Hello,
We'd like to give you an update on the Amigos de Animales Educational Outreach program. We've had the following amazing results:
• Over 30 volunteers are going to schools one to two times per month
• Raised over $3,000
• Completed 48 book corners, including all classrooms in seven schools. Each of these include a bookcase, rugs and 30 books
• Held small spay/neuter clinics at reduced costs at Volcancito, Alto Quiel and Potrerillos
• Partnered with Rotary Boquete which is making 25 more bookcases
Who we are: We are a team of volunteers dedicated to improving the circumstances of the children and pets around rural Boquete. Many of us have educational backgrounds, some have technical knowledge, others have catering skills, some provide transport.
Our mission: To enhance the students' educational experience by providing classes on pet care, animal maintenance, and sterilization. We will also expand their access to attractive reading books, by modeling reading and teaching methods for the teachers, and by setting up school animal sterilization clinics at the schools, near the students' homes.
We are inspiring their reading by providing colorful story books from Scholastic, Barnes and Noble, local authors, and other sources. We also motivate the students to learn by singing songs, reading aloud to them, encouraging them to read in their spare time at home and school.
The School Directors, Teachers and students in all of the rural Boquete schools are very excited about this program. There are many more schools and classrooms that need to be set up and animal care programs to be presented.
Here are some quotes from administrators and volunteers:
• "This has been a source of inspiration and motivation for our students. It has sparked interest in reading more, in wanting to take a book home, and in sharing what they read." Yadine Cedeno, Escuela de Alto Quiel, Director in Charge
• "If we are reading with one, soon all of the others gather around to participate. They have opened up so much in the last year... The small things we take for granted are so important to these children. The love we leave with every time is overwhelming." Laurel Fang, volunteer
• "Having the opportunity to go into the schools has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. We were a little nervous at first, but that went away as soon as we were greeted with smiles and a hugs from the children." Michael & Debra Whited, volunteers
• "The reading corners are such an incredible idea and it saddens me that not all of the schools have this yet. This Program is life changing for these kids... and sometimes I may be getting more out of it than the kids do!" Sheila Gunston, volunteer
• "The social education system is teaching them how to take care of an animal properly and the program is doing it by teaching, reading, singing, dancing and just having fun. What is more worth than a smile of a kid?" Gabriel & Petra Henriquez, volunteers
• "It has been a great success and personally, an amazing experience to see these children, many of whom lack basic resources, light up and get so excited about the information we provide." Cynthia Vitagliano, volunteer
• "I was amazed at the children's enthusiasm and appreciation. The interaction with the children in the reading corner was pure joy!" Deborah Hanna, volunteer
• At El Frances Arriba, teacher Eric, in the 4th,5th and 6th grade classroom, took one of the books we had donated entitled 'Valores' (which means values - see below). He has taught a complete project around the book and they have made the placards to display around the entrance of the school. He was really excited to show us how he had been inspired by our books." Katrina Kneebone, volunteer
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