We are celebrating some great achievements with our partners at Child Aid — the completion of our 7th library in Xojola, and also the culmination of a successful Adventures in Reading program in Patzun.
Child Aid administered an Adventures in Reading program in Patzun during the month of November, while the kids were off school. The program was held on Thursday and Friday each week, with about 40 children participating each day. Seeing kids enjoy reading, especially in a culture where reading is not common, is a tremendous joy to us!
Also in November, the Xojola library was completed and dedicated to Flo Cabana, a long-time Miracles volunteer and bead-seller. Flo died last April, and was a strong volunteer and ambassador throughout her time with us. We are honored to recognize her in this way. She would be impressed with the impact that the library is having on this village and would love to see the children reading and enjoying this wonderful resource in their community.
Child Aid was also our partner for this project. From Child Aid’s National Director, John van Keppel –
The inauguration also included a local dance by several children and then short presentations by the various groups of children showing what they had been doing in Adventures in Reading. One child recited a poem, one group reenacted The Three Little Pigs, and the third showed some arts and crafts items they made. After the cutting of the ribbon the library committee invited all of those involved to a wonderful lunch.””The inauguration was a community festival that included speeches by various dignitaries – the school director, the local mayor, the director of the local coffee cooperative, our staff member Graciela, and myself. The president of the committee presented to the community a short discourse on where the funds came from – Miracles in Action, land from the mayor, desks from the coffee coop, books from Child Aid, and donations of time and money from the community. He then shared how the money was spent. This was a very nice display of transparency, and how working together the community really can realize their dreams.
We are grateful for Child Aid’s partnership and leadership in getting this library built. It is very rewarding to see all the parts working together to make dream come true. In closing, John added, “Besides providing a library, the project has instilled more confidence in the community, was a catalyst for various sectors to work together, and has given them hope that the future for their children can be better. Enjoy the reality that your work is making a big difference in this community.”
Child Aid’s Nat’l Director John van Keppel cuts the ribbon; the community streams into the library.