Cousin Sparrow Primer
In the 1980s, in Nicaragua under the Sandinistas, numerous children's
schools and feeding centers were built. These received support in the
form of free food from government and international agencies.
In 1993-94, the Gorrioncitos, just south of Granada, was the most
vibrant of the centers which my project-- Leaf for Life--
served. Since then, as the major funding and donated food dried up,
I've raised funds sporadically to help the Gorrioncitos.
By 2003 they had fallen on hard times-- no funds, a rotting roof and a
nice building slowly decaying. To the rescue came our generous
friends, enabling us to rebuild the Gorrioncitos building, sanitary
facilities, and other details.
We re-inaugurated this Casa Comunal de los NiŅos on May 5th, 2004,
complete with speeches, music, two handmade seesaws and a big party
for kids.
The Gorrioncitos is first a school for kindergarten/first grade
children. We also provide a noon meal. But with the recent building of
a playground, it is a happy center for many children in the
neighborhood. In addition, the building hosts meetings, and serves as
a community center.
Personnel and Volunteers
The school services are directed by Isabel Duarte, with considerable
help from her family. Isabel does all shopping, bill paying, makes
sure that food is cooked and served; and that the place is left
cleaned every day.
Isabel also does whatever it takes to keep water containers filled,
since their is no water service during the day.
Her husband, Gerardo, an accountant by profession, keeps track of
every cordoba spent. Their daughter AnaPatricia handles the computer
and correspondance. We get tremendous value for $60 per month. However
they do get some added benefits, for one example Ana has full use of a
very nice Apple laptop computer, supplied by us.
The teachers are Angels of Mercy, shepherding these tiny humans,
trying to teach them some basics of social interaction. Raquel is the
longest tenured, and finally paid at a normal teacher's rate (about
$120 per month). She is also going blind, in need of cornea
transplants. Xiomara is the second longest serving, and still without
a teaching degree, so we double her monthly salary by adding on and
extra $20 monthly. The other two are newer, and also receive a $20
monthly bonus.
We always hope for more participation by the community mothers but
this is sporadic, and one of our greatest ongoing challenges.
Rev. Jim Hornsby (of Vida Joven, Matagalpa) has commented that these
women are amazingly economical, and deserve help. They provide a daily
meal for about U$18 per day and whatever local resources they can
muster.
Cousin Sparrow/Support
Our first priority is to keep basic programs running. We are working
on related projects which change over time, all related to building
and strengthening the community.
A loose group of people have been supporting the Gorrioncitos in small
ways for the past twelve years. Special thanks to Mr. Al Dewey and
thanks to all our friends: we love you.
We at Cousin Sparrow (northern cousins of the Little Sparrows)
currently raise funds once a year (March/April) but will accept
donations anytime. We have some special needs other than money. Our
treasurer is Leith Patton, 440 William Hawkins Lane, Cookeville, TN
38501 (tel 931-268-2642). Your help is greatly appreciated.
J Sandy Hepler, director, December 2007
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