About SOL Seeds of Learning is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving educational opportunities in rural Latin America. We work with North Americans and Central Americans to build and equip schools in Nicaragua and El Salvador, educate children and adults, and promote cross cultural understanding. We have a US office in Sonoma, California and field offices in Ciudad Darío, Nicaragua, and Chalatenango, El Salvador. Each year, Seeds of Learning sends ten to twelve work groups of volunteers to Central America. These volunteers spend between 7 and 14 days working with communities in Nicaragua or El Salvador. While there, volunteers partner with communities, form relationships, build bridges and explore each others' cultures while erecting or improving a school building.
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Seeds of Learning Newsletter, December 2009
Table of Contents
By Daniel Plies and Sofia Baires 
The community of Las Trincheras is a rural community in Sonsonate, El Salvador. It is an economically poor community of 500 families, many of whom live in homes made of plastic and sheet metal. There are currently over 210 children enrolled in the 3-classroom school. This year, community members worked for hundreds of volunteer hours to build 2 new classrooms and a school kitchen with the help of 6 SOL volunteer groups from the US and Canada. A total of 120 volunteers from: Jesuit High School (Portland, Oregon), North Peace Secondary School (Fort St John, BC Canada), Idlewild Presbyterian Church (Memphis, Tennessee), Marin Catholic High School (Kentfield, CA), and Sonoma, CA shared in this great work. One 76 year old volunteer from Las Trincheras, Victor Manuelle, worked hard and steady with a pick ax, digging the foundation trench. He shared how important education was for creating a new generation of leaders, "I have 56 grandchildren, many of whom will directly benefit from this project." The community ownership and participation will ensure the success of this project and encourage community involvement in education for the long term, as it is something that the community deeply cares about and has worked hard to achieve. SOL volunteer groups that worked side by side with the local volunteers learned about the similarities and differences of the people of Las Trincheras. They shared thirst and laughter as they labored together and then enjoyed fresh made fruit drinks that were prepared for them. They learned about the common dream of education, and the desire to give opportunities and better life conditions to all children. 
But they also learned some difficult realities of the local community. The fact that many of the graduates of the school do not continue beyond the 6th grade is hard to accept. But, with the addition of new classrooms the school will now be able to offer 7th grade. Many families in Las Trincheras do not have enough resources to nourish their bodies. There is a school lunch program that feeds all of the children during their school day. A kitchen facility was constructed to provide a hygienic space for food preparation. For some of the children this is the only full meal they get on a typical day. The collaboration in this project brought everyone together and made a real difference as the shared development process itself proved to be a source of education for all. The community members in Las Trincheras greatly thank all of the volunteers and donors who supported this project. 
This year SOL facilitated two simultaneous school building projects in Nicaragua. The community of Palo de Agua benefited from a new classroom and the community of San Martin a new classroom, new kitchen and a 3-classroom school remodel. Both of these communities are very remote and there is next to no support or visits from outsiders to these peaceful farming communities. Palo de Agua is a community that sits on a hillside of rough terrain, and is a place where SOL constructed Palo de Agua's first school structure 11 years ago. Since that time, the student body has grown and the school has developed, drawing children from neighboring communities to attend the school. Responding to the overcrowded one room schoolhouse, SOL added a second classroom this year, assisted by some of the graduates of the first SOL built school. One father of a second grader, Rene, shared, "I have so much pride to have shared in the process of building our own school and now my kids are able to benefit from the unified work of our efforts." Long lasting bonds were formed as groups from University of Florida, Davis, CA, and Christ Church United Methodist (Santa Rosa, California) worked side by side to construct this new classroom. Five hours northeast of Palo de Agua, SOL staff and volunteers were simultaneously building another school in San Martin, Matagalpa. One Dollar for Life (ODFL) supported SOL with a generous donation to fund the construction of a new classroom in San Martin. ODFL organized a volunteer group to help with the final touches of the school and to share an inauguration ceremony with the community. Other volunteer groups from University of Portland (Portland, Oregon) and Hawken School (Gates Mills, Ohio) also labored, sweat, laughed, and worked alongside of members of the San Martin communities to construct the school. 
The community was ecstatic to have new friends work in solidarity with them to build a dignified school facility. People in this community has felt isolated in the past and rejected as they have been soliciting support for their crumbling school for over 10 years from other institutions. In the project closing evaluation what the community wanted most was to "Not be forgotten" by the volunteers and supporters who had collaborated with them. The memories of working together building friendships, and sharing with others who cared were as important to them as the new school buildings themselves. Countless "thank you's" have been expressed to SOL staff in gratitude to SOL supporters and volunteers who have given so much to make these new schools a reality. Thank you for helping to bring both pride and joy and dignified schools to so many. 
Maggie Kuk went on two SOL work groups to El Salvador. We asked her to share a little more about her experience. Why did you first go on a work group? I had heard about SOL from a number of people and it was something that I was definitely interested in doing. I found myself at an informational meeting at the high school and was sold. All I had to do from there was talk my parents into it. How many times did you go? I went on two trips, one my sophomore year of high school and then I led a trip for my senior project. What were your hesitations before your first trip? Before my first trip I was incredibly nervous. I remember being in the car with my parents driving to the airport thinking that I didn't know anyone and worried about meeting new people. The second we got into the airport all my fears faded, everyone was so outgoing and enthusiastic and by the end of the trip it felt like we had all been friends for years. I was also a little worried about the language barrier but my Spanish ended up being decent enough to get my point across and Alvaro was willing to translate anything I needed. How did the first trip affect you? My first trip completely opened my eyes to the cultural working of Latin America, a place that I had studied for years but never visited. I was exposed to a level of poverty that I had never witnessed and returned home with a tremendous urge to help those people I had lived among in El Salvador. What were your reactions when you were there? While there I remember thinking about how highly these people valued education and how in the United States it is so easily taken for granted. I was also completely struck by the level of poverty. We seem to easily forget about Latin America, our direct neighbors whose current situations have been shaped in large part to American intervention. I was also completely struck by the local's generosity. They had little but what they had they shared with all of us. I think this is another lesson many Americans could learn from. 
How did you feel when you returned? When I returned I made it a goal to change my life to better those who didn't have the means to change their own lives. I knew I wanted to go back again and I started to save money. I also engaged myself in community service around Sonoma and SVHS [Sonoma Valley High School -ed]. Did your involvement with SOL affect the direction of your life? My involvement in SOL completely changed my life. It completely changed the person I am and it completely changed the person I want to become. What are you doing now that relates to what you did with SOL? I am now at the American University in Washington DC studying International Development with a focus in Latin America. I am currently furthering my Spanish in hopes to become fluent one day. I am also considering getting a graduate degree in Public Health and nutrition. What have you gained from your experiences with SOL? Too much to possibly sum up in a few sentences. Are there any other stories, memorable moments from work groups, or any other thoughts you'd like to share? On my first trip all of the members had become extremely attached to the children and the community. I remember on the last day we were all in the back of the pickup truck waving goodbye and the kids were sprinting after the car. I looked around at everyone in the truck and we all had tears in our eyes. The entire trip had been an emotional rollercoaster and yet not a single one of us wanted to leave. In each newsletter, we profile a work group alumnus or alumna. If you would like to recommend someone or yourself for us to highlight in our next newsletter, please do not hesitate to let us know. Seeds of Learning was very pleased to partner with the organization, One Dollar for Life (ODFL) this year to build a classroom in San Martin, Nicaragua. ODFL is a non-profit corporation founded to address third world poverty by collecting just one dollar from each of millions of US high school students and then channeling those funds into small-scale infrastructure projects in developing countries. Not only did volunteers from ODFL travel to help put the final touches on the San Martin School, but they also raised the funds for an entire classroom for the community. We are looking forward to partnering with them again in 2010. For more information on SOL's project with ODFL, please click here [odfl.org]. Two ODFL volunteers, Diana Chou, and Margaux Kelly wrote particularly wonderful reflections, which we'd like to share with all of you. From Diana Chou: 
I remember the exact moment when the physical labor at San Martin began to seem trivial. Any of the workers there could have done the jobs we'd done far more efficiently than we had, and probably spilled less paint, too. And for a split second, it made me question why we were really there. Then I remembered the way the people of the community had reacted to us. I remembered the way they pulled us in warmly for hugs when all we did was offer a hand to shake, or the way they smiled at us from their eyes whenever we caught their gaze. That's when it really hit me. They weren't thankful for our labor. They were thankful for us being there. True, it's inspiring to see a dull, concrete wall transformed with blue and white paint or a window filling what had been a cavernous hole in the side of a classroom. But in the end, it's not about the tangible or visible progress we had made. By being there we showed the community that the youth who would determine the future of the world are more than willing to set their hearts on helping people who were seemingly strangers to them. That's the real beauty of it. I learned more about myself on this trip than I have from anything else I've ever done. I invested more emotions than I knew I had and discovered a capacity to care about people who had no direct impact on my life prior to the trip. I had seen and experienced a new world. It was a place where people didn't fixate on frivolous wants, but made the most of what little they had. A place where kids didn't wake up, lazy and bored and resentful of school, but excited and appreciative of education as an opportunity. A place that inspired all of us to feel lucky and thankful for everything that we have. And then suddenly the idea of coming home paralyzed me. I was terrified I would soon forget it all, scared I would lose that fiery motivation and that loving desire to help others. But I didn't. Or, at least I haven't yet. Instead, I came home and cleaned out my closet. I made several large sacks of donations of clothes I knew others needed more than I did. That's when I realized that for the first time in my life I had found direction and drive toward a real, sustainable purpose. It no longer mattered how small I was compared to the world because I knew I could create change. At the end of the day, when my hands were burning from the gasoline we used to scrub off the blue oil paint, I knew we had really made a difference. And I want to share that feeling with others. That feeling, as invisible as it might be, is infinitely more real than anything else we could have built. Diana Chou, ODFL Nicaragua 2009 From Margaux Kelly: 
I came to Nicaragua with the intentions of building a school, and I did but it's hard to explain how I felt seeing homes made of branches and sheet metal. Even more so when I met the inhabitants of those homes; they'd look us in the eyes and say, "buenas dias, estoy de aqui servirle". They would've given us the shirts on their backs, not because we were foreigners but because we are people. They showed us their pets, those two green birds named Nachos and when nobody could comprehend one another's words, there was still an understanding between us and them, between our land and theirs, that didn't need to be spoken. The community in San Martin knew it wasn't really about the work we were giving them and we knew it wasn't really about zip lining and swimming in waterfalls. While we wanted more dirt under our fingernails, they just wanted companionship. It's no doubt their lives are more laborious than ours and it wouldn't be a stretch to say they're a happier breed of people. Even though Dona Erlinda wakes up very early in the morning to clean the house, do the laundry, cook breakfast, and get the kids up for school, there was still an air of gratitude about her. They were not resentful of our digital cameras and work gear. They did not accept gifts hastily neither. Instead they cooked us their version of cornbread and made us coffee, besides the fact they had only two cups to go around. Instead, they led us on a trek through the rainforest and only laughed a little when we came back caked in mud. As a group of young people, we came together, not for ourselves but for a greater cause. We looked at the grand scheme of things and all agreed, its not about coffee or tv or drugs. I couldn't have had a better time with people I barely knew. That's something I didn't expect. To be appreciated and respected by complete strangers. I came to Nicaragua without speaking fluent Spanish and with little education of it's history and came home with not only a better understanding of myself but a new world view. The power is in my words and my actions. It is sown deep in my soul not from status or birthplace and it doesn't depend of what economic bracket I fall under. I will not be fooled to think I cannot do something any longer. Truly, I know the value of the dollar. Margaux Kelly, ODFL Nicaragua 2009 Welcome to Sofia Baires We are pleased to welcome Sofia Baires to SOL's staff as the SOL El Salvador Coordinator. Sofia comes to SOL with extensive experience working in rural development projects in El Salvador and other countries. Sofia comes from humble beginnings growing up in San Salvador. Through hard work and as a recipient of a scholarship she was able to study Natural Resources in Portland, Oregon for two years where she learned English and life in the North American culture. With this multicultural background she artfully integrates the dialogue and exchange that SOL offers in its work group program. She is excited to have completed her first building project with SOL this year where she has also made a very positive impression on many work group volunteers with her hard work, organization, cultural knowledge and sensitivity, and boundless energy. She already has many great ideas for how to strengthen SOL's programs. SOL is grateful to have such a gifted addition to our staff. Welcome Sofia! ANNOUNCING A NEW BILINGUAL CHILDREN'S BOOK INSPIRED BY THE WORK OF SEEDS OF LEARNING 
Sonoma resident, retired early childhood educator, and SOL work group volunteer alumna, Sara Donnelly, has just written and published a wonderful bilingual children's book inspired by SOL's work in Central America. The book, Esperanza and the New School / Esperanza y la Nueva Escuela, beautifully illustrated with 20 paintings by Sally Carnahan Lewis, is destined become a bilingual children's classic. Not only will you treasure this book, it will make a wonderful gift to your children, grandchildren, friends, local schools, and libraries. The book's price is $15. Copies of the book can be ordered by clicking here or by calling the SOL office. All proceeds from the book sales are being donated to Seeds of Learning by Sara and Sally. Nicaragua (Ciudad Dario)
Nicaragua (San Ramon)
El Salvador
The cost for participating in a group is $1300 (if paid by due date) per person plus round trip international airfare. All groups are subject to cancellation or change. Minimum group size is 10 people. Please call for details and availability, (707) 939-0471 before applying. With some exceptions, most groups leave the night of the departure date listed. SOL NICARAGUA TEACHER EXCHANGE DELEGATION JULY 19 - AUGUST 1, 2010 
Seeds of Learning (SOL) has been working in community development in Latin America for over 18 years. Together, volunteers and community members have worked with rural communities to build over 98 classrooms in 35 schools. A group of 10-16 volunteer educators or educators to be from Kindergarten through the University level will visit many of these rural community. We are adventurous spirits who are concerned about global justice and cross cultural exchanges that promote understanding and respect. What We Do: We will prepare lessons requested by Nicaraguan teachers and while in Nicaragua we will teach these lessons in rural primary schools. We will also collaborate with Nicaraguan teachers to present a teacher seminar for teachers from all over Nicaragua. We will bring down donated school supplies to support rural schools. AND we will still find time to explore historical and cultural points of interests, natural beauty, markets! Join us in being a part of a long-term rural empowerment movement, through teaching and learning in this dynamic dialogueue. 
Fees and Requirements: $1800-$1900 covers all expenses including airfare from San Francisco, food, transportation and accommodations) except for personal items and tourist entrance visa cards ($5). Four semester units available, if desired, from Sonoma State University for an additional fee. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required, just an open heart and willingness to learn and help. Fundraising: Past volunteers have successfully fund raised in their communities. Don't let the cost stop you from participating! Accommodations: We will stay at the SOL Learning Center in Ciudad Dario. The Center has simple and clean shared rooms. If you are interested in going: Visit: www.seedsoflearning.org and contact us immediately via phone or email. Download [1.4 MB pdf] the Teacher Work Group Volunteer Packet. A completed application and $600 deposit will secure your reservation. This deposit will count as your first payment toward work group fees. "Traveling with Seeds of Learning was something I know I will never forget. It was the most eye-opening, educational, and enriching experience of my life. I feel so lucky to have had such a once-in-a-lifetime experience." Gail Chadwin, 6-time work group volunteer Seeds of Learning and Corstone Announce a Service Trip to Nicaragua for Family Members who have Lost a Loved One Teaming With Corstone, Participants Find the Opportunity to Heal by Serving a Community in Need Seeds of Learning is teaming up with Project Grace to arrange and coordinate a "memorial" trip, open to anyone who would like to honor a loved one by serving a community in need. "We are privileged and thrilled that Todd Evans, Founder of Seeds of Learning, has agreed to lead this trip," said Carole Mahoney, co-founder, along with Catherine Bowen Stern, of Project Grace. The Nicaragua Family Trip is scheduled for June 19 through June 29, 2010. During the 10 day trip, volunteers will have the chance to live and work together as they spend their days mixing concrete, laying bricks, digging the foundation, tying rebar, and other tasks to help build a school with local parents, teachers, youth, children and SOL staff. Evenings will be spent together as a group, enjoying atypical dinner, with time built in for reflection and sharing stories. The cost of the trip is $2,200* and includes group airfare, lodging, insurance, ground transportation and all meals. There will be an information meeting on Sunday, November 15 in Mill Valley including a slide show presentation of a similar trip presented by Todd Evans. For more information or to request an application, please contact Catherine B. Stern, Co-Founder, Director, catherines@corstone.org, 415-999-2694 or Carole Mahoney, Co-Founder, Director carolem@corstone.org, 415-381-4980 * A limited number of scholarships are available. About Project Grace Project Grace, a program of the non-profit organization CorStone, was founded in early 2008 and was inspired by the award winning documentary film Motherland available in stores and on iTunes December 2009. The program brings together parents, siblings and other family members grieving the loss of a loved one for unique service trips around the world. Project Grace was created with the purpose of providing a compassionate, non-judgmental environment in which participants can offer each other support, share their own stories, provide real, tangible aid to a community in need, and honor a loved one. The goal is to support participants as they find strength in service to others. Common ground is reached through peer support and cross-cultural sharing. We'd like to extend our congratulations to the following 2009 Annual Event raffle winners: We'd like to extend our congratulations to the following 2009 Annual Event raffle winners: Gift Card to the Sunflower Caffe: Peter Birdsall Bottle of Wine: Jim Jepson; Anne O'Brien; Mary O'Riordan Passes for two to the Sebastiani Theatre: Linda Biscoe; John and Linda Viglienzoni Vase from San Juan del Sur: Wendell Rickon Purse fron El Salvador: Linda Brennan Hand-knit purse from Diane Jorgensen: Joanna Wigginton Grand Prize - Weekend Getaway to Mendocino: Kelsey Escoto On Saturday, October 17, Seeds of Learning celebrated its 18th anniversary at its Annual Event, held at the Sonoma Community Center. We welcomed over 160 guests and volunteers who worked together to create one of the very best events yet. With help from Gary Edwards, John McReynolds, Eduardo, and Jen Demarest, guests enjoyed "one of the best meals ever" and food that was "truly astounding". Together, from this event, we raised almost $52,000, including $21,000 during the Fund a Need Live Auction for an entire school building in Central America! We are so grateful to all of the businesses and individuals who contributed to making this event the most successful ever, including:
This newsletter is the first in our new e-mail/web-based format. What did you think? E-mail any comments or suggestions to info@seedsoflearning.org and let us know! We can also be reached by phone at (707) 939-0471, by fax at (707) 939-1951, and by mail:
Seeds of Learning
Thank you from everyone at SOL for your continued support in this year and in the next. Happy holidays! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
