Week one is almost done at my site! It has been an interesting week as I have gotten to know more about my new home. It is bigger than I thought (6,000 people, not sure if I have mentioned that) and everyday I find a new bridge leading to a new section. The people are very kind and have dynamic personalities. I have been approached by many people showing interest in personal, community, and school gardens, which is very exciting! There is little knowledge of proper land use, garbage disposal, composting, etc. However, even with the lack of knowledge, the people are aware of the issue and are enthusiastic to learn about possible solutions. My host sister has told me that a lot of people here were fortunate to receive land when the new government was instated. However, many of them were unable to manage it properly and fell into debt / extreme poverty because of the drought; almost all of them have rented their land to sugar growing companies. Unfortunatly these companies use slash and burn agriculture to produce their crop. The big sugar companies do not pay much rent and afterwards their land will be unusable (and as a result even less income). Hopefully, with more environmental education, they can find some answers.
Despite their economic situation, the people still seem to cherish their family and community events. I was invited to a promotion (a graduation) of preschoolers the other day. I sat on stage and proceeded to kiss about 200 little kid´s cheeks. Afterwards, la directora (my counterpart), two other sub-directoras, and myself went to one of their graduation parties. It was filled with regeatton, a piñata, soda, a dinner plate, and a goody bag. I have another promotion on Friday, a high school graduation. My host mother´s birthday is on Sunday.
I have already made a compost pile with my host sister and cousin and I hope to start a garden soon. On Monday I look forward to the start of a youth group.
(Thank you all for your support thus far in my journey)
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This makes me smile LOVE YOU TINA BO BINA!!
ReplyDelete~A
Highcrest school supports you and thinks you are doing a great job! We are sure the community there appreciates everything you are doing for them.
ReplyDeleteOne question?
Why were the schools shut down when it rained?
Good Luck in your journey!!
Sra. Brown and 6th grade Spanish classes
Well thank you Highcrest and Sra Brown´s spanish class!
ReplyDeleteThey shut down the school here for a bunc of reason.
1: The roads are not generally paved in the rural school so it is dangerous for the children to ride their bikes on the gravel or mud paths in order to get to school. Or even travel such a long distance in a rain.
2: The roof of the school is made out of zinc (more durable)and these doesn´t allow for much protection from noise and so it is nearly impossible to hear.
3: Many nicaraguans believe that when they get wet they get sick. (automatically)
4: They isn´t lighting to see well or the electricity usually goes out.