Ambulance/Vehicle
Updates on the Ambulance are amazing. We’ve put sooo much work into this darn car and we just can’t seem to get it right. I’ve recently decided to change mechanics, so we’ll see if this makes any difference. The vehicle works and we have been able to do lots of runs.
Just prior to my departure and Nate’s, the hostel owner/co-driver, departure we were able to complete an average of 3 runs per month. Thus far nothing has been life or death; however it’s been quite a relief to have the ambulance available to everyone in the three surrounding communities. We’ve managed a total of 3 births; a diabetic attack; a major cold/flu epidemic amongst children; a large mass forming on a man’s knee; several runs to the Red Cross for three hemophiliac children; and a run to a hearing specialist for a young boy whom we thought was losing his hearing, thankfully it’s turned out to only be a mild learning disability. Sadly we’ve also had to use the ambulance as a Hurst on two occasions.
As both Nate and I are away, I am unsure if the ambulance is being used. We’ve left a set of keys with the staff of the hostel, and they have permission to use it in a dire emergency as they do not have a license to drive, nor can they drive a standard very well. Jamie, Nate’s right-hand-man is still learning. Man I’ve forgotten how hard it was to learn/teach how to drive a standard.
Costs have remained low for the repairs, which is a plus. Nate, Jamie and I will be learning car repairs. We have obtained a new mechanic who we hope can fine tune everything and get this vehicle up to U.S. standards, ha-ha we’ll see!! In total we’ve spent a total of $8,575.28 including the original purchases, several major repairs, and gas purchases for emergency runs only. Currently $1,000 remains specifically for repairs and gas!
Community Center
At the time of my departure the community center was up and running for kids club projects only. We are patiently awaiting a carpenter to come through the hostel who would love to volunteer his/her time to make some tables and benches for the adult classes and for the kids club (hint hint!!). Currently, we’ve only had kid’s club meetings and the kids help move furniture over if necessary or we’ve enjoy the outdoors!
Now that it is rainy season, the center will be closed until November and used as staff housing for the hostel, as it is the most secure and dry area on the property. This works fine as the kids tend not to come often during rainy season. When I’m talking rainy season I mean it pours everyday! I’ve recently heard that the village is shin to knee deep in puddles and what we would consider vernal pooling.
Future plans for the community center still include adult education classes. Since I’ve been back and have had technology at my fingertips at all points in the day, I’ve begun to do some research for project ideas. As Nate, the owner of the hostel, and I are very focused on renewable and reusable options I’ve discovered some projects, which I’m hoping the community would enjoy to learn; including making recycled paper and using old glass bottles to create beads for jewelry. These two would be great craft projects for the adults and young adults in the community as Jiquilillo is becoming a tourist spot, and well we all know tourists need to buy gifts!! I am hoping this will work.
The original idea was to get sewing classes spearheaded; however, we are finding it difficult to know if this will be a sustainable project as it requires such a large start-up fund. Nate and I have discussed, and have decided to hold off on this aspect of the adult learning until we can see some real want in the community. This way we don’t buy 5 sewing machines which just sit.
As Nate is on vacation now, upon his return he plans to look into getting a local teacher to come once or twice a week to give adult literacy classes. We are hoping that in the future we will also be able to hold English classes for the community members as well! They have all shown a great interest in this but, we’ve made them promise to show that they can read and write properly in their own first.
As for kids club we’ve been having an amazing time. The kids just adore coming to play, read, watch movies, eat popcorn, color, write, do homework, and do arts and crafts projects. These kids are just so beautiful. Occasionally we’ll play bingo and give prizes, the kids always have options for prizes. Generally it is between a type of toy such as a water gun, or a toothbrush or pen/pencil. It is so funny to see kids take the toothbrush or the pen over toy, because they know it’s their only way to get what they really need. Kids here learn need is more important than want at a very young age. What a difference from the states!
As for expenses associated with the community center only a total of $653.34 was spent which has included $500 for the structure (this was used for several of the bricks which Nate ran short of funding for) and the remained was used to purchase materials and necessities for the children.
School
As most of you know my real focus is the children, especially as I am a teacher, thanks to Plymouth State University. Therefore, the school is one of my main passions. I’ve been able to provide many many many supplies for the children and teachers, including basic supplies including maps, paper, staplers, photocopies of textbooks, dictionaries, pens, pencils, chalk, etc… The teachers have been very receptive as has Save the Children, which has been working in the community for the past year, more or less.
Another main project was teeth. It is so hard to watch a 12 year old pull out one of his adult teeth, just because it is rotten. I’ve worked hard and have been able to add a teeth brushing activity to the daily regiment of school. Now just after the lunch (provided by a program from the Save the Children) and recess are over all the children congregate outside and brush their teeth together. It is amazing to watch. I’ve provided the school with toothbrushes for each child and toothpaste!! (I never realized how much toothpaste was needed for five months for an entire school; I’m talking a lot here!)
With brushing your teeth well you need water!! This was one thing which has disturbed me about the school. They have been lacking water. I’ve set up a program with the local “chicken bus” system and now have 10 gallons of water per week trucked in for each class! Upon my departure the teachers were very pleased with this quantity. When I return in January I will be able to check on productivity and make sure the program has run smoothly.
In total including supplies, teeth, and water I spent $657.42. Next year, as long as the budget is there I’d like to do more!!
Children being Sponsored
As you’ve all been informed I was able to sponsor a total of 14 children to attend school. This included all necessities, backpack, uniform, shoes, paper, pens, pencils, rulers, etc… The kids and teachers alike were very excited at the onset of this program.
I am pleased to say that upon my departure the program was still running relatively smoothly. I’m not sure however how things have been recently as I’ve been away since August, however I am hoping for the best.
The school runs year round in Jiquilillo with only half of December and all of January off. Therefore, who really knows if the children are still using the supplies for the intended purpose, however, when I left in August all children who were sponsored were doing well and attending classes on a more regular basis than most!
This is a great step in the community of Jiquilillo, which has had a rather pathetic school attendance since I’ve known the community. It’s sad to see, but I’m glad that with the help of Save the Children and Nate, owner of Rancho Esperanza, I am able to see change!
Hostel life
As for life at the hostel, when I was there, it was amazing. Nate has been a visionary of change and has been creating new updates like they are going out of style. He’s finished his garden bed (which I’m hoping to get my hands in in January), he’s redecorated his cabanas (they are sooooo cute now), he’s built a volunteer house, he’s changed the roof on his hostel, he’s created new furniture, and tons more…
He’s also not stopping there. His new plans include Eco Tours, Adult Ed classes, a new kitchen, new bathrooms, and who really knows what else when you are dealing with such a driven and amazing person.
Now that I’m gone, I realize how many things at the hostel and in the community of I seem to take advantage of while I’m there. I revel in the lack of communication (sorry as much as I love these e-mails I’d rather spend time in the school or giving Nate a hand with his projects), I pray for warm days to keep my joints limber, I think of my puppy all the time.
Basically I’m just thankful that I was able to reconnect with such an amazing friend and entire community who showed me the world, a community in my backyard I may have never seen, and the realities of poverty and happiness all at the same time! (This I think we can all agree is priceless!)
New Projects
As for new projects, I think Nate has the best ideas and he seems to be doing great things with the community. Also, we have an elusive faith based organization coming in perhaps in February (whom I am curious to meet). Therefore, this may be my last hurrah, I’m currently in touch with Dentists without borders (yeah teeth!!), and am filling out an application with Engineers without Borders (trying to get water into the community). I think these two projects on top of the several I’ve started will keep me more than occupied through this 2009 trip. I plan to leave on January 27 and would love to meet up with anyone who has time before I go. Please e-mail me at stephanyguyot@gmail.com
