Sunday, April 27, 2008

Bolivian Storytime!


After returning from Bolivia, Ryan, a Global Gallery volunteer and children's librarian, shared his experiences with his preschool story time at the Hilliard Branch Library. The kids were delighted to hear music from his brand new charango ( a cross between a ukulele and a mandolin) and to see his new poncho and fancy Bolivian hat. This is one way that Global Gallery is sharing information about this project with the local community.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Phone update from Cochabamba

Hey Everyone!
Felix just called and we have a couple of successes to share. The cement floor has been "poured" for the first floor. Since there are no cement trucks there, and the orphanage is situated on a hillside, cement is made manually by mixing sand, cement and water. We had challenges getting this done because the road leading to the site is rough and the community was not sure the sand truck should be allowed up. Felix had just come from a community meeting where the project was formally presented and rumors about the project could cease. The cement could finally be made and the first floor cement completed. Now it needs to dry so the plumbing fixtures, door frames and electricity can be installed. Most of the funding for these steps was provided on our trip, so we hope to see these steps completed shortly now that the floor is complete. This is a great step on the project, as is the work with the community building trust and understanding, so a moment for celebration! I will post the photos of the floor as soon as they arrive in my email!