JULY 2015 NEWSLETTER
The following is information about the great event Fundación Mariposas Amarillas was invited to, organized by the legendary singer and Santa Marta native Carlos Vives: Tras la Perla de América Attended by FMA Founder & Director Oscar Cortes and Local Education & Volunteer Coordinator Helga Mora The event began Saturday, August 1st with a Welcome Cocktail for invited organizations at the Casa de Tres Sensaciones and was followed by a series of conferences the following day at the Hotel Zuana. There was an Education Workshop in which each organization present had a table that measured 1.5m x 0.5m to showcase the materials of there projects and organizations. Lunch and refreshments were provided and it was organized so that attendees could explore the different projects and initiatives. It was a great way to network and get to know other local efforts. This wonderful day and opportunity came to a close by receiving VIP access to the Carlos Vives concert! We had the opportunity to meet the following persons of importance who were in attendance and support of the event:
Carlos Vives
Simon Gaviria
Carlos Caicedo, current Mayor of Santa Marta
Luis Alberto Moreno, President of Interamerican Development
Sergio Fajardo, Governor of Antioquia
Gordi Ereu, former Mayor of Barcelona
Leonor Zalabata, Indigenous Leader
Andres Wiesner, Founder of Fundacion Tiempo de Juego
Carlos EL PIBE Valderrama, former professional football player
Bernardo Toro, Advisor of the President
Feliz Torres, Arahuaco Community Leader
Maria Clemencia Rodrigues, First Lady of the Nation
This was only half of the influential individuals that are involved in Carlos Vives’ initiative, all with the shared goal of creating and improving true positive development in Santa Marta. General Updates July was a very fun and productive month here at FMA! Even though the month of July has many holidays and events such as the Fiestas del Mar here in Santa Marta, we were all in agreement in using this time with the children for cultural and fun activities. For example, we took the children on a field trip to the aquarium Mundo Marino. There they learned about the importance of protecting and conserving our natural marine resources, and about the great potential Santa Marta has as a city to be situated in such an environment. This information and education about the environment is so important and we consider this a topic of priotity that we would like to teach in our school. The students appeared to really enjoy the outing and explore the aquarium! Our volunteer Valley Val, a licensed teacher in Los Angeles, US is in the process of creating an important report of the students – she is evaluating each student daily to measure their abilities and see how they are doing. The students have a great connection with her. She has gained their trust and speak with her very openly, which really helps the process. We will share the finalized report with the parents so that we can all be on the same page on how to best support each student. Parents will soon be providing us with medical reports so that we can better support and help our students with their needs as they arise in the classroom. Our Administrative Support person Joanna Cortes is still working with former volunteer Amanda on securing more long-term funding for our needs - we will keep you updated! Our group of volunteers is working as a team inside and out of the school, and it feels quite like a family and the foreign volunteers and our local team. We are also welcoming new volunteers Catherine Carney and Mario Menten – Bienvenidos! Thanks again for following and for your continued support!
