!MERCADO TIPICO!

The traditional market is an event celebrated every year at the school. Students and teachers put together a traditional Indian market in the schoolyard. It is an incredible activity and a fantastic learning experience for the kids as they act as 'caseros’, (vendors and customers). A variety of ‘antojos’ (snacks) are offered. In one picture you can see Gloria and Jayrita preparing ‘tostados’, (fried tortillas) with salsa and goat cheese. You will also see Estela and Juanita prepare a dish of saucy ‘recado’ which is like pinto beans in a special sauce of tomatoes and spices. It was a real carnival-like atmosphere and many of the mothers stopped by with their little ones to see the market in action!
This week was also cause for a great celebration at the project.

We initiated our"PlanCapacitacion" (Empowerment Pan). The first week resulted with a huge success. I collaborated with the teachers and we developed 2 different proposals. The most exciting one was for sports equipment to form a football team. It has been something the school has wanted for years. Due to lack of funding they were never able to support and maintain the equipment necessary to establish a formal club. It was a great moment to see the equipment arrive and the excitement of the children (you will see some pictured in their new uniforms). Thanks so much to the GVI Corporate Alliance and The Whole Foods Team Members' tremendous efforts with their donations for making this possible. It is a monumental step for this community. They now are able to join the local football league and really give a boost to the school spirit and sporting events to be enjoyed by all the members of the community. Football, of course, is huge in Guatemala! I think the teachers are just as excited as the children! They have formed a staff to work with the club complete with trainers, statisticians, coaches and timekeepers. They are extremely proud of this new initiative and its possibilities and brainstormed a real winner for the first phase of the plan. The other advantage is the rest of the funding will be used to facilitate school projects in each classroom (K-6). This initiative goes a long way in empowering the teachers and developing their creativity as well as developing a great collaborative effort between the community and the GVI Corporate Alliance and of course a well-rounded educational experience for the students.

!MERCADO TIPICO!