Still Christmas in January
As most of the presents and cards of our Swiss godparents arrive a couple of weeks later, X-Mas for our children still goes on in January. For the kids this remains a memorable moment, when they realize that there a people far away, thinking and caring about them.
Some of the godparents send big parcels with books, pencils, cookies and lots more.
In the name of all children: Thank you so much!
Visits
Again this month we had a lot of visitors. Some university and church groups came along to interact with the children. They were dancing and singing, putting on makeup and practicing performance. Besides a lot of fun, our visitors brought some snacks and of course Piñatas.
Coca Cola excursion
San Pedro Sula, a very industrial city, does not have many green spots. One of the few is the mountain Meredon, with a big Coca Cola sign on top. Our goal was, to hike up this mountain and reach the sign at the top. As the kids are very active playing football and riding their bike, they are all in good shape. Thanks to the good physical condition of all children, we made it within one hour of uphill hiking. The reward was a stunning view over the city and of course a yummy snack. Walking down was much easier and full of fun and chattering.
Family reintegration
The DINAF’s (governmental organization) aim is, to reintegrate the children into their families whenever possible. This is always a very hard and emotional moment. This month our youngest Ricardo, David and Keyla had to leave to live with their grandfather. Already a few days in advance the three of them were very nervous, as they didn’t what to expect.
Just a few hours after their departure the DINAF’s lawer called, to ask us if Keyla may come back to us. She obviously refused to go with her grandfather, and therefore would be better off to stay with us at the children’s home. The boys joined their grandfather, as they were to small to oppose. Of course we were happy to take Keyla back. «Yo quiero ser» is her home, where she feels save, secure and loved.
Supporting local schools
With the help of the Japanese embassy we were happy to support the renovation of the local school «Dionisio de Herrera» in San Pedro Sula. Due to the fact, that public schools are closed between November and February, we had enough time to paint the classrooms, fix the windows and refurbish the toilets and bathrooms, which were in a very bad condition.
All the work was done by the end of January and 1’000 school children enjoyed their first day back at school on the 1st of February.
We are also proud to support the school «Escuela 18 de Noviembre El Ocotillo Occidental» in Choloma, which unfortunately does not have any tables in their class rooms. We managed to furnish some class rooms with 25 tables and 50 chairs, so that at least 50 children can study sitting at a proper desk. Knowing that 25 tables is not a lot, it is a start and we are very proud and happy to help.