Well Nicaragua continues to have surprises! This week at school we had to deal with no electricity at the one school, in a rainstorm, it was very dark and the kids were trying to mix colours to make a colour wheel. The next day there was no water for our paints but one of the kids walked home to get some. Chickens stroll in and out the classrooms and as bad as my spanish is, I had to compete with a donkey braying outside the window!! But the kids are delightful and happy to see me now that they know me.
I taught a kindergarten class of about 8 kids, we had so much fun just painting with tempera paint, it was terrific, they all produced about 3 paintings each. Yesterday a few of the older children had their grad photos done, all dressed up in robes and hats and holding certificates.
I met with the director of the small gallery they have here. They offer classes and I was told that they were extemely well attended, it is run by a foundation and the building was donated by some wealthy Americans. It promotes local artisans and supports education initiatives. Yes!!
Something I do notice here is that there is no help for kids who need extra support, the teacher is usually teaching a mixed grade anywhere from 7 year olds to 14 years old. The poor kids with learning issues don't stand a chance. We are very fortunate in Canada in that regard. They could do with you down here, Jani Jang! Next week in school we are going to make masks and do some print making. All being well!!
Besides all the school stuff we have been having a ball. We went on a sunset, magnifico, fishing trip in which we saw a pair of turtles mating, dolphins and a small manta jumped out of the water and oh yes we caught our dinner, a Mackeral! We have met lots of interesting people and went on horseback to the most beautiful beach, pristine and remote. We are still looking for the elusive 3 toed sloth, but have seen lots of monkeys , wild parrots and an armadillo. Wow!
- Sue Firkser
