El Recreo: January 1997

Project Status

This section discusses the different programs each month, especially ones we are directly involved with, or ones that experience changes, or new programs.

Education

The education program, as previously mentioned, is a program that runs for 2.5 hours in the morning and another 2.5 hours in the afternoon, tutoring kids so they can advance in their studies. There is currently one paid coordinator, three paid teachers, and about 8 volunteer teachers. About 100 kids are involved in the program which costs them one cordoba per week ($0.11 US). They come in either the afternoon or the morning, and go to the regular school the other half of the day. I continue to volunteer as a teacher in the afternoon.

The big news this month is the increase in size in classes. We now have around 100 kids. About 40-50 in the morning and 50-60 in the afternoon. The kids are in vacation still, from the regular schools, so many are sent by their parents to improve their skills, make-up certain classes or just keep them out of trouble. So we have had our hands full this month. I have over 20 kids in my class, although I now have a helper, so it's about 9 kids each (not all the kids come every day).

Natural Medicine

The natural medicine project has a two-fold purpose: first, to educate people about the workings of natural medicines, explaining how in many cases they are better than pharmaceutical medicines; and second, to provide people with cheaper alternative medicines that can often be grown right here in the community. The plants are grown both in the community center and in houses in the community. The plan for this year is to expand the project to incorporate massage therapy as well. The ultimate goal is to have an all-Natural pharmacy in the community.

In Natural Medicine, we have a new Nicaraguan volunteer, Mariela, who is planning to study medicine this year, possibly in Cuba. She has much experience in Natural Medicine and brings this experience to help with the project. She is also teaching folkloric dancing classes, once per week.

El Recreo Spotlight

Doña Alba

Alba is many things in the community. Alba works as the housekeeper of the nuns, 6 days per week, taking care of their house, cooking, washing clothes, etc. Also, she volunteers in the Literacy program and in the Elderly program.

In the Literacy program, she teaches a class of adults to read and write and do math. These classes have just started up for the new year this week. They span 2 hours every afternoon, Monday to Friday (at least, it was last year).

In the Elderly program, she helps to raise money to buy them food or medicine for the Elderly, as they are a much neglected part of this (and our) society. Also, many afternoons, after work, she goes with the group, visiting one or two elderly in their houses to see that they are ok, or if they need anything.

Alba is a loving person, who gives much to the community. We are always joking around here at the nuns' house when I come over to use the computer or see the nuns. She lives alone with her mother and some nephews, taking care of the family on her income.