Diana Wade - Colombia Visit
Deirdre and I stayed with David and Dary Luz during our stay in Colombia. David was very relaxed and happy enjoying every moment with his family.
Our visit to the Wayuu was cancelled due to the trouble escalating on the Colombia border. There's real concern that things were so serious that it could mean Colombia may be on the brink of war if no solutions were found. Fortunately the crisis subsided but it was not deemed safe during our stay to travel towards the Venezuelan border. This was a reminder of how volatile this Country is.
My experience of Colombia is that "nothing is as it seems on the surface". On the outside one would believe Colombia appears to have all the facilities of any western city but in reality it lacks infrastructure and corruption is rife.
- Water and electricity are frequently cut off without warning.
- Promised money for teacher's wages is non existent.
- The poor and marginalised are promised medical care but in reality it does not materialise.
- Free schooling is promised for the poor but in reality costs are so high the poor have little hope of education.
Observe - What is needed.
Visitors
David prepared accommodation at the Oasis centre for the Nottingham team who travelled with us on our journey. The accommodation was very spacious with showers and toilets and a dormitory for sleeping. The team were happy with this arrangement. David has plans to prepare more accommodation for another ten people. His plan is to invite construction work teams who can give in a practical way to the completion of the buildings on the land.
There is a need for skilled building workers and people with practical skills. Regarding those with professional skills in my opinion their talents need to be linked up with a need before their visit so that David and the person visiting are better prepared to make full use of their skills.
Needs
Transport
A Bus which is essential for transporting visiting teams and also for transporting those children who travel many miles to and from school.
Kitchen
The kitchen has been built with a store room and large feeding area. It has been well planned and now there is a need for fittings and equipment, such as cooker, fridge, mincers, mixers and shelves. The dining area needs tables and chairs and cupboards.
Staffing and Students.
School Staff and Children
Ena is the head mistress/director, Joanna the secretary and Loren the educational co-ordinator.
There are 14 class rooms in all, each accommodating up to 34 children.
The average class has 33 students with boys and girls mixed.
The school accommodates 280 to 300 now but has facilities for 400 in all.
Teacher Needs
A copier is needed for the teachers.
A desk and chair for each teacher for the class room.
Blinds for the windows.
Teachers staff room needs
There is a room available for the teacher's staff room but it is empty.
There is a need for comfortable chairs, tables, book shelves, sink, fridge, cups.
Computer with broadband would be an enormous help for the teachers to access.
Art Materials
The school need practical materials for art. Coloured Paper, Crayons, Paper, Glue, play dough. Etc.
Books
There is a need for a library at the foundation. Books are in very short supply and there is limited opportunity for the children to develop their love for reading.
Computers
There is a great need for computers for teachers and students if the school is to equip children for life in the 21st century.
Laboratory
There is an open plastered area waiting to be finished and equipping as a laboratory. Not only will the children in Oasis school benefit but the lab can be rented out as there are no laboratory facilities in neighbouring schools. This will create extra income to help the school to be self sufficient. A list and costing for all equipment is needed before fund raising can commence.
The foundation offer to the poor all that they are denied by their own government. Oasis de Esperanza lives up to its name "Oasis of Hope" This is truly a water hole in the desert for many underprivileged people in the poorest neighbourhoods around where actions speak louder than words and love and compassion is shown to those in need. Accountability is high on David's agenda and he and Dary Luz strive to make the foundation a place of excellence.
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