So much has happened in the days since my last blog! Where I last left off, we were preparing for the graduation of about 50 pre-premarios (pre-K). My participation in the preparation included painting a mural for the graduating class and creating all of the garden-themed decorations for the event. Since the 2012-2013 class were the abejas (bees), we had to make around 50 bees. We were creative and environmentally-conscious as we formed these insects out of Malta Morena bottles (a popular soft drink in the DR) and toilet paper rolls. These were hung all around the community center along with about 40 double sided flowers which we also helped to make. After the graduation, all the kids wanted to take our creations home with them. Maria and I managed to keep one of them which we now hang in our room.
Now, the graduation project that I was most proud of was the mural. While most of the picture was penciled on the wall, I was still able to add my creative input. Me and about three others were outside working on the mural for a span of three days (4-5 hours each day). At first, we would only work on the mural in the afternoons when the sun wasn't so hot on our backs. However, with the graduation fast approaching, I took an even more personal interest in the mural coming out perfect. Regardless of the sun, I knew I had to continue on through. So did my fellow painters. Sounds intense--I know--but it was all worth it. Check out what we created! Even the tree seems a little lifted by the sight of our mural.
BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER AFTER
Friday 6/28 was the big event for the graduating children at Accion Callejera's community center. When I say big, I mean big! The Dominican Republic's National Army band led a desfile (parade) which included baton dancers and the 50 pre-kindergartners that were about to graduate. And to think, this was just the beginning!
Below is the room where the graduation was held (minus the black trash bags). The banner in the back reads "Once upon a time in a garden".With about 150 family and friends all dressed up, the children received their diplomas and ribbons, got their pictures professionally taken, enjoyed a delicious slice of graduation cake, and got to watch performances from the community center's dance/step group. There was even one point where all the staff got called up in front of everyone. I stood in the back clapping for all the teachers, cleaning workers, directors; everyone who contributes so much to the success of this center. For some reason, I wasn't expecting my name to be called. However, there I was, trying to weave through people after it finally settled in that my name was called too. I have only been here a week and I already feel such a part of the Accion family. I was so happy in this moment because I knew that it is not every day that one gets recognized for the work they do especially in front of so many people. For me, that moment was not just for the work I put into the graduation, but all the work I have put in this past year as President of the Dominican Republic Outreach Program. Work that included organizing four fundraisers, collecting 60+ bags worth of school supplies, and planning for 15 students to spend a week in the DR volunteering with Accion Callejera. Work that was at times stressful and difficult, but that I always felt was worth it. It's moments like these--standing in front of the people who I work hard for--that remind me of this. All in all, this was hands down the most impressive Pre-K graduation I have ever been to.
There was a lot of hard work that went into this graduation and everything that led up to it. It's all thanks to the wonderful Accion Callejera staff. Tomorrow (7/1) we start planning the two week summer camp at the community center that begins July 7th. Maria and I are lucky to be able to participate in this process. The first week of the summer camp will be with the children and the second week is with the mothers. More details to come regarding this. Thanks for reading!
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