Escuela Peters in San Juan de Sarchi

Tuesday-October, 4

Day 5: Escuela Peters in San Juan de Sarchi de Alajuea

Early Tuesday morning Lorena drove me to San Jose to meet with Raquel Mara Vega, an incredibly talented artist! Raquel received me at the bus station. We had to take three buses which became a one hour journey to Gracia & Sarchi. I enjoyed my conversations with Raquel and was very impressed with her interests in life. She explained to me that as a hobby she was studying law but her true passion was art. She also mentioned having a degree in Sociology. Raquel is 27.

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As we traveled by buses I watched the country side transform to sugar cane and coffee farms. The hill sides became rich with vegetation. It was beautiful to see but I wondered about the rainforest and the species that used to live there? I was imagining beautiful tropical forests now transformed to lush farmland.

Raquel’s father Ismael was waiting for us at the bus stop to deliver us to a school in Sarchi. When we arrived at Escuela Peters the children rushed towards us. I was delighted and warmed by their reception. Many wanted me to take their picture. We were introduced by the principal and lead into her office, where I gave a brief presentation, followed by a tour through the classrooms and school. In each classroom, the children all smiled and loved the visit. Overall, we felt very welcome!

The kindergarten classroom was exciting! I noticed simple decorated masks and boxes decorated as horses that could be placed over one’s shoulders. The teacher saw me admiring the children’s work and insisted I put on one of the horse costumes. We all laughed because the horse was too small for me but the teacher insisted on its placement. I think it tore a little and I made a spectacle of myself!  Everyone laughed and then we made a group photo.

Raquel agreed to volunteer teach at this school with the assistance of  Sister Schools. Escuela Peters is currently not part of  Sister Schools and Partners of the Americas. 

Her strength in the arts, literacy, interest in working with children and good translation skills would be the perfect fit to work with Kids Share Workshops.  Her job would be coordinating with the Art and English teachers, days of the week, time of day and teacher volunteers. This would have to be organized before the program begins in late February. The school would be responsible for gathering a few simple art supplies and volunteer teacher support. One of the following Exploration projects would need to be determined, building a simple community garden or visiting a coffee or sugar farm.

I am thrilled to have Raquel’s assistance with this beautiful school in Sarchi. We will make a great team and I am sure we will all be inspired by her exceptional creativity!

Stay tuned for the next blog posting of Raquel’s artist home in Grecia!

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