"BRIDGING" THE EDUCATION GAP

We have previously written about the rainy weather here in San Miguel this winter. To reach our school, Los Ricos de Abajo, we must drive across what is normally a dry river bed. Because of the heavy rains we have not had the ability to cross the river and teach English since January 27, 2010. The water was simply too high for the vehicles to safely cross the river. We missed the teaching days of February 3rd, 10th, and 17th, all due to the heavy rainfall. But today, February 24th we were determined to continue our teaching no matter what it took to reach the school.

A group of over 30 volunteers, ages fifty something to eighty something, made the adventure. Our coordinator, Dianne, contacted the nuns at the Monasterio. They agreed to allow us to park the SUV’s on their property and to look after them. All of us ventured down the road and crossed over a suspension foot bridge. Just before we were ready to cross the bridge, we saw an elderly rancher. This is the same rancher that Bob and Sam saw last year at the bridge. By the way, last year Bob took his photo and submitted it to the local paper, Atencion, and it was published as the photo of the week.

After crossing the bridge, everyone hiked along the river’s edge to the main road. We then took the winding road up to the school. It was a very nice walk. The weather was picture perfect with a slight cool breeze and lots of sun. It took about 30 minutes to make the hike.

When we arrived, the students came running out to greet us. They were as excited to see us as we were to see them. They were all dressed in their school uniforms. They looked wonderful.

After class, we also met with all of the Los Ricos students from the past three years. They are currently attending the 7th, 8th, and 9th grades at the Telesecundaria school in Atotonilco. Dianne introduced each student to our group and then presented each of them with a short novel as a reward for their scholastic achievement. These types of books are not readily available to the students. Sam couldn’t believe how these young adults have grown. Our first year volunteering was in 2008. These students are now in the 8th grade. The first “scholarship recipients” are in the 9th grade.

Many of these students have the desire to continue their education in the Preparatoria school this fall. Their desire, versus their family’s ability to pay, are two different things. It is our desire and the desire of so many volunteers to help the students fulfill their dreams. The goal is to try and educate the village one student at a time.  This is the reason why we created the Morrin/Zimmerman Fund as part of the Feed the Hungry organization.  Please visit our blog posting entitled, "In Memory of Our Parents".

After interacting with the “scholarship recipients”, all of the volunteers began the hike back to the vehicles. It was another great day sharing our time with the students at Los Ricos.  Please click on the links below to see the photos.

http://s233.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/eplbobsam/FEB%2024TH%202010%20LOS%20RICOS%20SCHOLARSHIP%20STUDENTS/
 
http://s233.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/eplbobsam/LOS%20RICOS%20ADVENTURE%20-%20CROSSING%20THE%20RIVER/