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Cruise Ship Program

This cruise ship adventure began with a simple request from a family asking about the schools in Chicxulub. I offered them the opportunity to come for a site visit the day they docked in Progreso. The village is a short 10 minute bus ride to the east. Here there is the chance to visit Benito Juarez Elementary School and speak with the kids and teachers. Amazing how far a smile can go when seeing the children. Everyone tries a little Spanish/English and there are lots of smiles. There is again the opportunity to do a walk through the village to see the environment and how some of our people live. This is all done in a respectful manner.

By the time we end up at the Mercado most folks are hot and thirsty. There is a local restaurant that provides a home for the Food Bank and if the group wishes we can go there for a cool drink and visit.

Here is the list of needs as identified by the principals from both elementary schools in the village, Benito Juarez and Andres Quintana Roo.

poster paper
colored pencils
white bond paper
markers for the teachers
backpacks
pencils/pens
first aid kits
supplies for the art program

In 2009 we began a pilot project having the children who take English class experience a short conversation with the visitors. Angie Lewis and her group from Missouri were the fist to give this a go. Both groups enjoyed their time together and it showed me a bit of how much English they are able to use. More food for thought and planning.

Photos of activities during the visits…