First of all, I would like to thank everyone who helped out this year and in past years. Without your support, none of these worthwhile projects could have happened. Here are some of the highlights from 2009:
My arrival in Puerto Vallarta was mid-October. It was still a tad warm but the children were all in school and it was well before the all-consuming Christmas celebrations; a perfect time to get things done! It was so nice to reconnect with the local folk. Following three weeks of searching far and wide, our friend Margarito was finally able to free up some time (and a vehicle) to travel into the remote areas where we finally managed to create a ‘wish list’ for over 20 schools.
- When we got back to Puerto Vallarta it was wonderful to see how different projects were doing around town. One of these was Pasitos de Luz, a rehabilitation and teaching centre in a very poor area that provides day care over 100 special needs children so that their parents can go to work. Pasitos was recently able to hire a medical specialist on a part-time basis from Guadalajara University Medical School.
We also visited El Tuito where a new classroom and kitchen addition had been added to their Special Needs Centre, thanks to the Medicine Hat Grad Committee who donated $5000.00! As icing on the cake we were also able to donate money for the purchase of some playground equipment.
- New house for teachers being completed
Government elections had taken place in July and to our relief our good friend, and education friendly candidate, Oscar was elected. We travelled on to Villa del Mar, home of the only Secondary School in the whole area. Here the new building which houses 5 teachers was in full use, thanks to donations from: Barb, Patsy and friends from Vancouver; the Sunrise Rotary Club of Medicine Hat, Alberta; and matching funds from the local government. As usual, the local community helped to build the structure.
- Students love to be read to..
We then headed back to Puerto Vallarta where we arrived just in time to greet Glenn and Jennifer, two very dedicated Spanish-speaking teachers from North Carolina, who had come to lead a Teachers’ workshop in support of much needed education enhancement in the Cabo Corrientes area. They were expecting 35 teachers and over 60 attended as well as head educators, mayors and other interested parties. Soon we hope to see some benefits from this workshop; more are planned in the future!. Glenn is also the driving force behind ‘ Libros for Learning’ which brings books from the States to help set up libraries in remote schools. This year, they were able to set up 4 more libraries and more are planned for next year.
- Too much fun
My good friend, Allison, arrived from Vancouver Island in time to help deliver the ‘wish list’ of school supplies. We took these supplies on to the 20 villages in Cabo Corrientes in a Pasitos supplied vehicle (hereafter known as the ‘Rhino’ of multiple repairs). The stalwart ‘Rhino’ was generously donated a few years ago by Bob and Ruth. Rhino ran like a charm making it to all the hundreds of smiling students and teachers.
- Christmas pageant in tehuamixtle
We then went to the tiny fishing village of Tehuamixtle where we stayed with our good friends, the Punitos’ family. Both their daughters are teachers in the area and travel to Puerto Vallarta weekly to study English. We had a great time as the Christmas Posadas/pageants were taking place and we felt included like family in their celebrations. It was so sweet sitting around outside with people visiting here and there, kids laughing, stars shining overhead and the ocean in the background. Magic!
- Pasitos christmas party
The next day we said our goodbyes and headed to Quimixto, another village on the Bay of Banderas where plans are also underway to build a new school! Then we headed back to Puerto Vallarta just in time for Pasitos de Luz Christmas Party, sponsored by the Hard Rock Café. WHAT FUN! A huge puppet theatre and dances performed by the kids were the evening’s entertainment for all the parent’s and Pasitos staff. The evening was topped off with free jamaica juice and burgers compliments of the Café.
Following what may be one of the 1st Great Sushi Parties Puerto Vallarta has seen, we said our goodbyes to this lovely place and friends and headed home to make plans for 2010!
Hasta Luego, Amigos
