Hi everyone! This blog post is written by your next el lider del dia, Jacqui Dimalanta.
I want to first apologize for not having the blog post up last night. Unfortunately, the internet turned off again. But anyways, here’s some exciting highlights of our day yesterday…
Today’s theme is education. During the first half of our day, we had a seminar on how education in Nicaragua is different of that in the United States. Through this seminar we learned that education is pretty important to us, as Americans. As Summit students specifically, most of us strive to get into college and use our education to help us in the real world. However in Nicaragua, many people do not even go on to study in universities. Recently, the government has started campaigning to raise the literacy rate of their country. Currently, it is mandatory to attend kindergarten through 6th grade (primary school). Secondary school is only 7th through 11th grade. A little over 90% of kids are enrolled in primary school. However, only 50% of kids enroll in secondary school. Furthermore, in some communities (like Palo de Lapa), only up to 5 kids actually go on to study at a univeristy.
After this seminar, we took a private bus to La Escuela Especial (The Special School) where we played with the kids. All of the schools in Leon do not have special education programs inside their schools. All kids with learning disabilities attend this school. Unfortunately, not all of the kids showed up. This is because all of the kids commute by the school’s private bus and the bus today had a mix up. However, we had a ton of fun with the kids today. Some of us learned braille. Some of us cooked food. Some of us played basketball and kickball during recess. But, one of the main highlights of this experience was seeing Dove, Skylar, and Moses carry kids on the backs and run around.
“Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” -Malcom X
Me encanta leer sobre lo q están haciendo y lo mucho q están aprendiendo, Audel, no imaginas q triste me acuesto cuando no leo nada sobre ustedes, pero me siento tan feliz de que estén viviendo esta experiencia, mi amor sabes que te amo con todo el corazón y no imaginas la falta que me haces y a tu papa y hermanas también, tu eres esa chispa que siempre está encendida en nuestra casa para llenarnos de felicidad, te esperamos con ansias, besitos tu mami!
Caroline, sorry I missed your call. We are so happy you feel better and wrestled a crocodile. We are so proud of you and Iyanna and Moises. Seriously, you are impacting others lives. Sharing those kinds of moments with those children; you are giving some of the greatest gifts. You keep making us proud. We love you and can’t wait to see you.
You guys are amazing! I’ve loved reading all of your entries, what an incredible experience. Keep learning and keep updating! Miss you all tons! Be nice to Ms Goddard 🙂
Natalia te extrañamos mi niña hermosa y esperamos con ancias con mucho ❤️❤️❤️
Such great lessons everyone is learning. So happy and proud of everyone. Keep up the good work.
Hi Jacqui. What a humbling experience this was for you today. You have learned many valuable lessons on this trip. I am proud of all of you and the impact you are making in Nicaragua.
Hello to Rachna and Ari. Please watch over Jacqui. 😉
PS: Your sisters and I are doing well. It’s not the same without you here. I sure do miss you. I hope to find your shorts on Saturday ;-). And yes, I bought hurricane popcorn…four boxes! Lol. I love you dearly. Be safe and make good choices.
Hi Jac! That’s so awesome! Being in another country, seeing them as they are, it’s an amazing experience to see. I’m sure you’re enjoying and doing a great job there. Continue to enjoy, make good choices, and have fun. We are all well here, and love and miss you very much. Safe travels coming home, God Bless You my beautiful daughter!
Love,
–Daddy