So, I often write/talk to you guys about my Nutrition Center. A Nutrition Center is a government-funded organization placed in rural areas where there is a high population of undernourished children. The kids go there in the morning and eat breakfast, snack, lunch at midday, nap in the afternoon, then go home around 3 pm. They spend all day there so they have the opportunity to eat two and half healthy meals a day, something their families can not always afford to give them.
The women who work there are FANTASTIC people. Their job is to feed them, but what they do is basically pre-school teaching. They sing songs, play together, watch movies, and do projects. It is an amazing place and I love going there.
For that reason, I recently applied and received funds to buy arts and crafts supplies, to do projects with the kids. I got the funding through an organization called Kids 2 Kids. (http://www.kidstokids.org/) This organization works with groups in the US to give funding for projects that PCVs are doing over seas. If you check out their website you can see some other projects going on with PCVs in countries all over!
The funding for these types of supplies just are not available to Nutrition Centers because all the money they receive goes directly into their food budget. This was a way I wanted to give back to them so the children would have the opportunity to learn and play even more. Being well-fed is crucial to their well-being, but having fun and having the opportunity to play and grow is crucial too!
Here are some photos I have taken over the last few weeks of the kids…
Blowing up balloons
Playing outside
"Look at my picture, Linci!
"Take my photo Linci!"
Coloring!
Honestly, with faces like those who can tell me they have a better job than I do? I may not have hot water and I may be in constant battle against contracting a number of tropical diseases, but I have sweet smiling Salvadoran children! Que suerte!
Awww, they’re so cute. And you are definitely in your element playing with and teaching children. You’re very good with children. Keep up the good work. Did you ever receive the two boxes I sent to you?
Lindsey, you are amazing. You are making such a difference in these childrens lives. Doing great things for little people. So proud of you again. Love you Lots & Miss you Much!!!