School Visits and Emotional Growth

Today we visited three of the schools where 16 of our kids study. We talked with the kids’ teachers and took pictures of them dressed in their school uniforms. Not all of the kids were in school since Nicaraguan schools are on a half-day schedule. Most of our kids study in the morning, but some go in the afternoon. But, we got to see most of them.

The trips were quite encouraging. Most of our kids are doing well in school, according to their teachers. Two of our kids stand out. Jonathan is one of the top students in the fifth grade. He’s about to join the school band – an opportunity only granted to high-performing students. Carlos, according to his school’s director, is the top student in all of the afternoon classes at his school.

Yesterday I wrote that I’ve noticed a difference in the kids’ behavior. They’ve certainly become more mature over the last year and a half. Some of this development is surely due to the natural maturation process that comes with aging, but I think more of it is a result of their return to school and normal lives.

The kids seem to be settling into new identities. Before VISEDAL, they thought of themselves as street kids without much hope of becoming anything else. In the early stages of their involvement in our program, I think they thought of themselves as street kids who started going to school. Now, I believe, they consider themselves normal children. They seemed more confident in themselves as they showed us around their schools and introduced us to their teachers. They belong now. No longer are they street kids dressed up in school uniforms. Now, they feel just as much a part of the school community as their peers.

During this trip they’ve smiled more and walked with a new sense of self-assuredness. Even physically they look more confident. They all dress in clean clothes and comb their hair. Some of the boys take a surprising amount of pride in their appearance. For them, hair gel is an essential.

I’m so proud of how much the kids have grown over the last year and a half. When we started the program, we thought we could improve their lives in terms of providing education, clothing, and nourishment. And they’ve certainly benefited in those areas. They’ve starting tapping into the potential they have for greatness. But, in my planning, I underestimated the impact our program could have in restoring their self-esteem and spurring their emotional development. It’s been such an honor to see this growth.

In other news, our luggage arrived this morning! And it didn’t rain today. Life is good.

Tomorrow we’re visiting two more schools then attending the supplemental English and dance classes the kids take. Afterward, we’re hosting a big birthday party for all of the kids at a local restaurant. Turns out the place has a buffet tomorrow. I’m anxious to see what kind of damage our kids will do to it.

Hope everyone had a lovely Memorial Day.

-Dylan