Hola to everyone at home! Today marks the 10th day we have been in Matagalpa. Today was education day, where we would spend most of our morning shadowing a high school student at Saturday school. We started the day off with a bright and early wake-up call at 5 o’clock and had some good old-fashioned oatmeal for breakfast. Since we were going to attend school as well, everyone got all dressed up in uniforms and after breakfast everyone headed to Ruben Dario high school. Upon arriving to the school we met with the principal, Reynaldo Castillo, who explained the whole educational structure of the school. Basically, Saturday school is a day meant to provide education for students who don’t have time to attend school during the weekdays due to work and other unavoidable circumstances. The students’ ages can range from 13 years old to 20 years old, however it wouldn’t be unusual to find an adult in their mid forties or even fifties.
After introductions of all the teachers and everyone in the group, we all split up into three groups of seven to be put in classrooms with the students. Unfortunately, since it was already vacation and many students were also taking tests, we couldn’t actually “shadow” a high school student in a real classroom atmosphere. However, speaking with the students and learning about their struggles and experiences was just as fun. We learned that even though there were differences between our culture and the educational system, we could still find things to relate to with the students there. Although there was a bit of a communication barrier, it seemed like everyone was enjoying their time from playing mafia to receiving marriage proposals.
After spending time with the students, we all got together for a game of basketball. It was really uniting seeing both students from Global Glimpse and Ruben Dorio running around on the court and having the time of their lives. It made me realize that we weren’t really all that different at all, and it seemed like a little fresh air and exercise was the best medication for some of our students who were feeling sick. Before we left we presented Reynaldo with a gift and some donations, however the goodbyes were a bit bittersweet since we all bonded so quickly.
When we returned we all ate lunch and went to work on the CAP presentation for the Mujeres de Plomo. The planning kind of got off to on a rocky start but we eventually finished our design. When the Mujeres de Plomo arrived, the presenters began the presentation while the translators, Pam, Melissa, and Cassie, did an amazing job translating to the women. It was very rewarding seeing all the women so happy and grateful because of the plan, and I’m sure everyone is excited to finally begin the project as well. It feels like seeing the expressions on their faces really reemphasized the purpose of this trip.
After the women left we all had free time until dinner. Once we finished, Siedah, Tracy, Kim, Melissa, and I then took an evening trip to the supermarket to buy snacks for the following fun-filled day.

Escuela Ruben Dario

Escuela Ruben Dario


Jugando Baloncesto

Jugando Baloncesto

Wearing the standard school uniform of white shirt, blue pants, and black shoes (mostly)

Wearing the standard school uniform of white shirt, blue pants, and black shoes (mostly)