FRIEND

Focusing Resources in Education and Nutrition Development is an initiative through the Ministry of Health along with the Ministry of Education doing just as the project’s name states. Only a few schools in Toledo were selected to take part, Santa Teresa being one. There was an opening ceremony in town to start the program and other activities have included creating a health corner in the classroom, BMI testing, a walk-a-thon, and mini-sports day. The walk-a-thon was simply a parade through the village, parade meaning the students marched themselves down the road and back again. They created a banner “Love That Body. Move That Body” and signs to promote healthy living. A few of the village leaders came along and it was perfect timing as Megan was in Santa Teresa to visit. We joked that the parade was for her then topped it off with making a cake the following day. See how well my visitors are treated?
The mini-sports day was in San Antonio where five schools came to compete in such contests as marble/spoon, three-legged race, egg toss, etc. The best part was being surprised by Dan, another Peace Corps Volunteer. I didn’t know his school was part of the FRIEND program. I hadn’t talked to him for quite some time and it was nice to be with a fellow photographer, as we decided that’s why we were brought along. Fine by me. I always like traveling with the students especially since they always are wanting me to go.
Another event encouraged by FRIEND was the Food Fair. All or at least most of the schools in Toledo come to town and create a booth, displaying health information and selling healthy foods. This was during Lauren’s visit and she had brought along some little prizes, not knowing exactly what to do with them, but they were absolutely perfect for a punch board. I’m pretty sure I’ve expressed the greatness of these games before… see the garden graduation post… and my opinion still stands strong. Yes, the sun was hot, but we had a line of children at our booth until the prizes ran out and made about $150 for the school, that’s a lot of shillings.