ECC has officially wrapped up its second year and, wow, what a great year!
I was forced to accept that the year had come to an end a couple weeks ago as Haley and I were cleaning the school and sorting through our abundance of papers, books, hidden frogs, crabs, and all the usual things one finds in a schoolhouse at the end of the year. After three years in Pavones we have learned so much and started many projects in the community. Most importantly, our community education center has become a valued resource for Pavones residents.
The 2009 school year was more successful than last year for many reasons, mainly due to the fact that we nearly doubled our average number of local Costa Rican students, something which Haley and I have made a major goal since the school's launch. Here are a few statistics to sum up our academic year.
* Monthly average student enrollment in 2008 was 23.
* Monthly average student enrollment in 2009 was 34.
* Monthly average of local Costa Rican students in 2008 was 13.
* Monthly average of local Costa Rican students in 2009 was 24.
Recycling in Pavones
When I look back on the many projects that ECC collaborated on this year, I am most proud of our work to implement a regular recycling pick-up service in Pavones. Though it may be something that only Haley and I can appreciate, I have to admit that I have come to love the sight of dozens of black plastic bags overflowing with recyclables and piled high along ECC's outside wall. You might ask why is the recycling left at our school? Well, it's the most convenient place for the community to leave their bottles and cans, but the downside is that the recycle truck isn't exactly punctual! Although it's not necessarily a pretty sight, it does represent that the community is becoming more aware. Well worth it. While we are back in the US for the winter months, Lili from Mira Olas Cabinas will continue to arrange pick-up dates and people will still leave their recycling at the ECC building. Yeah for a sustainable recycling program in Pavones!
Other projects that ECC students and teachers were involved in:
* Mural project at the public school, Escuela Las Gemelas
* Mural project at the public school library
* Global Service Outreach Program (GSOP) with Kalapuya High School (follow the link for more info!)
* Helping with fundraising to support the Golfo Dulce's Anti-Tuna Farm Campaign
* Beach clean-ups
A special THANK YOU to...
We would like to thank all of our donors and supporters for giving Escuela Camino Claro the opportunity to continue existing and flourishing. We are so grateful to all who have allowed us to grow and continue to "bring communities together through education."
The EDGE (Early Development of Global Education) Charitable Foundation
Gabe Hamel, Humans for Humanity LLC
Janine Jonson, Greenwave LLC
Sumo Sushi
Calan Taylor, Kalapuya High School
Tully Spring
Dustin H.
Lisa LaMagna, Encanto Costa Rica
Hadas Barkan
Sam Claiborn
Rebecca Quinn
Lisa Thrash
Siempre Domingo Bed & Breakfast
Cafe de la Suerte
Clear River Sports & Adventures
Amy & Alex Outerbridge
Katie Kalmbach
Billy Scorer
Elisabeth Romano, Mira Olas Pavones
Downtown Languages
Seattle University Alumni Magazine
CostaRica.com Blog
And all friends, family and donors/supporters of the 2009 Pura Vida Fundraiser & Silent Auction
...We apologize if anyone was forgotten...
THANK YOU!!!
The 2010 school year will resume in February
In the meantime please continue to check out the ECC Official Blog for updates and news. We look foward to a positive future for Escuela Camino Claro: Community Education Center and wish for you all to be a part of it!
Pura Vida,
Raphel & Haley