It's funny how things sometimes all come together at once.
Yesterday was indeed solution day and all came so surprising I fear I couldn't even claim credit for it.
We had a meeting with the Hess school's director. I brought Melanie along. We showed up 10:00 sharp and found that we were expected. The director greeted me with a big smile... I almost felt like family and soon introduced me to a just as friendly lady whom turned out to be a special teacher working for the school. I was soon served the surprising news that Melanie was to start "school" at Hess inside the current 1st grade class on... MONDAY... yes, THIS coming Monday
It turns out that the special teacher works at school year end to tune up a few students in class, along with it's regular teacher. So, she can dedicate some quality time to Melanie and she can get used to the general concept of going to school.
We even got to meet the class, which was extremely orderly and the kids gave Melanie a big welcome and an applause!
For the rest of yesterday, I rushed around with Melanie to get her her back pack, pencils and stuff and two sets or regular clean clothes to somewhat match the dress code. We are both quite exited!
So, she shall stay there until summer vacations start and then the special teacher may take her in during the summer vacations.
Well, what can I say... the attitude has changed a full 180 degree over this two last meetings and they show genuine interest in helping us get this kid ahead. I am very thankful for that and also all the help and support we got here and from other people... some I suspect may we never really get to know about.
I spoke the a gentleman who sells sandwiches and fruit juices to the kids and I will also be able to pre-pay that, so it is assured that she will get her treat everyday.
Back at La Union, I went looking for a
guaguero (minibus driver) who does that route and found "Rafael" and his wife. We got a deal there too... taking her back and forth at 1200 Pesos a month (but he warned of raising fuel costs). Then he casually mentioned that his wife keeps a home work class room and supervises the kids to do their homework and helps them alone. The good lady even teaches some kids who don't go to school full time!
So, we got all our ducks in line... School, sandwich, transportation and homework class!
I'll post picture of her first "school day" Monday!
... J-D.
(19)
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And terrific publicity for the school that they are so well organised & caring. This has to be a great investment for them because we're all going to go round saying 'What a professional school'.
