Photo Blog: Sunday Wood Ground Breaking Ceremony

On Thursday, Mr. Cayetano and I visited Sunday Wood RC School.  Currently, the students are spread out among 4 buildings; the preschool and Infant 1/2 are in a large thatch while the Standard Six is borrowing a non for profit organization's wooden building.  The principal, Calistro Bo, has been very successful in securing resources for his school.  Currently there are two major construction projects here.  The first is a new preschool building behind the main concrete structure funded by Rotary International (I think).  The second is the reason for our visit today; ground breaking ceremony for a brand new 3 classroom structure funding by Social Investment Fund (SIF), the largest funder in the country for social improvement projects. This was quite a big deal with several distinguished guests, each with their own entourage.  After the ceremony, all guest were invited to the Alcalde's house (village chief) for a caldo feast with all the trimmings.  Caldo is Mayan chicken soup and today it was served with cassava, yam, and both blue and white corn tortillas.  Sorry but there are no pics of the meal.  My hands were messy since caldo is traditionally eaten without the help of utensils.  Here are my photos and additional commentary...

The students and staff went to great lengths to decorate for this monumental event.  Balloons, streamers, and this awesome archway made from palm leaves braided together.

Sunday Wood's school library.   A small building with mismatched shelves but I am always impressed with how neat  and organized it is.  Would like to see a couple of tables with chairs...

Students lined up waiting for the ceremony to begin.

This building will become the new preschool.  There is a partnership in which the community provides certain materials and/or labor while Rotary covers much of the cost.

Today, workers were building the concrete septic that will service the  preschools bathroom system.

Newly cleared plot of land that will be the location of the ceremonial first dig.

Mr. Calistro Bo, principal of Sunday Wood RC School.

Students holding the Belize flag for the singing of the National Anthem.

Students signing the National Anthem and gathering to see the presentations.  Unfortunately, the rains forced us inside shortly afterwards.

Joe Cayetano addressing his constituency.  He never misses an opportunity to put his knowledge of Kekchi language to use.

These students performed a poem and dance to show their appreciation.

Mr. Cano is the director for SIF, the organization funding the building project.

Honorable Peter Eden Martinez, Belize's Minister of Human Development and Social Transformation.  Evidently, this was one of his pet projects.  Found out later that he used to be a teacher in Toledo.

The man in the striped shirt is the site engineer.  He is being presented with an embroidered cloth.  All the dignitaries received a special gift from the village.

Joe Cayetano, Hon. Peter Martinez and Mr. Cano breaking ground.