In July of 2017 we traveled to Peru with the plan to implement some kind of technology for the kids (I-pad like devices). Upon arriving we discovered that the perimeter wall of the pre-school had been taken down as a safety precaution. Torrential rains had badly damaged the walls and made them unsafe. Unfortunately this meant that the security for any technological devices in the school had greatly diminished. Just the same, there was much we could do. The rains had damaged one of the school rooms and so we painted the room and bought very large white boards for that room and the younger students’ room. The pre-school had received a donation of used costumes (for dance presentations: coast, mountain and jungle), but had nowhere to properly store them. We bought a wardrobe with hangars so the costumes could be hung up and out of the dust.
The children receive breakfast each day, but the school had nowhere to cook the oatmeal and quinoa. Because the school is going to be repaired and perhaps renovated by the government the principal asked that we do things which could be easily removed. We built a temporary “kitchen” next to the school room and bought a gas stove and propane tank to cook breakfast on. This structure is solid, yet can be taken apart and put back together when the time comes.
We also repaired the awning that St. John’s donations installed 4 years prior. The principal did not want us to put in something more permanent (the original plan was to put in something permanent in 2017). The torrential rains, sun and ocean breeze had been hard on the seams connecting the colorful tarps which covered the structure (which had also rusted in several spots). On closer examination we realized that the tarps were in good shape and the rusted areas of the metal frame could easily be replaced. So a welder was found to fix the frame, and a man who repairs seams on awnings came with his sewing machine to sew the tarps back together. This structure should last another two years until we return to put in something more durable.
As well we received a wish list from the principal of 1) school supplies needed for the second half of the year and 2) educational toys and musical instruments needed to complete the collection started years ago (the pre-school has grown from 20 children in the beginning to about 34 students). We were able to fill the list completely. These items can be seen on a table near the end of the video.
And finally the children went on a field trip, something they had never done before. A friend has a botanical garden and receives visits from children at schools around the area. The children got to have hands on experience with plants which are native to the area and enjoy a picnic lunch.
The children receive breakfast each day, but the school had nowhere to cook the oatmeal and quinoa. Because the school is going to be repaired and perhaps renovated by the government the principal asked that we do things which could be easily removed. We built a temporary “kitchen” next to the school room and bought a gas stove and propane tank to cook breakfast on. This structure is solid, yet can be taken apart and put back together when the time comes.
We also repaired the awning that St. John’s donations installed 4 years prior. The principal did not want us to put in something more permanent (the original plan was to put in something permanent in 2017). The torrential rains, sun and ocean breeze had been hard on the seams connecting the colorful tarps which covered the structure (which had also rusted in several spots). On closer examination we realized that the tarps were in good shape and the rusted areas of the metal frame could easily be replaced. So a welder was found to fix the frame, and a man who repairs seams on awnings came with his sewing machine to sew the tarps back together. This structure should last another two years until we return to put in something more durable.
As well we received a wish list from the principal of 1) school supplies needed for the second half of the year and 2) educational toys and musical instruments needed to complete the collection started years ago (the pre-school has grown from 20 children in the beginning to about 34 students). We were able to fill the list completely. These items can be seen on a table near the end of the video.
And finally the children went on a field trip, something they had never done before. A friend has a botanical garden and receives visits from children at schools around the area. The children got to have hands on experience with plants which are native to the area and enjoy a picnic lunch.