This past week was the last for the summer volunteers of session two and so as sort of a farewell to them we hosted a community get-together in El Farito. It was focused around the recently switched kid's art program and was a time were they could display the crafts they had made. Up until recently program director Katie Hathaway had been teaching a music class in which she taught the kids basic information about rhythm and reading music. Well after her concert a few weeks back she decided to change the program into an art class because there were more people who seemed interested and skilled in that area, especially from the summer volunteers. Two girls in particular stepped up to the plate to lead it, Baylee and Priyanca, and had the kids do a variety of creative and different projects. For example they made masks, noise makers, painted their favorite places and things they loved, and then painted a mural as well. So on Wednesday night they presented all of their hardwork on tables in El Farito so that everyone could walk around and see. It turned out to be a super fun night filled with goodbyes but then a lot of laughter as well. Dayana even performed a surprise dance for the summer volunteers that they all loved and in which she danced to traditional Nicaraguan folklore.
This weekend we also welcomed our new program directors for the year 2011-2012. So exciting! These first two weeks they are going to be in language school and participating in homestays with families in downtown Managua, meaning we won't really have the chance to see them. The two weeks following are when we actually get to work and train with them. As sad as it is to have to think about leaving, I and all of the other program directors are certainly looking forward to getting to know the new program directors and work in helping them get acquainted with this huge new life transition.
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| Summer Volunteers Priyanca and Baylee with their art class. |
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| Mural made by the kids in the art class. |
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| Dayana dressed to dance. |