Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Supplying a Cuban School

Santo Domingo, Cuba.


It wasn't much. In fact, by our standards it really wasn't anything at all, but for a school there, every bit helps.
We'd read that school supplies are scarce so we brought some along with us. Five pencils take little room, an eraser even less, and foolscap is flat. The only question was when to do it?
In Santo Domingo I got my chance. I'd stayed back while almost everyone else went on a hike and used the time to look around. Just down from our resort was a school. The kids used the road as their playground. I watched them as I walked past.
The building is toward the top end of the line of buildings just past the building with the red roof.
I took what little supplies we'd brought and dropped them off. A gentleman had stepped out of one door of the school and was about to go in another when I handed them to him.
He smiled. So did I. Then I walked away.
It feels good to give something that is needed, wanted, appreciated, and will be used.




9 comments:

David Cranmer said...

Good for you. I've given away similar items in impoverished countries and the look is always worth a million.

the Bag Lady said...

As you say, every little bit helps, and I'm sure your donation was well-appreciated.
Good for you.

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks, David, and good for you, too. It's good to share.

dfBag Lady, thanks. I like to think it helped.

Writing Without Periods! said...

As a former teacher I know how important supplies are. I used to buy them for my classes all the time. In South Bend we couldn't even get chalk. Good for you and thanks for helping. Love the picture.
Mary

Leah J. Utas said...

Mary, it's hard to believe that in the US and here in Canada students are going without or teachers are doing what you did, but it happens all the time.
Thanks.

messymimi said...

Good for you!

While sending money to help is good, sharing a smile with the people you are helping makes it more real somehow.

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks, Messymimi. This way I know it went right to the people who needed it.

Hilary said...

I'm glad that you were able to do that.. it probably made a few people very happy.. yourself included.

Leah J. Utas said...

It did make me happy, Hilary.