Help Us Fund our Eco School in Costa Rica

Our August Carnival fundraiser had a real community feel, with locals and foreigners all volunteering to support the public school of Mal Pais. Waterslides were rented from the city and the reaction from the local children and students was fantastic! Local bands volunteered to rock the crowd and parents kept refreshments flowing throughout the day. For the most part the skies were clear and a good time were had by all! The event was a fundraiser success, with thanks to a generous donation of a contract crew for over 2 months, the proceeds were able to be stretched to pay for the schools extensive infrastructure repairs. The results are truly amazing! Finally kitchen cupboards and a safe place outside to house the gas tank, a waterproof space for the children to have ESL and eat lunch, a full exterior re-paint and a good deal of repairs before hand, drainage ditches, plumbing, lunch tables, electrical repairs and much more! With the infrastructure repair box checked and school safety addressed, we are excited to direct our attention towards making sure these students receive a full basic education. This year the students have had many more school days than last and with the ESL and Art classes in full swing, the foundation for 2012 is already in play. The ESL students under Sara's guide have become confident and eager learners, children who previously had repeated a grade are starting to improve with their national studies. This alone gives us the belief that the project can and will make a positive difference for these young students futures.

This year two students were chosen to represent Mal Pais School in the national Art Festival. Klarissa steidenstiker Garica, grade 6, and Tydus Danchik, grade 3. They both produced two pieces of fine Art, the open title that they were first judged on and then the set title of: My School. I'm very proud of all the Art students this year, and truly wish everyone could of entered a piece. But, I'm especially proud of Klarissa and my son Tydus, for the excellent effort they made for both of their pieces. The director of the school was so thrilled with their work he now wants it to be permanently displayed in the school.

I'm so excited about the new Art program and hope for a bigger budget to include music, dance and drama in the future. Mal Pais has some very talented students and we hope to be able to enter more events in the festival next year as well as keeping the students inspired and excited about Art!!!

Well done to all the budding Artists!!!