them to bridge any shortfalls in provision at home. I received lots of hugs from the teachers who seemed so grateful not just for the help but because someone was listening to their need.

More family outings.

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On Wednesday and Thursday I had more outings with Marvin, Sylvia and Jordy. They are looking after me so well, have promised to cook and clean for me and look after me when I am an old lady. We have spent lovely times sitting in the rocking chair on their veranda talking, eating delicious food and going out together. Yesterday I left at 7am and at 7.30 we set off up the volcano with Marvin carrying his machete,  for snakes and other dangers in the forest. It was a pretty steady climb and we met workers, cows, horses en route. There were some good views. We walked up to the mirador,where we spent some time just enjoying the views and Marvin chatted to the person working there.   Some of the path was dusty and slippery but coming down was worst. I decided not to go further as it was a bit arduous and we had enjoyed the views. When we got back home Sylvia gave me coffee and offered me lunch. And Jordy got ready for his afternoon school session. Later I headed