March 10, 2009, Tuesday
8:00AM Evelin and Fernando got to the Motel. Went to El Rincon. Principal Albertina Arguijo met us. Went to inspect the kitchen. Everything is in place. Ms. Arguijo explained that she is waiting for the Alcalde for a dedication ceremony. I explained that it is impossible to schedule for the Alcalde and she should use the kitchen while waiting. She said that the fire pit/work bench are rough and she wants them tiled before she starts use. I asked how long before she gets that done (neither L4L nor the Alcaldi will pay to tile the work bench so she will have to rely on the neighborhood which has a very active TPA). I again suggested that, if the tiling cannot start right away that she start using the kitchen while she waits. The Kinder principal walked with us and was nodding in agreement with all I said. We talked for a few minutes about the tremendous hygiene benefits to preparing lunch in the kitchen. Anabel was in school today and came out to say “Hi” with a big hug and smile. Living with the families of her older sisters suits her; she has much more poise that comes from self confidence. During our short conversation she asked about Waldina (the 8th grader Elise and I are helping). Then she asked if I would help her when she starts high school. She was visibly pleased that I reassured her that I would. Anabel is in 5th grade; she just had her 14th birthday.
9:30AM In Nacaomi looking for a computer café. The power is off so we went to the bank where they want some info from me as they are installing a new accounting system (banks have auxiliary generators to run computers/lights; you can tell when businesses are using generators because they are generally not tied into the air conditioning systems). While we were in the bank, the power came on, so we went to a computer café. The café said there was no land-line internet so we went to Fernando’s house and used his wireless. I had difficulty sending email messages thru Knology, so I ended up using Fernando’s email. Soon, we plan to use the L4L website and Facebook to transmit messages to supporters.
12:00PM At the motel setting up for our 1:00 PM meeting with the principals.
1:00PM A very few principals and teachers started showing up at about 10 minutes till 1PM but most didn’t start showing up till 1:15. By 1:30 most were here. This would be annoying except I remind myself that most travel dirt roads to get to the paved highways. Two male principals have dirt bikes (motor cycles), all others arrive by bus. That 20 principals and teachers arrived is a good thing, all be it a little late.
During our meeting with the principals, I thanked them for the great work they were doing to make the Lunch Program work at their schools; they do not get paid to manage the program, but they realize the many benefits to the children. We discussed the world food crisis and international recession. I am concerned that food supplies will begin decreasing – and to the smallest schools first, which would impact some or all of the schools in the L4L Program. We are hoping the Director of PRAF and the counterpart at the UN will keep the schools in the Lunch Program on the food distribution list for the entire year. Therefore, when I approach officials about the allotments needed, I must have specific facts and know how much lunch products are provided to each school. So we become very dependent upon the Principal’s monthly reports. The, when we opened the floor for questions, mostly we received accolades for L4L. The comments are heartfelt and very appreciated, but more than anything, I am wondering how, after 4 years, what can we do to improve.
After the meeting, Roxana commented that the meeting was successful simply by the number of attendees (28 -- every school was represented), and many of those attending lingered a while after the meeting to interact with us and one another. Fernando agreed it was good to get the necessary info out early in the school year. I believe the large attendance definitely speaks to the importance the schools attach to the L4L program. I think (hope) the lack of questions indicates that the program is functioning well and accomplishing its stated goals. Possibly next time, we will have a “mixer” for an hour prior to the meeting.
3:00PM After the meeting, while the attendees were having dessert, Fernando, Evelin and I met with Jose Reyes, of escuels Jose Trinidad Reyes to discuss the sponsorship of his school by Mr. Gulledge. We are so fortunate that Mr. Gulledge will pay for all expenses related to the L4L program for this school for this school year. I encouraged them to write a letter of appreciation to Mr. Gulledge for me to carry back with me. Also, every three months, the school should draft a progress report to Mr. Gulledge, relaying a success story related to the L4L program. Near the middle of the year, it would be ideal to have a few of the 6th graders write a letter as an assignment for their Spanish Grammar class that tells about their community, the school, and what the students each want to do after finishing school. Toward the end of the school year, they should invite Mr. Gulledge to be the Guest of Honor for the 6th grade graduation ceremony. I explained that we are new at this School Sponsorship concept and we will experiment with it as we go along.
4:00PM Meeting over.
4:30PM Fernando and I sitting under a straw lean-to on the river bank and discuss the day.
8:30PM In the motel compound. End of day.