First Day in la Thompson

I went to the school for the first time today for a meeting with the people in the community. The project director and I had to meet with members of the community to discuss the energy efficient stoves that GVI installs in some peoples house. These stoves burn less wood and filter the smoke form the house into the air outside. It would seem like it would be something that people would embrace. They do not have to do as much tree chopping and, if everyone uses the stoves, there will be more trees and, hence, a shorter walk to the trees. However, for some reason the people are not using their stoves. Aaron and I think it might have something to do with them not really knowing how to use the stoves. Unfortunately, there was no way we were going to get anyone to admit to that in front of their friends and family… Aaron and I think the best step forward will be going door to door and asking people what the problem seems to be.

Also, there has been a problem with attendance. The children just are not showing up. They either do not want to come or their parents force them not to come to help around the house and in the fields (the latter is usually the case—these kids love coming to school).

I was introduced to the school today as well. It is somewhat less than I expected… In Guatemala, there was not much, only a few rooms under a tin roof with rickety bamboo tethered together to partition the classes. In la Thompson, the community we are working in, there are some walls, but the building they contain is only about 30 feet by 15 feet. There are two classes divided by a half wall. The third, fourth, and fifth graders are all pushed together and the pre-schoolers, first graders, and second graders are divided among the other room inside and the class outside made by the overhanging tin roof (the roof extends an extra 15 feet or so off the building to make a ceiling that will shelter the children from the sun/rain).
The houses in the community are made with tin roofs, and if you’re lucky, with wooden walls. The floors are sometimes made with concrete, but the others are just dirt floors. Stoves are a luxury, as is running water and working toilets.

However, I am not discouraged. I still believe in what we are trying to do and I think that GVI can really be the difference in these people’s lives. The project here has only existed a year, but has already made profound progress. We are already opening another school in Nicaragua in June plus adding programs to help alleviate deforestation and hunger.

I am excited for my first day of class tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Patrick