Today we got our first break since beginning work. Our coordinator took us to visit a school in Santa Maria de Jesus, outside of Antigua. We got to take a miniature "chicken bus," so I was able to cross that off my list of things to do before I've left. I will post a picture soon of these buses so you all will know exactly what I mean, and what a feat this truly was.
Appropriately titled "El Jardin de Amor," "The Garden of Love," serves about 50-60 families that cannot afford to pay the exorbiant rates the village's official school demands. These children come from ranges of families with 10-16 children, with an income of less than 20 Quetzales a day- an equivalent of less than 3 dollars. They are usually forced to work for thier food, simply because if they dont, there cannot be enough to supply the whole family. The school strikes a deal with the families, convincing them to let the children come to school for half a day, and then work the remainder.
I learned that "El Jardin de Amor" is not only a place for the students to learn. It is a safe place for them to play and have fun too. At home they only work and sleep. There is no time to play or joke around. Most students dont celebrate their birthday at home, so the school provides monthy parties for the students. It is thier only opportunity to experience real, child-like life.
an account of making the most of each idea and persevering every dream imaginable.
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