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.
Dia de Niño was celebrated at escuelas Pato de Gollo on September 9. The celebration was marked by a day of fun and games at the school. Adopting Escuelas asked what we could do and were told that what the children *really* wanted were personal care items. We made sure that each child got the wanted children’s deodorant and a large bottle of shampoo as game prizes. It didn’t seem like much of a “prize” to me but I was assured that they really wanted and appreciated the personal care items.
Although yesterday was *official* Dia de Niño, escuela Rincon de Mora celebrated the day today so that Xinia would be there to help out.
It was great fun. I was there for the “eat the marshmallow off the string” contest, sack races and pin the tail on the donkey.
The children also received small toys donated by Adopting Escuelas as prizes for competing in the various games. Prizes included mini make-up kits and jump ropes for the girls and spinning “air” tops for the boys.
The children and staff also gave me a surprise birthday party, complete with a huge tres leches cake decorated with fruit, a gift bag of chips and candy, and the performance of a wonderful friendship dance performed by the second cycle girls. All very touching and a huge surprise to me!
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