My experience

The visit to the school of Altos de la Cruz was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Seeing the actual school and the kids that I've seen in pictures during the last year, gave me a feeling that I can hardly describe.

When I saw the plaque with the ColombiaCare logo acknowledging that we were responsible for the remodeling of the school, I had to hide so nobody will notice my teary eyes. I want everybody to have that same feeling since it is all of us together that made this happen. The place, as expected is very sad and beautiful at the same time. Sad because of the area's poverty, make-shift shacks, unpaved roads, very poor people. Beautiful because of the location – the view is magnificent, but most of all because of the children. They are extraordinary, loud, playful, curious, beautiful as any children. Very excited with our visit, “what is your name? , where do you come from? What are you going to show us, would you take my picture?, can I see your camera?..”

We had prepared a workshop to teach them to do some craft. It didn't quite work as planned, but it turned out to be very good. We split the kids in groups. Some of us worked with them doing some Origami and my brother Hernan Tobon worked with another group doing airplanes in wood. The kids had a blast but I think the adults got more out of it. Enjoy the pictures.

Victoria Perez

 

 

Visit to the Altos de la Cruz School

Victoria Perez who lives in the USA visited Colombia in June-July 2005. For the first time a member of ColombiaCare (we are all in the USA) saw one of the projects we have been supporting. The following are some of the pictures taken and a summary of her experience.
Arriving at the school
ColombiaCare's plaque ! not a good picture but what a great feeling!
children doing origami
children doing an airplane with HernanTobon
Showing off the origami dove
Children being children
After all that work, it better flies
Please a picture.....