We hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far. Though things have moved at a slower pace in Bocachica due to the pandemic, we are excited to see progress being made.
Nate and I went to Bocachica in April. We were able to put into place all the technology for teaching English to the school via zoom from North Carolina. We have translated a curriculum from Spanish to English. Unfortunately, Colombia has been in a political turmoil the past two months making it dangerous for the locals to leave the island and do shopping on the mainland. We are in need of one part to make it possible for the class to hear us while we teach. This has put English classes on hold for the mean time until things calm down.
We are thankful the Christian school of Bocachica is open and operating. We have been blessed to only lose 3 weeks of classes back in January due to the pandemic. They recently took mid- term exams and we are happy to report the students did very well. I know the teachers had a huge role in the student's success. They worked with all the students throughout the pandemic to ensure the students didn't lose ground with their educational progress.
The public school on the island is still not open. The locals are very upset saying the kids have lost interest in going back to school. The public school has been given the ok to open July 15th. It's unfortunate that this time has been lost and will put this generation behind over a year academically.
We have been able to continue working on the next classroom. It was difficult getting materials due to government restrictions on when businesses could be open to the public.
Here is the future classroom. Exciting to see construction taking place. This classroom will have an office built above. The teachers are excited to have a place to plan lessons and have staff meetings.
Prayer requests: prayers as they complete the classroom and office.
Please pray for the political tension in Colombia and that the protests will end allowing people to get back to work.
Pray as the public school prepares to open in July.
Pray that we can start ESL classes soon.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. We are thankful to hear such good news from the school. We are thankful the Lord allowed the school to remain open and that the students are doing so well.
Have a blessed weekend,
In Him,
Tara
