On September 12th we hosted a special day for the families we work with. On that day, the mamas, and some papas, came to the finca to celebrate and play with their kids. When you live in extreme poverty you don’t get to do much more than work to survive day to day. You don’t read together, you don’t go to playgrounds (because they almost don’t exist and those that do, are located miles from your home), you don’t draw and colour together because paper and crayons are an expensive luxury.
On that special day, the parents put their responsibilities to one side and came to engage with their kids. It was so moving to observe. I watched as parents got down on the floor and did a puzzle for the FIRST time in their lives. Their young kids were their teachers. I witnessed kids proudly serve food to their families that they had cooked the day before (frittata, bread, jam and juice). And I watched mamas delight (mixed with a little trepidation) in their kids zipping by on our zip-line! On that day, we celebrated three hours of family time with families who have suffered far too much for far too long. My heart was SO full that day!
-Heather Alicia Knox, Co-Founder Project Somos
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