Ally Warhol, our board chairperson, asked me very politely, “Do you think you could stop referring to adolescents who spend time in the street as ‘Street Kids’?
She’s right: The term is denigrating, and it’s also far from informative, as are most labels: common laborer, blue/white collar worker, suits, even doctor or CEO. They don’t tell us much of anything and they come loaded with images and expectations. And this is the problem: the images and expectations for “street kids” is low and negative; often it’s synonymous with “thugs.”
And what we’ve learned – what they taught us – is that their talents, needs and dreams, and what they have to offer the world are no different from those of anyone else, whether they hang out on the street or dwell in a mansion. We all share the same fundamental needs: to be useful, to be encouraged, to have food and shelter, to be qualified to do something…to be loved.
They started “hanging out” at the school and later Maycól began talking with them. Soon afterwards, they began receiving a meal each day. In return, they worked doggedly to do something positive – helping build our new school every day for five months in unimaginable heat and humidity. We told them, “Your sweat is in this school. Now, you have to reap the benefits of all you’ve given us.” So currently they’re in classes, learning to read and write, do math, and learning how to cut hair in our new Matthew James Haley Vocational Center. Eventually after we catch our breath, we want to build a second floor on the center to serve as a youth center and have them be a part of mentoring other youths. It’s a miracle…a lot of work…and a lot of counseling is still needed, but we know these “street kids” now have names. Meet them below.
With continued gratitude for all you make possible.
Chuck
Does anyone here like to draw?
Angelo, center, loves copying images of cartoons. He has his assistants Maycól, left, and Jefferson, right, at his side.
Angel, right, joins in.
They got into the paint and kept going.
Class is in session!
When you’re 17 years old and learning how to read…one-on-one. Jefferson, right, says that Roberto is an excellent teacher.
There is a strong element of trust needed to be a teen while learning basics. Here, Maycól works with Angelo.
Additionally, we have him and others enrolled in night school three nights a week. It’s a program designed for teaching adolescents and adults. Illiteracy is very high in Nicaragua, and we’re on it!
Our “Test Run” courses – Barbering and Salon Skills – are halfway completed. We’ll then take time to evaluate and plan what’s next. We’re pleased with the results so far!
Students practice their newly-learned skills.
Practicing scissor technique during the barbering course.
Observing razor technique. Please pay careful attention! 😅