the ESCUELAS we are ADOPTING or ASSISTING

Escuela Rincon de Mora (ERdM) (Blackberry Corner School) - is located in the Rincon de Mora area of San Rafael de San Ramon. Founded in 1964, the school was built as a part of a community project between 1966 and 1970. The two teachers (one of which is the principal) along with the part time religion and English teacher, educate 30 children from grades 1 to 6. Kindergarteners go to the Escuela San Rafael down the road. Classes are held in two sessions per day from this 2 room school. There is a separate building containing a kitchen and multi purpose room. Even though most schools in Costa Rica are painted blue or green on the exterior, Escuela Rincon de Mora was painted inside and out in bright pastels and primary colors in 2007 compliments of a group of missionaries.

Escuela Pata de Gallo (EPdG) is located in a remote region approximately 10 miles southeast of San Ramon. It is the local school for the town of Pata de Gallo (translated as Rooster Foot in English). Similar to escuela Rincon de Mora, it is a two room schoolhouse with an attached cafeteria/kitchen. The school also has a covered play area for the children. There is one full time Teacher/Principal and part time Special Education, Religion and English teachers who visit the school once each week. In 2010 there are 13 students in the entire school, 2nd through 6th grade. Unless things change there will be fewer children next year with no 1st or 2nd grade. The school is in excellent condition, having recently been refurbished through an international cultural exchange program.


Monday, July 26, 2010

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!
Posted by Dave at 4:05 PM

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