So what's news? Well the school - and the wall - are still standing! And there's no sign of a new school, and still no sign of any help from the local government or the mayor. I must say that after struggling for a year or so to get any response or help, I'm not at all surprised. Luckily CCS is still supporting the school by sending volunteers.
There is yet another new Principal - the previous one didn't last long! This time a woman called Diodora Gaby de la Cruz Pérez; that's all I know about her ...
And earlier this year we spent the rest of the money collected on tiles for the top of the wall and for cement and other materials to build a sink and latrines. The good news is that the wall is now complete - covered in lovely murals, with tiles on top, and with a much nicer gate. The bad news is that the equipment we'd bought for the sinks and latrines was stolen - the work was started but then it just stopped once this happened. It's very hard to do anything about it from this distance, and until the school is being managed properly, I don't want to send any more funds for replacement materials as I fear things may get stolen again - a sad situation!
Other good news is that the playground equipment has finally been installed and there are also some gardens in the playground. The classrooms are also being kept quite clean on the whole, and the cupboards we donated are still in use. All in all, it's a much more wholesome place than it was a couple of years ago!
And apparently the US Marines are now in town and they are going to build more classrooms and a health clinic; they have already built some latrines! Watch this space ...
To finish, here's a selection of photos of the school in 2008. And I hope that my next update will from me when back in Ayacucho!
The classrooms
Outside, with the new classroom block finished
The playground equipment is finally here
Even signs of a garden!
Keeping rubbish under control
The marine latrines
The new gate
