Recognition of Empowerment

Teachers were paid on time today again. This year we have a perfect record so far for the first time since 2008! (Last year was close to a perfect record, but we were late some months.) Paying teachers on time makes such a difference. They feel more secure, understandably and have a much more positive presence at school as a result. However, I think that God may have had a purpose in these years of backed up teacher pay. 

Today I met with Vladimir, the new morning director in Padre Granero, and Wanbert, the prior director and co-founder, who is still a teacher. They recently formed a committee among the older students in the school and have been teaching them about taking responsibility over some things in the school and learning to manage things as well. They led them each to make a small contribution of money, with one of them being the treasurer and money handler. They then used this money to purchase jugs of water so that water is always available for drinking in the school. This is an expense that the organization has not covered, but they found it to be a need that the school had. We also have some donated fortified rice and recently purchased a stove, pot, plates, and utensils. We have some oil as well. We mainly lack the ingredients to make a sauce to serve with the rice. 

This month our students learned about solar energy and constructed show boe solar ovens, along with one out of plywood!

Wanbert suggested that we ask for the participation of each student to complete the ingredients and get started serving school meals. Vladimir thought that that may not go over well, and we should leave the contributions to just the water. I think we agreed to follow Vladimir's ideas in the end, but Wanbert's reasoning for wanting to solicit the participation of students was gratifying. 

He said that he didn't used to think the way that he does now. But he realizes that when he accomplishes something for himself and provides something for himself, it is better than if he relies on others to give to him, or expects others to give to him. When everything is given to you, it actually weakens you rather than strengthens you. He said that Project Esperanza hasn't been able to provide him with everything, but he has received much formation and personal and professional development through working with the organization, and that is what he wants to pass along to the kids. 

I was astounded. Real, true collaboration and trust between those we are helping and those who are giving has taken years.. but I saw some light bulbs light up today. It's great to know that school leadership is finally teaching the kids to truly respect those sacrificing to make the school run, and encouraging them to "pay it forward". 

We have many students who still are not sponsored and more kids continue to register this far along in the school year. If you haven't already, please consider sponsoring one of our students for $100 a year. E-mail Sponsor@EsperanzaMeansHope.org for more information.