About a month ago I saw our neighbor Sol painting a couple of old truck tires. She told me she was doing it for a project at school where they were working to plant a garden. They were going to use the tires as planters. She was very excited about the project and told me there would soon be an open house at the school where I could see the garden.
Then last week I spoke with Ramon a few times and he told me that he and his family were working on a project to make easels for the children at the school to use for art projects. He told me he and Nura would be presenting the easels and small chairs to the school during their open house which was scheduled for Friday morning.
So, yesterday morning I went down to the school to attend the open house. When I got to the school some older girls were performing a dance in the quad area which was surrounded by tables and displays from each of the classes.
One of the teachers was introducing the acts and making announcements. Across the yard area, Ramon and Nura were setting up their new easels.
I walked around the perimeter of the yard and met scores of students and their parents helping at each of the display tables.
Everyone was excited to show off their projects. The older girls finished their dance and other groups or individuals were introduced to make presentations. A couple of young students did dramatic readings and others put on skits or performed dances.
Here are some pictures of the displays.
On the far side of the quad sits the student’s garden area. I spotted Sol’s red white and blue painted tires amongst the brightly decorated garden.
By the time I got around to the far side, Ramon and Nura were just about finished setting up the chairs and easels.
With fifteen two-sided easels thirty students can work on paintings or drawings while sitting in the bright new chairs.
I got Ramon to demonstrate how the easels are to be used.
Ramon’s smile would brighten up any day!
Before I had to leave I saw Sol and a group of girls getting ready to do their dance routine.
Our community is truly blessed to have such dedicated parents, teachers, and school administrators working with our youth! It was a great day and fantastic open house. This sign was posted near the entrance to the garden area and pretty much summed up the day for us:
God really has blessed us!
After the open house the students worked on individual art projects. It was close to five o’clock when we heard a soft voice say, “Hola!” by our front door. Look who stopped by.
Sol presented us with this hand-made gift!
Sol follows the tradition set by her sisters and parents with her open heart and loving smile. Just another reason we always say…
Life is good in Ecuador!
Oh how I love this! The spirit comes shining through- an incredible celebration and appreciation of how important school is, how all aspects of it are to be highlighted and that it is an integral part of the community. Really embodies why we love Ecuador so much, and the special community of San Clemente!
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Thank you. It is even more fun for us as we know many of these young people. In a few of the photos you can see girls and boys sneaking a glance at the camera and waving a hello. I was able to stop and chat with several dozen people I know and many many children. It is a real joy to live here.
Not to mention – the kids and teachers did a great job on the displays. Some of the artwork is really creative and the variety shows the wide range of skills that are being developed at that school. Life is good!
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How wonderful! It’s heartwarming to see the joy on the kid’s faces and the enthusiasm of their parents for their school projects.
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Yes, mothers and fathers alike were crowded around to see the programs and displays. San Clemente is like a big family in many ways and it was more of a festive family gathering type of day. The kids really got a kick out of showing off their accomplishments.
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SAN Clemente is a special place for the children who go to that school and have such good local support
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Eileen that is so true. The sense of community here is something I have not witnessed in the USA for many, many years.
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There are so many things to like about this post! The piggy planters are precious, and the art – wow, they have been busy!
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Yes, Lisa. This is just the primary school and some of the art was really quite good. I love that all of the kids were involved in so many different activities. Those kids will put the new art easels to good use!
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