Some of the biggest celebrations were saved for the “Papás” in the community as the 19th of March marked Father´s Day. At the College, the fathers were treated to a spectacular show of traditional songs and dances. The children had huge smiles as they saw their proud parents in the audience, watching the product of much hard work and many rehearsals.
Down at the Kindergarten, the fathers were given a taste of the daily life of their children. With all of the children seated around the basketball court watching eagerly, the fathers competed in egg and spoon races, tug-of-war and relays. A highlight of the day was a particularly rowdy game of “enjabonados”. The winning fathers of each round were presented with cardboard crowns and prizes. This time it was the children who watched on proudly.
All of the children had been working hard making presents for their Papás like photo frames, kites and colourful tools that were all gratefully received. We are confident that through events such as these we will continue to engage the community in the education of its children.
The community of Mineros San Juan banded together with the college on Sunday March 22nd to host “Kermesse”, a festival of food. On offer were tasty Bolivian foods like pollo de picante (spicy chicken), “pescado a la parilla” (barbequed fish) and sopa de mani (peanut soup). For the adults, there was also “chicha” (a maize drink) and “cerveza fria” (cold beer) that were both thoroughly enjoyed. Students from the University “Catolica Boliviana” provided the entertainment, dancing to traditional Bolivian music in vibrant, colourful costumes. It was a fantastic sight to see teachers, students and parents all socializing together at the school – on a weekend no less! All proceeds of the day went towards improving the college library.
A favourite day for many of the children is Day of the Sea, celebrated by Bolivans on 23rd of March. The day observes the historical battle between Bolivia and Chile, which resulted in Bolivia losing its coastline to Chile. All of the children and teachers of the kindergarten went on an excursion to a small river near the school, where they spent the day. The children floated paper boats down the river, and watched a puppet show, to learn why the day is celebrated.
Finally, to mark International Women´s Day on March 8th, all of the female staff of Proyecto Horizonte received a lovely red rose.
