Update from Denny

January 21, 2013

Calunasan Sur Elementary School

This morning we spent several hours with Sr. Pedrito – the new principal – to discuss what he thought it would take to meet his dream of a school “in the lime light” (his terms). The teachers are strong supporters of Pedrito and he shows a strong embrace of honesty and the desire to really make the school best the best in Bohol (his stated goal). When asked what it takes to meet his goals he shared the following:

1. Facilities:
a. Repair or replacement of ceiling material outside each classroom (porches)
b. Completion of the canteen
c. Transfer of libary to old office of former head teacher (requires some screening, painting, fabrication of metal shelving, additional of one or two lights)

2. Learning tools:

a. Secure computer driven software to supplement teaching of all subjects in the first grade (pilot program and the foundation grade – software that can be run on a parent computer driving date to 20 flatscreen units plus keyboard and transit box enabling individual levels of achievement.
b. Sets of science learning equipment and teaching aides
c. Purchase of consumable workbooks for each subject – supplemented by computer programs

Pedrito will provide proposals for each with costs and commitment toward cost sharing and labor provided by the Parent Teacher Group. Once the first grade inaugural program is put in place for 2013-14, they would propose similar supports be provided for grades 2,3,4,5 and 6. We are meeting with the PTSA this Thursday to speak with parents and assess their commitment to improving the school and their child’s educational experience.

These inputs will benefit children of three barrio’s: Ugpong, Canlasid and Calunasan Sur.

Ellen is securing the purchase of several wheel chairs this week for Balilihan. They also need a new pump to provide water to a large community garden they hope to develop. Water is the required component missing as the ground for the garden has been secured.

We are meeting with the Barrio Captains and Councils of Ugpong and Canlasid about the water project and tilapia agri program respectively. The water project lacks a transformer of sufficient size to operate the well. Boheco (Bohol electric) is responsible for doing this but the captain does not pursue it. We hope to change that with an open meeting with the council present.

We have a FCFL Elder meeting and dinner at our house Wednesday to discuss their future plans for a pastor AND to discuss policies to direct their priorities in helping their communities served. We are providing dinner for the fellowship on Sunday next. Should be fun.

It is time to evaluate scholars to determine if we continue support. There are some good stories of success.

Our thinking has been transformed by our experience with the Tilapia Group recently met and funded. Jonathan Mitchell will be proud!

We have a full plate while here. I have to meet with Argeo the first of next week and meet with all scholarship parents to challenge them to make strides in their performance between now and April when school is out.

God Bless till next time.

Denny