Clark-Peterek Belize

St. Benedict R.C. School Library

Collecting  books and organizing the St. Benedict R.C. School Library was a major project during my time in Belize.  I worked with several organizations to collect books, and in late June we received a large book donation from family and friends in Houston, TX.  Upon the arrival of the shipment we began a total reorganization of the library.  The staff and students were very excited, and the project would continue through the summer holiday break.  Unfortunately that didn't work out when I broke my leg and had to return to Texas several weeks early.  I was determined to get this library into shape, and with the help of a few friends and fellow Peace Corps Volunteers I was able to leave St. Benedict with a beautifully organized library space.  For three days we sorted, labeled, taped, and shelved.  The work was amazing and I couldn't have done it without the help of some very special people. Miss Jan has even volunteered to continue work in the library during the coming school year. 

Thanks again to the Peace Corps Belize Staff, Hoover Oil Supply Company, and the Clark Family for gathering, collecting, shipping, and transporting the books for St. Benedict R.C. School.

And a special thank you goes to Mike, Dov, Sussanah, Emily, Pat, Karey Manley, Jan, Gary, Patrick, the Jesuit Volunteers, Traveling Mission Group, Miss Olive, and John.  Once again words cannot describe how grateful I am for your willingness to help.  I couldn’t have done it without you!  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

St. Benedict R.C. School Library Book Drive

Earlier in the year I collaborated with my aunt and uncle in Houston, Texas, to organize a book drive for the St. Benedict R.C. School Library.  I wrote an article for their church newsletter and put together a slide show with photos and information of the school and students. 

Aunt Wendy, Uncle Dan, and Stuart and Stephen did an excellent job of organizing book collections and picking up donations.  They gathered close to 800 books and prepared them for shipment. 

We received the shipment of books during the last week of June, just before the end of school.  The students and teachers were so excited to receive the books, and we immediately began unpacking the boxes.  We will continue to work with students, parents, and teachers over the summer to organize library. 

Thank you so much to Peace Corps Belize Staff, Hoover Oil Supply Company, and the Clark Family for all of your help to get books to the students at St. Benedict R.C. School.

 

Forest Home Methodist School Graduation

 

Families, friends, students, and community members celebrated the graduation of the Forest Home Methodist School Standard VI students last week. Unfortunately John was in Belmopan with Close of Service Medical and was able to attend, so I gladly went in his place.

The ceremony was held at Forest Home Methodist Church and the 16 Standard VI students were excited and very nervous.  During the ceremony students received diplomas, certificates, awards, and gifts.  Students spoke about their experiences and love of Forest Home Methodist School, and along with the principal spoke about John’s service and how much they appreciate the work he has done.  He was even honored with a certificate, which I accepted on his behalf.  At the close of the ceremony, the graduating class sang the Forest Home Methodist School Song one last time. 

 

It was wonderful to hear how much “Sir John” has touched the lives of so many at Forest Home Methodist School. I only wish he was there to hear it himself.  His work at Forest Home is truly appreciated, and it is obvious how much he will be missed.   It was a beautiful celebration, and I was honored to attend. 

 

FHMS Goodbye Dinner

During the last week of school the staff from Forest Home Methodist School surprised John with a goodbye dinner at Miss Marian’s Restaurant.  John had no idea the teachers were planning a dinner and was so surprised when he walked upstairs to the restaurant.  The food was delicious, and the teachers enjoyed reminiscing about the past two years of John’s service.  The teacher presented John with a gift, and then we all enjoyed cake together.  It is obvious that that John has had a positive impact on these teachers. 

It was a very nice dinner, and a great way to celebrate John’s time at Forest Home Methodist School. 

St. Benedict R.C. School Luncheon

Last week the staff and PTA of St. Benedict R.C. School honored those who have served the school in the past year.  John and I, a few other Peace Corps Volunteers, and community members who have given their time to St. Benedict were honored with a school luncheon.  It was also a time to say goodbye.

The staff made all of my favorite Belizean foods: chicken, meatballs, stew beans and white rice, and fried plantain. The food was delicious. The staff and PTA also presented each guest with a gift.

 It was such a nice luncheon, and we had a great time!

The staff at St. Benedict are fantastic!  I have truly enjoyed my time at St. Benedict, and I will be sad to leave.

Little Flower R.C. School Graduation

Graduation from primary school is widely celebrated throughout the country of Belize, and last week we attended graduation ceremony of the Standard VI students from Little Flower R.C. School.

Teachers, family, and friends gathered to celebrate in Forest Home Village. Students were excited and ready for the ceremony. The Minister of Human Development and Social Transformation, the Honorable Eden Martinez was the guest speaker. Students received diplomas and awards and performed a song for the audience. John was even honored for his service at Little Flower and received a certificate and gift. After the ceremony we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with the faculty and staff of Little Flower.

We had a lovely time and we enjoyed the celebration.

St. Benedict Valetine's Fair

On Friday, February 13^th, St. Benedict hosted its first annual Valentine’s Fair.

 

Cold cups were a popular at the snack table. 

 
Some great items were found in the Variety Stall, which is much like a Rummage Sale.

 
Infant II students provided some dancing entertainment.

 
If you picked a lucky number you could win a bottle of Juice, Coke, or shampoo at the Bottle Stall.

I was in charge of the Cake Booth, and we raised over $500 selling pre-ordered milk cakes. 

Punch the right paper and students won a variety of prizes at the Punch Board.

 
I love this picture of one student dressed in her Valentine's best!

This was a major fundraising event and was a successful day full of fun, food, games, prizes, and excitement.

Culture Day

One of the most beautiful things about Belize is the diversity.  It's pretty amazing how many different cultures there are in this small country: Maya, Mestizo, Garifuna, Kriol, Taiwanese/Chinese, Mennonite, East Indian, and Lebanese.

Around mid-November, schools all over Belize celebrate Culture Day.  This year we both took part in several Culture Days at various schools.  St. Benedict R.C. School focused on the Garifuna Culture.  All students are encouraged to wear traditional clothing from any culture in Belize, and classrooms are set up and feature Garifuna history and traditional music, clothing, food, and implements.  Little Flower R.C, Forest Home Methodist, and St. Peter Claver R.C. focused on the variety of cultures found in Belize.  John and I both dressed in traditional clothing and many were impressed with our outfits. Culture Day was a huge success for all of the school s, and we had lots of fun. 

St, Benedict R.C. School students in Kekchi outfits.

 
Dressed in traditional Garifuna blouse and skirt.

 
Mica and a fellow teacher at St. Peter Claver Culture Day.

Students at St. Peter Claver representing the Mestizo culture.

International Book Project

St. Benedict R.C. School recently received a shipment of books from the International Book Project.  The IBP promotes global friendship and world literacy through book distribution projects.  St. Benedict is participating in the IBP's Books as Bridges Pen-Pal Program.  Schools in various parts of the world are matched up with local schools and organizations in Kentucky.  In exchange for participating in the Pen-pal program, schools receive a shipment of books.  I have been working to expand the school library, and thought this was a great opportunity for cultural exchange.  Our Infant I, Standard I, Standard II, and Standard III classes just mailed their first letters to their pen-pals, and we can't wait to hear back.  Our shipment of books arrived a few weeks ago.  We received 140 books: picture books, chapter books, non-fiction books, and story collections.  The students were so excited to help unpack the boxes of books and get to reading.  Thank you International Book Project. 

Places Around PG

Disha's Discount Store

Disha’s Discount Store is on Main Street. It is one of the many shops around town.   At Disha’s you can purchase any household or clothing item.  You name it, they probably have it.  You may notice that the owners live on second level of the store.  This is very common in Punta Gorda and the rest of Belize.