Just Belize: October 2012

Well, the Santa Martha Government Preschool is finally done! We had the Inauguration ceremony last week and it went off without a hitch, even with all the rain we had that week and the morning of the dedication. And here is the welcome speech I gave to the audience:

Welcome…Minister Patrick Faber, Mrs. Barbara Thummalapally, Ms. Carol Babb, Dr. Marco Mendez, Mr. Ruben Campos, Ms. Carla Alvarez and other Ministry of Education leaders and staff, Matt Cain, Ms. Denise Diaz and other Peace Corps staff, other distinguished guests, the Santa Martha teachers, parents, community and of course students. It is a great honor and privilege to be speaking amongst you all today on this wonderful and special day.

To be honest I am still in disbelief of what we have accomplished here. Only 3 months ago this building next to me had no roof, had no bathroom, was full of holes, and now look at it; it has been brought to life!!

You all are probably wondering how quickly this all got done. Well, let’s go back about a year ago.
I started coming out to Santa Martha last year with the hopes of connecting with the teachers, community, and of course the students. I would often sit and talk with the teachers at lunch and break times and in the back of the pick-up on our long rides back and forth to school and town. We would have much dialogue about many different things. Some days we would talk about the school and I would frequently ask them; how could we make this school better, what does it need, what would you like to see improved. And many things would be brought up, but a common theme was why this community doesn't have a preschool and how it could benefit from one.

Through these months of dialogue between teachers, parents, and the community I began to wonder what was going on with this abandoned building on the school compound and why couldn't we use this building.

Then one day we got serious, enough talk, let’s do something about it and make this a reality. So, Mr. Hernandez and I began working on a proposal in late April and already had a foundation willing to generously donate and support the entire project. We knew we had our work cut out for us to get this school open for the next school year.

Then began the gruelling 3 months it took to get this school ready for this inaugural preschool class of Santa Martha. We all wouldn't be here today celebrating if it wasn't for all the wonderful support we got from everyone. This community has shown just how effective a community partnership can be. Here we stand before this beautiful new school, completed in time for a new school year. Meeting the needs of today. And keeping the promise of tomorrow. This school is symbolic of a community that cares and is willing to join together to do what is needed for its children and grandchildren.

And now, here we are today! With this school completed and the support from so many people locally and abroad. I’d like to thank the Ministry of Education who was absolutely on board through the entire process and helped in every way possible to make things move as smoothly as possible. Peace Corps Belize who’s continual support in any volunteers work is unending. Also, the entire Santa Martha community, the teaching staff, the village council, and the students for all contributing in the development of the preschool.

And of course the ABAR Foundation, who funded the entire project. Unfortunately, they couldn't make it out in time to be here with us, but they asked me to read a few quick words from Ann Hoff, a member of the foundation.

ABAR words: “All of us are really sorry we will miss this exciting event on October 12!!! We all wish we could be there to celebrate with all the kids, families, staff, workers, volunteers and people who helped make the school a reality!!! We'll be toasting to all of you from California and Colorado!!! Our many thanks to everyone involved!!! I can't imagine all the people it took to get everything ready soooo quickly!!! It looks fabulous from your photos. We hope all those adorable children have fun at school and enjoy learning!!!”

Now, I’d like to say a few things in Spanish to the community of Santa Martha, so bear with me!:

Santa Martha we did it! Look at what was accomplished here. Without you all, this would not have been possible. You all are the reason why this building is here; take pride and ownership in it. This new school reflects a community partnership. It is a partnership of parents, teachers, community members, students, administrators and local government. This partnership reveals a community that cares and is willing to take action. Together, ordinary people have accomplished something extraordinary here. Today we celebrate that accomplishment.

To the Santa Martha Teachers -Mr. Hernandez, Mr. Keith, Mr. Martin, Mr. Cal, Ms. Seleni, Ms. Marjeli and Ms. Betty – Thank you for everything! For supporting me and taking me in as part of your staff. For being there and listening to me vent on the highs and lows. Without your support through this entire project from beginning to end, I know we wouldn't be here today. I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be a part of your school.

To the Santa Martha parents & community – Thank you for taking me in under your wings and looking out for me. For your continual support of the teaching staff and students. And remember you are the foundation of your child’s learning; support them, encourage them, love them, and there is no reason why we can’t see future doctors, teachers, lawyers, or ministers from this community.

And of course the Santa Martha Students – Listen to your parents & teachers! Right? Thanks for allowing me to come to your school and teach you. Believe me when I say, I have learned so much from you all that I will remember for a lifetime and I hope at least a little from me. And have fun learning, there is a world beyond your imagination and anything you work for with hard work can be possible.

Thank you

And again, to everyone, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Everyone one who helped no matter how big or small the task.

Thank you.

Here are some pictures of the ceremony...enjoy! :)