Something I had talked to the school about quite a bit before we went down there.. but really didnt have a solid grasp on until we actually sat and spoke with the teachers was the importance of "food security" for these kids.. and and how the nutrition program at the education center helps to provide that...
we were told that the majority of the children attending the school did not eat breakfast at all.... that the first bit of food they got for the day (and sometimes the last) was provided while they were at school.... those that do eat in the morning typically get coffee to drink, and a small piece of bread... thats it... (these children were ages 3 to about 16 by the way... when we asked for clarity about the coffee.. the teachers told us very plainly.. that ALL of the children, regardless of age, if they get something to drink in the morning.. its typically coffee (I am assuming this is because the water at home isnt potable.. and by boiling it to make coffee, it keeps them from getting sick?)... when they go home at night.. the typical dinner meal is very small and not often nutritious.. mostly just bread.. or a little bit of rice and beans....
The school really tries hard to make sure every kid gets a balanced meal, every day while they are there... but they struggle with this.. there isnt enough funding to buy protein.. we were told they might get some chicken once a month or so.. and that its a real treat.. normally the school gives them water (clean), and rice and beans.. and some vegetables when they are available.. and they occasionally simply dont have enough to go around.. so some students end up going without every now and then...
the BOTL contribution assures them that the class we sponsored doesnt go hungry this year.. (we're also picking up the tab on making sure the teachers are paid, school supplies are paid for, teachers training is paid for, etc.. for the class)...
Prior to going down there.. I knew a chunk of our money was going toward food....
But I really didnt appreciate just how important that was... or that it was as big a struggle as it is... until I saw it for myself...
I need another day or two to get my thoughts together, sort through some more pictures, etc... but.. Ill make a detailed brief later and include tons of pictures.. all of us are still pretty exhausted and are just starting to get caught up and get our minds wrapped around everything we saw and experienced..
Needless to say.. it was an incredible trip.. and an emotional roller coaster ride.. full of very joyous highs.. and a couple of misty eyed moments when the reality of what you were hearing and seeing set in.... Drew Estate was an absolutely stellar host and took great care of us.. I am still just blown away by the hospitality they showed us...
If you didnt go with us this year.. you really need to think about heading down with us in the future... I'm pretty sure we'll be planning additional trips to provide hands on support to not only the school.. but also to the families and the general community around Esteli.. We're also already talking about what OE 2015 might look like.. and would love for some "top contributors" to head down with us next year to get the same experience that the 7 of us that made this trip got this time around..
The neighborhood in the photos below is a little more than a mile from Drew Estate.. many people that work in the cigar factories live in the homes in this area... the school is less than a 5 minute car ride from DR... and many of the children that go there have parents that work in the factories..
