In July we provided funds for many of the poorer children in the small schools, to receive a stationery pack containing pens, pencils, crayons, scissors, exercise books. These children come from homes where there is no spare cash for such luxuries, the schools do not provide materials, and without them the children cannot fully participate in lessons.
These children above are receiving their school uniform. These are provided in January/February for the start of the new school year. Parents cannot afford to replace uniform and children grow very quickly as we all know. Because of the dusty environment they need to be washed frequently, so if parents can afford one set, there is an opportunity to change. When I was there, I often watched the mums washing in the steam and drying the clothes on the bushes. Their washing often looked whiter than mine! Perhaps it's the effect of the sun!
These teachers are receiving cleaning materials in the early part of the year. Before term starts parents and teachers scrub and clean the school. The volcanic environment and wind means that the classrooms get very dusty. Some assembly areas have no doors and windows are just wire mesh. During term pupils and teachers clean the classrooms and the school yard and verandas.
In April we held a coffee morning in Bonar bridge to support the project. Local people helped and attended and we raised a good sum to help the children. It is a mutually beneficial events, as it provides an opportunity for a social gathering in a rural area where cafes are sparse and raises much needed funds for Ometepe. My art work continues to raise funds at local events and exhibitions.
We helped one of the small schools repair and replace these damaged windows. The schools have no glass windows, and security is an issue. They want to protect the few items of value that they have. We purchased a new speaker for one small school; these are used for their music and dance in their cultural celebrations.
Lynda is one of the students we are supporting; here she is pictured outside the university. Her story and that of others can be seen on our website.
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