Silva Tree

Christmas Party held for local schoolchildren

Updated on Wednesday 20th of January 2010

Ann Putty

Silva Tree staff were unsure of the turnout they could expect when they stood at the school entrance a few days before Xmas. Christmas parties in areas of poverty and poor education are uncommon and we were unsure about how our idea would be received.

Thankfully, after just a few minutes, every single child in the school approached eagerly, accompanied by parents, relatives and siblings. All the children were skipping excitedly, eager to attend the festivities and receive their presents.

Touched by the children’s excitement, we distributed their gifts first, and they all sat perfectly still and beautifully well mannered throughout. A festive meal was then given to children, parents and teachers, before Forestry Engineer Herminio talked to the adults about the Princess Project. Several of the parents asked interested questions and all showed great enthusiasm for the benefits of the project to their community.

Chepo is an area which is dominated by cattle and dairy farms, but land is degrading, making grazing more and more difficult, and the dry season brings with it unemployment, hunger and drought. The Princess Project promises to change the lives of the local villagers, providing dependable employment, water wells, road improvements and, most importantly, trees. Trees will improve the quality of the land, and will provide an entirely new industry for the people of the Chepo district.

Then the games began, to the delight and enjoyment of not just the children! A piñata was set up in the playground and games were held including the traditional pole climbing which many fathers participated in with great enthusiasm.

At the end of the afternoon, all the children walked away bearing shiny new toys and big grins. For many of them, it was the only toy they would receive this Christmas. Parents walked away with renewed hope that they will survive the increasingly long drought season due to the work that Silva Tree is doing in the area. We walked away feeling that we have the support of the community, satisfied that they all feel positively affected by our project, and humbled by the attitude and warmth displayed by the children and adults alike.

Source: Silva Tree