Awareness, for the Kids - Matagalpa / Nicaragua

27 November 2007

Written by Juan Manuel Nieto

) Construction of 2 Kitchen-Storage Room,

b) 2 Eco-Stoves,

c) 2 Multipurpose and 2 Hand Washing sinks,

d) 3 Classrooms (Preschool y Multi-grade),

e) 2 Latrines,

f) 2 Rain water collection systems,

g) 12 Hygiene Trainings for Kids & Parents were given,

h) 14 Water filters for the classrooms in every school

i) 5 Reforestations with Fruit trees

j) 3 deliveries of Kitchen utensils

These projects benefit 514 Kids and were done in 5 different schools.

Many rains, road problems, delivery of the material problems because of the rain had passed during these 2 months. How ever, every project was finished! Why? Because fortunately we selected 5 foreman for the constructions that committed to our job. Because the parents community worked really hard (also during the weekends) to complete THEIR projects. Because we all assisted from our positions to complete them, as shown in a sign we leave in every school says: "This project was supported by many, including the school community, TNT volunteers and the World Food Programme."

It's very important that the "many" becomes bigger. That everyone from their positions or places does what they can to fight and finish with the hunger problem. It's was always easy for me doing nothing, thinking that one person can't change the world. I can imagine that a lot of people feel the same. And although probably the ones that can read or write this don't suffer this problem directly, a first big step is not to turn a blind eye to it. Realize that the problem exists, and accept that it's not possible to defeat it individually, but being a part of that "many" yes we can.

I'm going to say goodbye telling you about the kids. The ones that are benefited directly through what we are doing, helping them to have a better development, a better place to learn and why not a better future. These Kids that gets so happy with so little. Just receiving notepads and pencils for studying, a ball to play between 30 of them or candy in a piñata. Days before I discovered that the happiest day for many of the kids I met was when their parents were able to prepare a birthday party for them. One girl told me the best day for her was when she turned 7. I asked her, "why 7?" "Because that's the one my parents could celebrate it to me". She left me thinking about and trying to remember how many times I received clothes as a birthday present when I was a kid and I get upset because I wanted toys...

Everyone received us with open arms, willing to play games, willing to share... They thanked and enjoyed the time we shared with them, but I would like to appreciate them for teaching me the real value of the simple things about life, just like water, food, transport, and a smile, because they showed me how happy you can be with just a little.

Of course they also asked and asked for pictures. I leave you the ones I liked the most so you can know these Kids, because at the end, this is what it's all about, Kids.

Also you can find a video of some singing & dancing Kids and Inaugurations during these 3 months assignment in the following link:

http://www.movingtheworld.org/component/option,com_seyret/task,uservideoslist/Itemid,258/from,0/userid,154/

Preschool Kids in new classroom