Hi everybody, thank you for your continued interest and support in the Seeds of Hope - Peru organization! Since our last newsletter, several exciting events have occurred, including the Santa Dash, technology campaign, and Christmas party. Continue reading to learn more about what we have been up to for the last six months!
Technology Campaign
Since the middle of the year, we have been raising funds in order to purchase a new computer for the school, additional tablets (such as iPads or Kindle fires), and to update the current wifi router at the school.
We raised over $3000, and will be purchasing the new computers later this month, so be on the lookout for another update! Additionally, we received three tablets as a donation, which the students love utilizing for their advanced studies.
Santa Dash
On December 17, we hosted our annual Santa Dash race to raise money for the continuation of the feeding program for the current year. The children had an amazing time dressing up in rented Santa suits and racing to a local mirador. Read more about the success of the event here (including additional photos and quotes from students): http://seedsofhoperu.blogspot.pe/2018/01/santa-dash-2017.html
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| what a captivating finish! |
Christmas Party
On December 23, we hosted our annual Christmas party. Throughout the week, we have been busy purchasing and wrapping gifts for every child; however, the excitement on their faces upon opening their personalized gift was worth all the effort, and more! Before opening presents, each age group of students performed a traditional dance that they spent the last week practicing; it was really cool to see the children share their culture with us and take pride in their heritage (some videos have been uploaded to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/SeedsOfHopePeru/). We ended the Christmas party with slices of panetón (sweet bread with candied fruit inside) from a local bakery, and hot chocolate prepared by Chef Wily - so delicious!
Continuing Education
Many graduates of the Seeds of Hope program elect to continue their education. We try to help them finance their studies in every way that we can; several of these students return to the school to help tutor younger children in their free time.
Jair is beginning his first year in environmental engineering; Jayumi is beginning her first year in environmental engineering as well. Yelisca is starting her first year in sanitary engineering, while Anita is beginning her second year in sanitary engineering. Lorenzo is currently in his third year at university, studying civil engineering, while Wilbur is in his last (fifth) year at university, studying engineering of mines. Wily is in his first year at teaching school, and Carmen is in her last (fifth) year at the technical school for accounting.
Milena, one of the most intelligent and dedicated students at Seeds, is still in her last year of high school. She has her eye on acceptance to the prestigious engineering of mines program, assuming she does well on the college entrance exam.
New Volunteers!
In the beginning of December, our new volunteer coordinator (far right) arrived; in the middle of December, Hannah joined us from Ecuador. This week, Taylor came from the USA (center left), and Rebekah arrived from the UK!
Upcoming News:
In the next couple of weeks, our volunteer coordinator will begin work on the student sponsorship program. This fundraising campaign is to raise money to cover the school supplies of the 55+ students at Seeds of Hope, so that they can succeed in their studies at either primaria, secundaria, or universidad. Be on the lookout for a follow up blog post and / or e-mail in the coming weeks!
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