To All, our funds will be well-spent. Thanks! Suzi
From: Pamela B
[mailto:pboverthere@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 1:21 PM
To: suzihowe@earthlink.net; angel jimenez
Subject: Afghan school photos
Hi Suzi,
I got back into Afghanistan and had a chance last week to
visit Le Pelican. I tell you in a place where it seems everything is brown with
dirt or pollution, and so many faces wear the burden of conflict, to go down
the alley, pass the open sewage, and through the bright doors of Le Pelican,
was so refreshing. We have had the final memorials for the ten medical team
members who were killed and met with their families and as sobering as those
events were, gong to the school to get pictures to send you and be surrounded
by smiles was so hope inducing. You would love it there. It s modest
school but with bright colors, dedicated teachers, and lots of love from Araine
and Jacques it is a place you would send your own to. ( And I am a
education snob!) Curriculum needs help I am sure, but it s better than anything
they get in public schools and the fact that the teacher shows up daily and the
class sizes are small, probably make up for the lack.
After the first shift of students finish classes ( all
AFghan schools are half day), it is off to the playground, handwashing and
lunch. The cafeteria is overcrowded and the kids eat in shifts. I wish my internet
was strong enough to send you the video clip of the clanking of spoons on the
plates as the students rapidly ate. The rhythmic sound at first was amusing and
then I realized what the sound really was...the sound of hungry children.
Somehow that clank clank clank, still rings in my mind. I am sure the rice and
meat they get is more than what they ever get home. Many live in a whole family
of 6-7 in a room in a house that they pay $40US dollars a month to live in.
After several shifts in the cafeteria and brushing their teeth, group one
goes home and the second wave of children come in, wash, eat, brush and go to
class. It made me reallly miss the rhythms of school. I love the courses
I am teaching but being at Le Pelican pulled at my heartstrings deeply.
(Between you and me, it made me wonder if someday, I might even teach
there.)
Anyway, I am going to send you pics as internet allows. I
have to send them pdf and low quality bec/ I don't have strong enough internet.
I took a pic of Jacques and Ariane with the Rotary banner from the club in
France that Jacques started years ago. They are 'honorary' members today,
simply because of finances. (Their living space today is one bedroom at
the school and they pour everything else into the school, bakery and
restaurant.)
Wish you could come and meet them and visit the school. It
really is an inspiring place. Thank you for all you are doing to raise support.
You will be proud to partner with them.. they are quality people and the school
really is a bright loving placet for chidden.