Visit to Escuela Rincon de Mora

Frank Day and I visited Rincon de Mora this morning. We had the privilege of bringing a lot of equipment and teacher and student supplies. All of the items were purchased with money from Raylene’s memorial fund. The biggie was a large stainless steel microwave oven, suitable for daily use in the school’s kitchen. It was something that they have wanted for a very long time! We also brought a complete set of 30 melamine dishes and cups to replace, shall we say, the “aging” plates and cups. The rest of the school and teacher supplies consisted of much used consumables like pencils, pens, glue sticks, markers, construction and bond paper and such.

Frank also brought and configured a flat bed scanner for the principal’s computer. A very useful tool that Shirley can use to make copies of documents and work sheets. Frank also took a classroom computer back to his house to repair.

I have made the commitment to visit the 2nd cycle (4th, 5th and 6th grades) classroom every other Friday to assist Xinia with her lessons. I will be generating my own worksheets and lessons to augment those that Xinia presents. First visit is on August 6 an I'm really looking forward to it! Read more Entry>>

Initial Visit to Escuela Pata de Gallo

I followed Xinia to the Pato de Gallo school this morning. Translated into English the town and school of Pato de Gallo means “Rooster Foot”.

I was greeted by all of the students with the Costa Rican traditional “air kiss” on the cheek and a handshake. I was given a tour of the school inside and outside to get a feel for the layout and condition. I was very pleased to see that the school is in excellent condition. Two years ago the entire school was refurbished through the efforts of an international cultural exchange program.

I met with the teacher/principal and Xinia for nearly two hours discussing the makeup of the town and its inhabitants, the needs of the school and what I thought to be realistic goals for Adopting Escuelas.


The town is comprised of roughly 150 inhabitants comprised of only five separate family groups. The town’s entire economy is centered around the coffee business. When that business is active there is work – when there is a lull in the business there is no work. The closest town of any size is Palmares, about 5 miles away. There is a small “pulperia”, or corner store, in Berlin about 3 miles away. There are nine cars/trucks in town but most people walk everywhere.

I have three computers that I will be taking to the school next Monday along with lots of school supplies and anything else that Xinia and I find appropriate. It was decided that the entire town will have access to the computers as they will be the only computers in town! Aida will apply to the local telecommunications company for internet this week.

It seems like a fascinating place to volunteer and I’m really looking forward to our agreed upon every other Friday visit!


I have arranged to visit the school on August 9 to install computers and basketball hoops! Read more Entry>>

Raylene K. Scott Memorial Children’s Library Dedicated

Today Dave and the entire staff and student body of Escuela Rincon de Mora participated in the dedication ceremony for the Raylene K. Scott Memorial Children’s Library. A total of 133 books and 35 videos were placed in the wooden bookcase that had been donated by VFE. The books included a nice mix of Spanish and English and English/Spanish early reading books, A beautiful plaque, hand stitched by Barbara Randall, was also placed in the bookcase. A special thanks to everyone that donated books and to Barbara, they are all very much appreciated! Read more Entry>>