November Program Begins

It was a long, productive day!

It began with an 8:00 a.m. breakfast at Ben’s Hideaway.  A hearty start to the day with bacon, eggs, and toast was provided, as was an ample amount of coffee to knock us out of our recent-arrival stupor. 

After breakfast Warren ran a group of seven or so to the local bank for their first taste of EC, the local currency.  Then it was off to Anse La Raye and 10:00 mass at the Catholic Church. 

The drive down the Main Street of town was eye-opening.  It became immediately apparent, at least to me, that this town is not in good shape.   Modest structures in various states of disrepair dominated the scene.  It appeared as though the town had frozen in time several decades earlier and that little attempt to rehabilitate it has been made. 

The church, however, appeared to be well maintained; both its grounds and sanctuary.  When we arrived, just a few minutes before 10:00 a.m., attendance in the church was light.  Mass did not begin for about fifteen minutes more and by that time the place was almost full.  And mass was a rousing experience. 

The music and singing that was incorporated in the mass was much more than I recall from my Catholic days back in the 1970’s.  The rhythmic swaying of the choir and the congregation as they sang gave the experience a truly Caribbean feel.  This would have been frowned upon in the church of my youth.  The service wrapped up with a heartfelt song from the entire congregation singing to we Volunteers and telling us how loved we are.  Warren also expressed our gratitude to the congregation for our being invited to their community. 

Mass was followed with a brief meeting with some of the community members we will work with.  Principals from the primary and secondary school welcomed us, as did the director of the visiting mothers program and the community liason who works with the team on the earth box program.  Father Raj also expressed a warm welcome to the team. 

After a short drive back down the main street and the street that adjoins the beach, we returned to lunch at Ben’s Hideaway.  Lunch include our first taste of the “ground provisions” starches that make up such a large part of the local diet – plantain, green banana, sweet potato, breadfruit, and yam.  We now understand the belly-filling quality of these foods.

Warren then gathered us in the pavilion for our orientation meeting.  We discussed Global Volunteers' Philosophy, listed the goals we hope to achieve during our service program, and the characteristics of an effective team.  All but two of us had been through this before; it was my 16th time.  But I continue to realize the importance of this procedure as an effective way to prepare us for the work ahead. 

Warren also briefed us on the various institutions we would be serving, most dealing with childcare and education.  In addition, Warren and two volunteers will take on the Earth Box project and prepare the town for the imminent arrival of another 100 of them. 

The day drew close to an end with dinner back at Ben’s Hideaway.  Although it was just a few hours since we feasted on the belly-filling ground provisions

Our last task was ordering lunches and making our choice for tomorrow’s dinner.  After a lively discussion of the logistics and proper script for completing the order form, Barbara seemed satisfied with the final result.  Let’s hope the kitchen staff feels likewise.
, no one had trouble in downing their grilled chicken, local pork stew, or plate of vegetarian delights.  The garlic toast was a nice touch. 

- Keith Kresge



Message of the Day – Tuesday November 11, 2013

“Any serious attempt to do something worthwhile is ritualistic.” 
- Derek Wolcott, St. Lucian Nobel Prize Winner

Back to Work

Monday morning~ After breakfast and morning meeting – we departed for our assignments.  Margaret & I were off to a meeting at Marigot Secondary School with Principal DuJohn, Vernett James, the youth officer from the Dept. of Ministry, and Ms Fitz &Ms James – teachers from the Home Economics & Agriculture program. We gathered to begin discussions about expanding the school farm, Earthbox program and creating a school feeding program to provide nutritious lunches to the students.  Currently, there is no government subsidy for such a program for Secondary schools in St Lucia.  We shared many great ideas and I am encouraged by the excitement from all who attended at working together to meet the nutritional needs of the students. 

 

The remainder of the afternoon I finalized a schedule to replant Earthboxes with mothers in the Roving Caregiver Program later in the week.  Additionally, we visited the shipping and brokerage firm in Castries in an attempt to complete the next step at getting the Earthbox supply shipment out of customs.  Sometimes, despite our best plans and intentions, circumstances arise which are beyond our control, as we learned we are still unable to have the shipment released.   Although, I find this setback discouraging, I decide to implement plan B as we drive back to Marigot. Tomorrow I will work to schedule nutrition and hand-washing lessons at the pre-schools for later in the week, if we are unable to replant Earthboxes. 

Monday proved to be somewhat challenging for other members of our team as well, and after such an energizing start to the week yesterday, our spirits were dampened as we gathered for our meeting this evening.  Father Warren gently reminded us, that although we may be discouraged that our plans did not go as we had hoped today, our challenges pale insignificantly to our friends in Anse La Raye. 

Today reminded me of a message from OgMandino, in book: The Greatest Salesman in the World: “Failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough”. 

A tasty dinner of fresh caught Mahi-Mahi, vegetables, and plaintains – along with laughter and a few songs around the table at Julietta’s, rejuvenated our spirits.  Tomorrow we begin anew. 

 

Message of the day by Margaret: “We have flown the air like birds and swim the sea like fish, but we have yet to learn the simple act of walking the earth like brothers” – Dr. Martin Luther King

Last Dayin Anse la Raye

Our last day in Anse le Raye

We began with our breakfast at Ben's Hideaway, the daily reading of the daily journal, and Warren's announcements and assignments. Away we go in "white lightening" hindered briefly by Daryl's weedwacker and a box that got caught up under our carriage. Once we were on our way, up the "Christian" road, our first stop was the Parish Hall, where Tracy joined the Rovers for the Friday meeting, and Katie joined Dawn and Margaret for a busy morning of planting "Earth boxes", while Carita and Emily returned to kidstep.

 

Warren picked us up at noon, and we said our goodbyes to our site hosts. Many hugs, and thanks, before we headed up the hill out of the village for our final drive back to JJ's paradise.

 

Another fine meal at Ben's hideaway, after snacking on some fresh coconut buns that were picked up hot from the bakery by Dawn and Katie. A few of us washed down the meal with yet another Piton. The project reports were finished and emailed. Some went to the beach, others took care of packing...Warren had a much needed massage by Sam and the Marigot Bay club.

 

Our final meal, was across the bay...taken during happy hour. We had wonderful thin crust pizza's and two for one drinks, at Doolittles. We crossed Marigot bay in the dark, satiated, and happy with our new found friends, and two weeks of contributions to the community of Anse le Raye.

 

Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened. Dr Seuss

Getting Everything Done

Yesterday was an exciting day for Dawn and Margret. The earth boxes got in and are speedily getting planted around Anse La Raye, getting as much done as they possibly could!

Katie and Tracy had a good day, Tracy hiking the hill for the first time in the morning and together walking two new friends around the town in the afternoon. They walked around the town at lunch giving fresh sweet buns to hard working volunteers and hungry residents and enjoyed some Pitons after work with Schinell.

Emily got to say goodbye to her kids from primary school and had a great day at Kid Step with Carita.

We had our last wonderful meal at Ben’s for dinner, I have never seen Carita eat so much! We then split off, Dawn getting some much needed wine and rest and some of us got head starts on our reports!

Essential Services in Anse la Raye

We continue in our second week on community projects to help deliver the 12 Essential Services required for children to reach their full potential.  This is the heart of The St. Lucia Project - minimizing factors inhibiting children's capacity, while optimizing those variables which will promote their full growth and development.  It's not easy - but it's so fulfilling!


School and Household Gardens, Child Nutrition, Micro-nutrient Supplementation

Dawn instructs preschoolers on the proper watering of school's Earth Boxes.

Establishing, planting, maintaining and harvesting school and household gardens using Earth Box® technology is a recurring project - and a long-term commitment - in The St. Lucia Project.  Most of the families we serve are under-nourished, and many children go to school without breakfast or lunch.  Earth Boxes are reliable and accessible sources of vegetables and fruits to supplement students' diets.


                    Health, Nutrition and Hygiene Education, HIV/AIDS prevention

  

Most new mothers in St. Lucia want to provide their best for their children.  However, pervasive poverty works against them in many ways.  Global Volunteers works with the Roving Caregivers to provide early childhood intervention, parent education, and health care assistance to parents who would otherwise have no access to such services.  Volunteer nurses, dieticians, physical therapists, medical students and the like provide care and offer updated information to outreach workers and parents.


General Education, Girl’s Education, Potable Water and Sanitation Facilities, Psychosocial Support

 

Carita instructs young students on colors and sounds.

Volunteers provide one-on-one assistance in reading, math, science, computer literacy, geography and the like at the preschool, elementary and secondary school levels.  Succeeding teams focus on special needs students with individual education requirements to provide continuity of service.  Often, volunteers as outside resources teach health, hygiene and nutrition education segments for entire classrooms.  As is true worldwide, repetition and interaction is key to successful adoption of important educational concepts at all ages.
 

Earthboxes Arrive!

They’re here, they’re here, the earth boxes have finally arrived after many days of anxious waiting!  So tomorrow the replanting begins!

Everyone reported a good day.  Dawn and Margaret did some impressive hand-washing presentations at some of the schools!

Tracy and Katie continued roving!

Emily and Carita had another fun and busy day at Kids Step!

Warren revealed another side of himself to the customs and post office ladies, witnessed only by Margaret.

We decided tonight whether we met our goals and we gave ourselves a “thumbs up”!

We also had another delicious dinner and lovely conversation at JD’s with our special guest Marie-Louise Reid. So ended Wednesday.

Learing about Earthboxes

Breakfast as usual. Carita & Emily worked at Kids Step preschool and Katie showed up in the afternoon to help after finishing with her RCP visits.  Tracey had a good day with 4 family visits with Daniella to Roving Caregiver mothers and children.

Dawn, Warren, & Margaret visited FlavianIsimbert, the Primary School Principal to discuss an Earthbox- based school feeding program.  Dawn explained how the Earthboxes work and provided a copy of the Earthbox school curriculum, which incorporates science, math, nutrition, and language arts lessons into the gardening program.  We learned that half of the 150 students purchase school lunch.  He told us that it would save the school a great deal of money if they were able to grow vegetables to add to the lunches as they currently do not receive enough government assistance to add sufficient vegetables everyday to the students’ meals.  Additionally, he informed us that they don’t have enough plates, cups, or utensils and students have to bring them from home.  Sadly, not all students have them at home or sometimes forget and so they cannot participate in the lunch program.  We also discussed the development of the school literacy program. 

Following our evening meeting, the group enjoyed a good dinner at Ben’s Hideaway, which included freshly grilled tuna steaks. 

 

Weekend Refreshment - Earned and Appreciated!

After meeting Ian & Denver at the dock – we all donned stylish, fluorescent orange life jackets and set off across Marigot Bay in Sashame for a boat ride down the coast.  The cool breeze, sea mist, and breath-taking views of the coastline delighted our senses. Arriving at the dock in Soufriere, Ian escorted us to a taxi and off we went for a tour of the Botanical Gardens.  Our guide, "Alexander the Great" was truly a walking encyclopedia of the gorgeous flora that filled the garden pathways.  From Helleconia, to Pink Torch Ginger Lilies, Avocado and Papaya trees, we were awestruck !  Our next stop was the Sulphur Springs.  Carita agreed to guard our belongings and be the photographer while the rest of us lathered up with fresh volcanic pumice – to rejuvenate our skin.  Although the mineral water was too hot for a dip, we managed to shower off and as we emerged at the top of the spring, Ian didn’t recognize any of us as we all looked a decade younger (not!).  

After lunch in the village, and a stop at a local ice cream shop, we boarded our "yacht" and headed down the coast towards Sugar Beach.  Coming around a corner – we stole our first glimpses of the Pitons. Absolutely breathtaking!  Majestic peaks springing out of the Caribbean Sea – towering over a palm tree-dotted white sand beach.  Some of us took a refreshing swim, while others found solace on a lounge chair under a tree.  I took my towel down the beach for some tranquility and found myself fixated on the majesty of the Gros Piton.  The view surrounding me of the coconut and palm trees, lush green mountains plunging into the sea was magnificent!

All too soon, and to our dismay, it was time to board Sashame and head back to Marigot Bay.  Listening to some Caribbean Reggae and taking in the coastline – we all agreed it was a spectacular day, which refreshed our spirits and helped us prepare for the work week ahead.

Monday morning~ After breakfast and morning meeting – we departed for our assignments.  Margaret & I were off to a meeting at Marigot Secondary School with Principal Dujon, Vernett James, the youth officer from the Dept. of Ministry, and Ms Fitz & Ms James – teachers from the Home Economics & Agriculture program. We gathered to begin discussions about expanding the school farm, Earth Box program and creating a school feeding program to provide nutritious lunches to the students.  Currently, there is no government subsidy for such a program for Secondary schools in St Lucia.  We shared many great ideas and I am encouraged by the excitement from all who attended at working together to meet the nutritional needs of the students. 

For the remainder of the afternoon, I finalized a schedule to replant Earth Boxes with mothers in the Roving Caregiver Program later in the week.  Additionally, we visited the shipping and brokerage firm in Castries in an attempt to complete the next step at getting the Earthbox supply shipment out of customs.  Sometimes, despite our best plans and intentions, circumstances arise which are beyond our control, as we learned we are still unable to have the shipment released.   Although, I find this setback discouraging, I decide to implement plan B as we drive back to Marigot. Tomorrow I will work to schedule nutrition and hand-washing lessons at the pre-schools for later in the week, if we are unable to replant Earth Boxes.

Monday proved to be somewhat challenging for other team members as well, and as we gathered for our meeting this evening,  "Father" Warren gently reminded us, that although we may be discouraged that our plans did not go as we had hoped today, our challenges pale significantly to those of our friends in Anse La Raye.  

Today reminded me of a message from Og Mandino, in book: The Greatest Salesman in the World: “Failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough”. 

A tasty dinner of fresh caught Mahi-Mahi, vegetables, and plaintains – along with laughter and a few songs around the table at Julietta’s, rejuvenated our spirits.  Tomorrow we begin anew. 

- Dawn

Spectacular Weekend

5/12: Recap from Sunday ~  After meeting Ian & Denver at the dock – we all donned stylish, fluorescent orange life jackets and set off across Marigot Bay in Sashame for a boat ride down the coast.  The cool breeze, sea mist, and breath-taking views of the coastline delighted our senses. Arriving at the dock in Soufriere, Ian escorted us to a taxi and off we went for a tour of the Botanical Gardens.  Our guide, Alexander the great was truly a walking encyclopedia of the gorgeous flora that filled the garden pathways.  From Helleconia, to Pink Torch Ginger Lilies, Avocado and Papaya trees, we were awestruck !  Our next stop was the Sulphur Springs.  Carita agreed to guard our belongings and be the photographer while the rest of us lathered up with fresh volcanic pumice – to rejuvenate our skin.  Although the mineral water was too hot for a dip, we managed to shower off and as we emerged at the top of the spring, Ian didn’t recognize any of us as we all looked a decade younger.

After lunch in the village, and a stop at a local ice cream shop, we boarded our yacht and headed down the coast towards Sugar Beach.  Coming around a corner – we stole our first glimpses of the Pitons. Absolutely breathtaking!  Majestic peaks springing out of the Caribbean Sea – towering over a palm tree dotted white sand beach.  Some of us took a refreshing swim, while others found solace on a lounge chair under a tree.  I took my towel down the beach for some tranquility and found myself fixated on the majesty of the Gros Piton.  The view surrounding me of the coconut and palm trees, lush green mountains plunging into the sea was magnificent!

All too soon and to our dismay, it was time to board Sashame and head back to Marigot bay.  Listening to some Caribbean Reggae and taking in the coastline – we all agreed it was a spectacular day, which refreshed our spirits and helped us prepare for the work week ahead.

Five Days of Volunteering

We began our 5th day of Volunteering in Anse le Raye, with the always good and plentiful options for breakfast at Ben's Hideaway. The warm and humid weather produced our first over night showers; many of us with tin roofs overhead, heard them ~ some of us just noticed a wet walk on the way to breakfast... nothing like good snooze after a long day of volunteering, and a couple of Pitons. We completed the meal with our daily journal reading, inspirational quote and announcements before bidding fair well to our new friends, David and Jason, from KSTP ~ channel 5 News.

 

Michele left straight away for a meeting, while W3, our committed leader and bus driver took us to our posts in Anse le Raye before driving with Dawn to Castries for important government networking meetings.

 

Katie and I were dropped off first. Today was a workshop day with Lucy, and the Rovers. We spent the morning reviewing their work with the families and discussed successes and challenges encountered over the last two weeks. In the afternoon, miss Lucy instructed us on conflict resolution, and the differences between punishment and discipline. She is supportive yet stern in her approach. The Rovers understand their job is very difficult, and are commended on their efforts; their role is key to the future success of the children in the community.

 

Flo and Emily had a great day at the primary school. The principal undstood their limitations with larger groups, and today they worked with 1-2 kids at a time. They also took a stroll during the lunch break and enjoyed visiting Carita at the preschool.

 

Carita had a nice day, and didnt mind telling the tour guide to not visit again. Margeret helped out with the kids today. It was "casual" Friday. They had a birthday to celebrate, and made Mother's Day cards...the kids gave both of them cards too!

 

Warren and Dawn had a productive day in Castries. Their meetings went well, stats are available, and government support for the StLucia Project gained momentum with the new networking opportunities. They were informed the earth boxes have arrived on the island; a bit more work is needed to get them to Anse le Raye, we are praying the team can get down to the dirt work early in the week.

 

We all shared our favorite experience from the week....generally, all the human experiences of hugs and appreciation.

 

A fabulous dinner by Andy...another surf and turf, this time shrimp and steak, and the oh so yummy twice baked and cheesy christofine filled our bellies before Tracy, flo, Carita, Margeret, Katie and Emily took in an evening at the fish fry. Showers before and after... we perfectly timed our stay in town. Ian dropped us off at the town square. We listened to music, and saw many of the faces we have met and worked with over the past week. Emily's fan club kept us busy, and Flo's Ethan did a fine Jo b of being our tour guide around town. Many friendly faces, and a good time had by all, that ended with just a bit of dancing by the pier.

Another Good Day

Morning dawned bright and beautiful again at Anse La Raye.  We had a delicious omelettes for breakfast after which we made plans for the weekend.  Friday night fish fry in the village, Saturday all opted out but Tracy and Margaret are going to the Jazz Festival the rest of us left to our own devices.  Sunday all plan for the great trip to Souffriere.

 Daily schedule Flo and Emily were up to the Primary School for their day of fame with the TV crew.  They had a lot of different levels in the morning that were difficult but the afternoon saved the day! 

Katie and Tracy had a little different day doing some walk arounds, they stopped at Kids Step with a child who doesn’t get out much in society.

Carita spent the day at Kids Step with things as active and noisy as always, but fun!

The day ended with a beautiful sunset and delicious dinner at Jullietta’s!

Another good day!

Telling the St. Lucia Project Story

Dawn guides cameraman Dave as Francois Henry selects seedlings at the nursery.

It's been very interesting watching reporter Jason Davis and photographer Dave Peterson work - interviewing volunteers and capturing the various aspects of each work project. They started out on Monday at Kids' Step interviewing Carita and recording the students tending the Earth Boxes.  Then, they went with Dawn to pick up seedlings from Francois Henry for replanting four RCP gardens. 

Dawn is an excellent Earth Box instructor/spokesperson - even though this is only her second service program in St. Lucia!  She demonstrated for Jason and Dave how the gardens are maintained, and enabled the students to water them for the camera.

They learned about early childhood education from Kids' Step director Wilcina Gabriel and filmed interaction between the four classes of preschoolers, the teachers and Carita.  It was a learning experience for all involved!

Today, Michele drove Jason and Dave to Gros Islet to meet and interview Fr. Athanse, the "Father of the St. Lucia Project."  He was responsible for the Global Volunteers' official invitation to work in Anse la Raye.  In the afternoon, they accompanied Michele to a meeting with Education Minister Robert Lewis in Castries.  They reported that both interviews went very well, and have provided significant background for their story.

Jason and Dave have been joining us for meals - becoming regular members of "the team."  It's been a joy to get to know them and hearing about their work together around the world for three decades.  We're fortunate they're pursuing this very important program here in St. Lucia!

All Working Hard

Today we all met for breakfast at Ben’s Hideaway, and gathered some more resources from the resource room before we were on our way.

Margaret and Dawn went back to the health clinic to look over birth records and were pleased to find they went all the way back to 1979!  They then made their way over to Kid Step and went over hand washing and helped make a special lunch using spinach grown from the Earth Boxes!

Carita was back at Kid Step for another busy day.  She continued teaching the children their numbers, colours and shapes!

Katie and Tracy had a better day with the rovers.  Some of the concerns they had the previous days, they received good feedback and are feeling a lot better!  They got to play with the children and taught them all about the stethoscope.  They walked over to the primary school and joined Emily and Flo for lunch.

Emily and Flo continued working on literacy skills.  They are seeing some progress, and are figuring out how to best keep the kids engaged!  There is still a lot to be done at the school and they are looking forward to the next few days!

We finished off the day at JD’s for a lovely dinner.  We were joined by Gabby, the Peace Core representative in Anse La Raye.  We were just in time to watch the sunset!

Enjoying the Flow - Getting in the Groove

 

Katie (left) and Traci "roving" with caregiver Abna.

After another wonderful breakfast together, we went our separate ways to different project sites.

Emily and Flo introduced a new system of learning at the primary school, grouping children by identifying similar strengths and needs. Working with groups had their challenges but with some tweaking this new format of teaching seems to build positively on the one-on-one format.

Don and Margaret continued to work on ironing out the details of the next earth box shipment and also on more long-term planning such as partnerships and cost-cutting strategies. They also worked with the Health Center on records and documents in hopes of developing some stats on island nutrition.

Carita had her hands full at the preschool (Kids' Step), making materials to help her teach and get through to the kids. After some discussion, her recommendations seem to make a difference!

Katie and Tracey continued with the Roving Caregiver Program (RCP), following a different outreach caregiver than the day before. Today going into homes proved challenging, seeing some uncomfortable differences in various aspects of life. The caregiving staff themselves are very inspiring; opening up and sharing stories and ambitions.

We returned to JJ’s Paradise for my first taste of octopus! Quite delicious, with great company and of course a Piton or two. Looking forward to tomorrow!

- Katie

Work Continues

After a wonderful breakfast together, we all went our separate ways.

Emily and Flo introduced a new system of learning at the primary school, grouping children by identifying similar strengths and needs. Working with groups had their challenges but with some tweaking this new format of teaching seems to build positively on the one-on-one format.

Don and Margaret continued to work on ironing out the details of the next earth box shipment and also on more long-term planning such as partnerships and cost-cutting strategies. They also worked with the Health Center on records and documents in hopes of developing some stats on island nutrition.

Carita had her hands full at the preschool (Kid Step), making materials to help her teach and get through to the kids. After some discussion, her recommendations seem to make a difference!

Katie and Tracey continued with the Rover Caregiver Program (RCP), following a different rover than the day before. Today going into homes proved challenging, seeing some uncomfortable differences in various aspects of life. The rovers themselves are very inspiring, opening up and sharing stories and ambitions.

We then came back to JJ’s Paradise for my first taste of octopus! Quite delicious, with great company and of course a Piton or two. Looking forward to tomorrow!

A New Week; a New Volunteer Team

Flo with students at Primary School assembly.

After a wonderful breakfast together, we began our first day of service in Anse La Raye. We were dropped of and driven to our various destinations.

Firstly, we arrived at the primary school where there was a special assembly held for all the students. The principal informed all in attendance that this school is a literary center whose main goal is to teach all students to read. A community leader, Marie-Louise Reid offered a very inspiring opening ceremony beginning with the Lord’s Prayer followed by an enthusiastic school song. This included the reciting of the school slogan “the difficulties in my path will not defeat my ambition”. They stressed the importance of being able to read fully in their education and Global Volunteers Emily and Flo were presented at the assembly to help them achieve better reading skills.

The students were then asked what they want to become in life. It was pointed out they need to read before they can become most of the professionals they named. She showed them a big bag and used audience participation to illustrate how they need to unlock their minds and use their potential – that being the key to reading. It was all in all, very moving. 

Emily and Flo were each assigned a student to tutor, and both students seemed happy, and responded well. But it was obvious that they need help to recognize sounds and words. Gabby, a newly installed Peace Corps worker at the school introduced herself, and suggested specific lesson plans for the next day.   It was a good day.
- Flo