By Simon Hare | Development Director, Globalteer
One of the most important aspects of Picaflor House is that it provides local students with educational opportunities that they would otherwise not be able to access. This is particularly vital since a good educational foundation gives children a better chance at achieving what they want in life - a well paid job, regular income and financial security for themselves and their extended families.
So we are thrilled to be reporting on two exiting ways in which Picaflor House is providing diverse educational opportunities to the children of Oropesa, as well as a wonderful success story from one of our students!
New English language programme grant
In our last report, we talked about our English programme redesign plans. We are very happy to announce that we have been awarded funding by LATA (Latin American Travel Association) to start our revamped English programme this year! This funding will allow us to buy new English teaching supplies, including teaching material, work books, CDs, DVD player, new TV and laptop, and to hire a native English speaking intern to help with the development and implementation of the programme.
The quality of English teaching in public schools in Peru is very low, and without Picaflor House, local children would never be able to achieve a reasonable level of English. This grant and new English programme will therefore significantly help the children in the future as English is highly regarded by local employers due to the thriving tourism industry.
Planting seeds for the future
Not only do our Picaflor House volunteers assist with the day-to-day running of the project, but we also encourage volunteers to use their skills and expertise to impact the project in a broader way, and to provide the children with new educational experiences.
This was certainly the case for Richard, a recent six week volunteer from Wales who has a background in gardening.
Richard purchased a range of plants, including herbs, fruit trees, sunflowers and bushes, and taught the children how to plant trees and seeds, where to plant them, the importance of keeping plants watered and cared for, and the joy and benefits of growing your own fruit and vegetables.
In a community where many families cannot afford the basics, helping the children to understand gardening gives them the early tools they need to take control of their nutrition and health. It also provides a range of benefits to a child’s development such as an increased interest in science and learning, and better overall interpersonal skills.
The children are now taking it in turns to water the plants every day, and are very enthusiastic about the fruits and herbs becoming ready to eat!
Picaflor student wins place at school for gifted children
Last, but certainly not least, we are very excited to announce that one of the first ever Picaflor House students has won a coveted place at a school for gifted children in Cusco. 14-year-old Maria (not her real name) has started at a new school set up by the Peruvian president to give gifted children from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to realise their full academic potential. This is something that normally is only a dream for children like Maria, and other the Picaflor House kids.
We wish her well and hope that she is just the first of many success stories for the children of Picaflor House and Oropesa.
Thank you to all of our volunteers and donors, and everyone at LATA, who have helped to make all of these success stories possible
By Simon Hare | Development Director, Globalteer
By Simon Hare | Development Director, Globalteer, parent charity
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