Crayon Resist Scratch Drawing

Family tree

We decided to run an activity to get the kids to tell us about themselves. Having difficulty in remembering all the kid’s names and trying to pronounce them all correctly! – we gave the task of creating a family tree’.
It was a chance to get the know the kids better and was really great to hear them all introducing all their family members.

Henry

Meet Henry. Our wonderfully freaky but beautiful visitor.

Compleanos de Nina!!!

Friday of Children’s camp fell on Nina’s birthday! She had many renditions of ‘Happy Birthday’ in Spanish and English sung to her throughout the day. In the evening she had a cake presented to her from Juconi staff, which she was very surprised and touched to receive (she also had the pleasure of receiving cake smeared across her face – A south American tradition done to people on their birthday. Very strange for us British folk!)

Later we both received another surprise in our tent. Feeing something furry against our hand, we soon discovered to be our 6 legged and hairy friend that had snuck into a hole in the tent whilst we were sleeping!
So, this is nothing like your average house spider from the UK! It measured just under the size of a hand, hairy with huge pincers! We have tried to find out what type of spider it is but all we know is that the security guards of the camp have since said that it is definitely poisonous!

Campemento!

Juconi run two camps once a year; an adolescent’s Camp and a camp for younger kids. Each run for 2 days and both give a chance for the kids and young people to go away with their friends whilst also being in a creative and learning environment.

This year the adolescent’s camp evolved around the theme of Sexual health and sexuality. The young people were involved in a variety of activities that illustrated the topic. Activities ranged from short plays, discussions and presenting ideas to groups (as well as much games, dancing and fun!)
The teenagers had to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner together in their groups. It was very impressive to see that nearly all the young people helped to cook and make the fires. We were taken aback at the cooking skills and knowledge teenagers have when it comes to preparing food (on a camp fire) for up to 20 people! – a far cry when compared to an average 13 year old in the UK!
After 2 days we were thoroughly exhausted and even though it had been fun we were looking forward to a shower and a well-deserved beer!

The children’s camp was pitched around the theme of nature. The camp began with a play, in which most of the educators played different animals and creatures - including Nina! She got the part of a frog but got to wear a cool mask! (only one of the many amazing costumes the educators made) Although Nina was unable to see a thing through her frog mask, people have since informed her that the children looked like they thoroughly enjoyed it!

On both camps it was so uplifting to see how hard the educators all work. Even though everyone was totally worn out, all remained enthusiastic till the very end of camp. It’s amazing to see how dedicated they all are.

Dangers in Fertissa

There has been an increase in crime within the sector of Fertissa (one of the areas where Art Club is run). The area is now in discussion with Juconi on whether it is safe to travel into this sector. Sadly there have been a number of muggings involved with Juconi staff – including Anna (who was amazingly brave!)
We are now running workshops within a medical area that has very high security. Unfortunately due to the change of venue it has decreased the number of children being able to travel to the workshops but we are hoping the number will start to increase again.

preperations before camp!

Family visits

We have started to bring Art Club to family houses! We have discovered there is a number of kids who can’t go to art club because of school or difficulties in travelling.
So!....Nina has been introducing dance and song workshops and has got whole families dancing a variety of moves ranging from hip-hop to Arabic around the house! Laura has run small activities with the whole family like making sock puppets and will be soon running small Photography workshops with a boy of 14 years who is working as well as often sleeping on the streets.

Operación Amistad

Once a night we have the chance to work alongside the Educators to visit children while they are working on the streets. We bring along activities and games to give the opportunity of play for the kids.
It is both a chance for Juconi to advocate the work they run and explain how it can benefit families but it also gives us the chance to gain more of an understanding of the lives and the reality for children that work on the streets.

It is both a rewarding and emotional experience and has been hard to be shown the reality of the extent of how many children are working on the streets of Guayaquil.

getting around

We have slowly, but surely become acquainted with the rickety rides and seats designed to numb your bum on the buses we travel on regularly to and fro from the different sectors that we work in!
Things to expect on buses include;
Shouting at the top of your lungs over the various types of Latin American sounds ranging from Meringue to Salsa to Reggaeton blasted from huge speakers, being ready to hurl yourself off moving buses (the drivers drive off no sooner than have they dropped you off), every 5 to 10 minutes different people jumping on shouting out what they are selling at the top of their voices like… water, soft drinks, coconut, sweets and many more… (Handy when you haven’t eaten breakfast!)

Food, glorious food.

We have yet to meet a South American vegetarian! Being a veggie and South America generally doesn’t mix too well! Expect lots of rice!

Cuisine here has not been the most exciting for us. We have Verde (a large savoury banana that can be use in almost anything, ranging from soup, bread, chips and even pizza!) coming out of our ears!!!

Masks