Dear Friends,
On February 12th, we begin the 2024 school year, our 6th year at Centro de Oportunidad (see final picture of the last article).
Supplies are purchased. Painting, repairs, and remodeling are in process and on schedule.
But what’s invisible is most important: improving the quality of our programs. We applaud the hard work of our teachers – Jenny, Amelia, Roberto, and Marvin – who took time from their breaks for professional training and who met to coordinate plans among themselves to maximize our students’ progress. The result of their work is shared below.
Also, later in February, we’ll re-open the Matt Haley Vocational Center with our first class of the year in salon skills. Our women’s kickball team has begun practicing hard for the first match.
Our barrio, Nueva Esperanza, is alive with anticipation. We are looking forward to sharing the results as they unfold.
As always, thank you for making this hope a reality.!
Chuck
A Very Deep Loss
Ten years ago, when Gabriel Maximiliano Perez Cuadro was in 6th grade, his mother, recognizing his talents, asked Neighbors to Nicaragua for help to send him to a private primary school. Since then, we’ve supported him. His grades were stellar, and he was a hard-working, kind-hearted young man about to begin his third year at the university.
To make extra money while in college, he apprenticed with a well-known local barber who recognized his talents and trained him to be a master at his trade. We hired him to teach barbering to our most recent class, and they loved him.
On January 14th, he went to the hospital with stomach pains. We’re still unsure whether or not there was a medical error or a burst appendix, but we lost this beautiful young man. While these are the realities of a health care system in a third world country, we’re still in shock as are all who knew and loved him.
We already miss you, Gabriel, and we pray for your family. Rest in Peace dear friend.
A Welcoming Environment
We re-modeled space for our youngest students. It includes a new tile floor, a ceiling (to cover exposed metal beams), new lighting, painting, and ceiling fans. The total cost was $4,000. Wilfred, our contractor, was at the helm. Our students and Maycól pitched in to help keep costs down. Eventually, our talented art students will decorate the room with motivational murals.
Looking Good Being Prepared
Every January, Neighbors to Nicaragua purchases a bulk quantity of school supplies. We provide these as well uniforms for many students attending our school who also attend public school. They’re ready now! Public schools open tomorrow.
Signing Up at Centro de Oportunidad: More Opportunities!
Jenny, Amelia, Roberto, and Marvin have been interviewing and re-registering students for the new year. This year is a little different. Since we are now dedicated entirely to literacy, our teachers have been evaluated and certified by the Department of Education. They will now receive continuing education once a month and longer courses during their breaks to continue earning higher levels of certifications at no cost to us. For our students, this means that when they complete our curriculum, Centro de Oportunidad is authorized to award them an official diploma which gains them automatic entry to 6th grade in the public schools! We’re proud of our new status and the opportunities it affords our great students!
Marvin’s week-long professional training workshop: learning new methods to teach children mathematics.
Jenny, our lead literacy teacher, interviews and enrolls new students.
All dressed up for her interview: obviously, someone is ready for school to open ASAP!
