The children of Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve live without the benefits of our children in the First World. Their parents don't have cars, most don't even have refrigerators to store cold foods. They live simply, and without opportunities to know distant places, or expensive toys. Books are not even found in their houses. Our friend Christine decided to add a new dimension to the lives of our children here, by coordinating a campaign to donate books to the Escuela Luis Alfonso Velasquez. She brought with her from Canada, more than forty books appropriate for primary school-age children in Spanish, on a wide variety of educational topics. Our study center supports the local children to promote the best education possible.
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| Christine McGregor demonstrates the fine art of bubble-blowing to children at Escuela Luis Alfonso Velasquez in Laguna de Apoyo. Photo by Christine McGregor. |
Reading is a gateway to other countries, continents, and planets. Yet, the children of Laguna de Apoyo come from families with little income, parents without education, and the school is without resources. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of Christine McGregor, the children of Avon Maitland School in London, Ontario, Canada, and several publishers who made discounts and donations, the children of Laguna de Apoyo can feed their imaginations and develop their reading skills in the process.
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| Not all the children at Escuela Luis Alfonso Velasquez can purchase a school uniform. Photo by Christine McGregor. |
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| Where the Wild Things Are is a favorite of many North American children, and now, the children of Laguna de Apoyo can read this wonderful story, too. Photo by Christine McGregor. |
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| Children devour the books donated to them! Photo by Christine McGregor. |
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| The children at Escuela Luis Alfonso Velasquez intently read the books donated to them. Photo by Christine McGregor. |
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| Now, even in Laguna de Apoyo, children can read the environmentalist message of The Lorax, a favorite Dr. Seuss book. Photo by Christine McGregor. |
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| Christine and the teachers of Escuela Luis Alfonso Velasquez watch children reading the books donated from our Canadian friends. Photo by Christine McGregor. |
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| The books donated from Christine McGregor to the children of Laguna de Apoyo. They included science and cultural themes. Photo by Christine McGregor. |
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| The teachers of Escuela Luis Alfonso Velasquez tag each donate book. Photo by Christine McGregor. |
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| Tagged books for the children of Laguna de Apoyo now have their place in the shelves at Escuela Luis Alfonso Velasquez. Photo by Christine McGregor. |
Every year,
FUNDECI/GAIA makes a donation to the Escuela Luis Alfonso Velasquez. Often, we organize
cultural presentations for the children there. If you would like to donate to the Escuela Luis Alfonso Velasquez, or if you would like to
volunteer as a teacher's assistant, please let us know.
