Last Friday was a special day for Vida Nueva, a poor community in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
Dozens of children celebrated the grand opening of a brand new kindergarten built by Children International – something the community had been anticipating for months. Concerned for their children’s education, community leaders donated the property with the understanding that Children International would build the facility and the government of Honduras would provide a qualified teacher.
But the community didn’t wait until the building was complete to start working with the children! Although no actual teacher was available, a Children International volunteer named Jackeline Lourdes Valdez began to work with the children, meeting in improvised facilities.
Last November, more than 50 children graduated from the kindergarten program. Their moms and dads had decided that this was a very important milestone in their lives, and in spite of their poverty they decided to make it an event to remember.
Moms began to do fund raisers so they could provide special outfits for their children. Those who could sew made the outfits themselves; others found inexpensive seamstresses to help. Dresses, ruffles, shirts, ties…there was no doubt in anybody’s mind that these children were the apples of their parents’ eyes!
Jesús Almendárez, our communications coordinator in San Pedro Sula, shared some photos of the event.
Now the new building is operational, complete with a teacher provided by the state – although Jackeline (above, right, with the new teacher) is still donating her time and efforts to help out. Over 130 children are enrolled.
I just chatted with Jesús a few moments ago. He’s sending me some pictures of last week’s grand opening. I’ll be posting them later this week, so keep checking back!
Photos by Jesús Almendárez. Reporting assistance by Jesús Almendárez and Leticia López.
