Rancho Colegio

We recently started writing my nephew's school class about our experiences in Guatemala as part of the Peace Corps correspondence match program. When we went back home we did a presentation for his class and after our presentation he and his classmates presented us with a friendship box complete with some of their favorite candies, some playground equipment as well as the book pictured below that gives an overview of their school and what they like to do. When we came back we thought it would be best to pair our nephew's school with the elementary school that Liz is teaching English in. When the kids received the friendship box they were extremely excited and grateful. After she gave the kids the box they learned some words and phrases in English that they could include in letters to write to the kids back in the states.  Overall, the most rewarding part of the day was seeing how much the kids opened up and got excited to talk more about their own experiences and interests.  Even in such a small interaction, it is the most access these kids have had to another culture and they were thrilled to learn about the similarities and differences between the two.  I think their smiles say it all...

Some of the kids were so interested they stayed inside during recess to look through the book and talk to Liz about more  related topics.

This is the kids class room. 

This is the snack bar that the kids buy their chips and drinks during recess.

Here is the playground they have to use. In the left hand corner you can see the outhouse and just below the water spigots for the kids to use to wash their hands.

Here are some of the letters the kids were writing. They were very excited that their letters would be going to kids their own age in the States.

Here the 5th graders are receiving the playground equipment.

The 5th and 6th graders share a classroom.  They did the activity together and were overwhelmed by everything that was donated. 

This is the Principal's wife and her children.  Together the couple started this school in the community to address the needs of the kids  and try to provide them with a better education. The family lives in a small room above the school having dedicated all of their savings to building the school.