Costa Rican Adventures |
Connect with the Beauty, Explore the Issues, Become the Solution |
The Puerto Viejo school renewal project is a project that Costa Rican Adventures has been aiming to do for a few years now. Finally in 2010 we have the opportunity to put some love into this school that has multi-layered needs.
Earlier this year Susana Schik and I decided that it was fine time to concentrate on the elementary school in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. After the first visit and meeting with the school director in January there was no question that this would be where we concentrate our service energy in twenty ten.
Soon after the first meeting I got an email from a student by the name of Sarah Janhill. Sarah came to Costa Rica last year with Camp Tawonga on a Teen Service Learning trip. The trip inspired her so much that she wanted to dedicate her senior project to support a school project in Costa Rica.
Fast forward to May 2010 and we are well on our way to realizing a most meaningful Community Service project that will not only boost value in the Puerto Viejo school but instill values in the students traveling to Costa Rica with Costa Rican Adventures.
It never ceases to amaze me how energy flows, mostly positive energy. One starts with an idea and plants the seed of wonder. Then, slowly but surely the elements start to align and things start to happen. Things start to become a reality and motion begins to make its inevitable push forward. Once that forward motion is set then there is no stopping.
Over the past week Susana and I have been working on the details of the Puerto Viejo school project (and my oh my are there details). The project that KIPP, RISE and two Episcopal groups will be working on in collaboration with local students and open hearted community members. During this process we realized that we are shy of funds. Yes, we have a good amount from RISE and the donation money from Sarah Janhill along with the combined budget from the other groups but we are doing a school renewal project here. Building a schoolhouse and school desks/chairs, building shelves, digging proper drainage, installing sidewalks, painting, mosaic art projects and so much more. To get things done you need dinero, plain and simple.
I had an idea a few months ago to do a fundraiser at Loco Natural Restaurant here in Puerto Viejo. After a few days of promotion and organization to get raffle donations from local businesses the Loco Natural staff was ready to make it happen! On May 16th, 2010 we had a special night dedicated to the Puerto Viejo school project.
The night was a smashing success. The restaurant was packed to capacity with locals and tourists alike. The Loco staff was on tip to make sure the clients were well fed and happy. We had four local bands show up to play one set each for the cause. Special drinks and plates and all who came in you got an appetizer on the house.
I was the host for the evening getting on the MIC between music sets to keep everyone in the know about the project, sharing its short history and hopes for a sustainable future. Taking care of the raffles and simply giving thanks to all those who showed up to support! We had lots of prizes/premios that were donated by local businesses (Exploradores Outdoors, Jungle Love, KIO, Bread and Chocolate, Cafe Viejo, Topo Surf Lessons, Art, Massage) and many people got lucky during the raffle. However, even those who did not win a prize were still winners because they came out to support a community based project for the benefit of education! That says a ton! Like the Flaming Lips sing, “a spoonful weighs a ton”.
Well this spoonful did hold some weight. Loco Natural committed to donating all profits of the night to the cause.
With SPECIAL thanks to those who supported the cause we were able to raise
$831.00!!!
Now that is going to give us a nice leap forward to get more of the supplies we need.
On May 31st a team consisting two local carpenters, a carpenter named Jay, flying to Costa Rica to donate two weeks of his time and expertise and myself will begin to raise the new school house. On June 6th the students will start to arrive and all the pieces shall come together as we work as one to help renew the Puerto Viejo school.
This project is not only a renewal project but an intercultural exchange experience between the traveling students and local students that will allow youth to have a real view into each others lives. They will have the opportunity to teach and learn during their days at the school, monumental moments of work and play. Seize the day!
- Brian Benson
