Tia Olivia studying with Jose
Today was the last day of the First Trimester tests!
In Bolivia, the schools divide their year in trimesters instead of quarters. So three times a year, our 15 Dreamers have a big test in every subject. There’s a big sigh of relief in the house when tests are over! Tomorrow they will enjoy their four day weekend, as the parent-teacher conferences are held on Thursday and Friday….party time at the House of Dreams!
-Marisol
Here in Bolivia,the school year typically starts in February. So most students around the country study from February through mid-November. For the last several weeks, the kids have been super excited about getting a few months off of school for summer vacation.
The school year actually finished up about 3 weeks ago, but some of the Dreamers had to go to summer school until today, which is officially the last day. In other words, as of today, vacation begins for everyone.
Enjoying not being at school.
When asked what they were going to do during their vacation days, most of the kids replied with a typical, “Play with toys.” Estefani, on the other hand, who loves school, responded, “I’m going to be so bored!”
Whether they play with toys all day or are bored all day, it’s always nice to get a little break. It’s going to be a great summer!
What are some activities that you do during the summer?
Romon
Our kindergarteners had their graduation last week. Yeah! We are so proud of them!
Can you recognize: Fernando, Isaura, Joel, and Juan Daniel in this picture?
How precious they are in their caps and gowns!
The day of the ceremony the second graders had a special song for the graduates to officially welcome them into grade school.
Jhamil, Jose Luis, Benancio, and Emelin getting lined up to present their number with the kindergarteners sitting on the stage behind them.
- Angie
On the wall of the entry way to the school the photos of the honor roll students and their grades are posted. We are very proud of our Dreamer, Shirley, who made the honor roll this trimester!
The three students who earn the top grades in their class are on the honor roll. The Bolivian grading scale is over 70 instead of over 100. So Shirley earned 60.50 over 70 which is an 86%, especially considering she was less than one point away from the boy who took first place. Nice job!
Only five weeks of school remain. Please pray that the Dreamers finish strong. Please pray that the caregivers are able to help them finish the year well.
To those who are faithful to give financially as sponsors and Dream Makers we are so very grateful. Giving the children a quality education is not cheap; it is an investment. We believe that we are giving the kids the very best possible and this will give them a step up in their future. Thank you!
- Angie
The Dreamers displayed their skills in English at school on Friday. Each class prepared posters, snacks, costumes, maps, and other interesting things about their English speaking city or country. It was fun to see them exploring the diversity of other cultures.
Benancio showing the British flag, Anne by the map of England, some of the classmates by their booth
(top) a friend with Emelin, (left) Jhamil with a friend, (right) a friend with Jose Luis
Estefani dressed as Mary Poppins by the model she made of the famed Hollywood sign
Shirley and Jose in very itchy, but very cute Tinkerbell and Peter Pan costumes
The kids work hard on their English with the help of many dedicated volunteers. We believe that dominating two languages will give them a competitive edge as they grow. We are blessed to be able to give them this advantage due to the generous donations of many individuals.
Thank you to all the volunteers, school staff, and donors who help give the children such a high quality education.
- Angie
Hello friends.
We have a unique and urgent need at the House of Dreams Orphanage here in Cochabamba for English tutors in the afternoons for the next three weeks.
Our director, Marisol, will be headed to the States to tend to some family matters for about 3 weeks. Normally she helps the kids with their English homework. During her absence we want to set up a rotation of volunteers to help the kids stay on track with their work.
We are looking for:
Please respond with a comment if you meet this criteria so we can work you into the rotation. Include the hours and days you could help. Thanks so much!
If you are not in the area you could still be of assistance by praying for Marisol and her family during this difficult time.
- Angie
The school year in Bolivia is divided into trimesters instead of quarters. Our dreamers are finishing up the first trimester, which means it’s test time.
Some of our Dreamers started taking tests this week and some start next week.
Please pray for our Dreamers, that they do their best and not worry during these weeks of testing.
-Marisol
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of getting to meet Gabriel, then I’m sure you figured out right off the bat that he’s not much of a talker. Not too often, but there are times when he gets in the mood I suppose and will talk your ear off, but mainly only to people he’s very familiar with. Being a loner has worked mostly in his favor as he now goes to school in the afternoons, giving him a few hours of alone time in the mornings.
Gabriel has a learning disability, so he goes to a special school that’s different than the school that the rest of the Dreamers attend. He used to go to school during the mornings as well but his school has made some changes, so now his classes are in the afternoons instead.
Take a moment to pray for Gabriel as he grows and continues to develop into the fine young man that he is!
Romon
Because everyone (me included) loves the pictures…
A bright new year full of shining possibilities for Roberto and Emelin
Juan Daniel is swinging into the rhythm of school life
Joel, Juan Daniel, Isaura, and Fernando are proud to be part of the Kindergarten class
The looks on their faces are priceless
In the spirit of learning here are some fun facts for you:
- Angie
Friday and Saturday the House of Dreams moved to a new house. Sunday afternoon DaRonn and I dropped by for a visit to see how things were coming along. Everyone was at the park. Marisol came back to open the door for us and left the kids with another Tia to continue to play. Emelin was with her. Here’s what you have been waiting for…
(for a better look click on any picture for slideshow style viewing)
Thank you for all your prayers over this transition.
If you are in the neighborhood we would love for you to stop by for a visit!
- Angie
