In the class of Christianity they just finished a project about the crucifixion of Jesus. Through the creation of the scenery on a wooden plate, the children had to use their imagination and build a miniature model of the crucifixion.

With help from their parents building it, the aim was to make the children reflect and talk about the crucifixion as more than just the death of Jesus. The crucifixion symbolizes love as well, because Jesus died for us, took all of our sins upon him and died in the name of love. Having understood that, the children made many different versions of the crucifixion and all of them had built in their own interpretation of the message.

“The project doesn’t have to be expensive, some children bought expensive materials, but others used what they found in the house to make the project,” says Carlos Flores, the teacher of the Christianity classes. He points towards a project on the table, which is made of paper and wooden materials. Hesle, a 10-year-old boy made this project, and the creativity of materials is definitely there.

As the roof of a small house, he laid toothpicks in a row, he used a box of matches as the house, he glued two sticks from popsicles together to make it a cruciform and put it in a disposable plate upside down to make the cruciform stand, and the plate is at the same time a hill. The different colors of the men standing around symbolizes the diversity – Christianity is not only for one country or one race or for rich or poor people, it is for every one.

AnchorPoint students singing "Jesus Loves Me"

AnchorPoint students asking questions to their friends at El Verbo

Excited to see our El Verbo friends!

We are currently in the middle of final exams, and the high school (Onésimo) is close to the Christmas vacation.  Onésimo had many great events during this autumn; for example a major gymnastics event.  Prior to this event, the students worked hard for two whole weeks, practicing, making costumes, and coordinating music for their show.

The day was great; the classes competed against each other and the students were eager to perform.  Trophies were given out after a judging panel of teachers had voted, and many people came to see the shows.  The day not only showed that the students at Onésimo are skilled and engaged, it shows the joy of when the whole school working together.

A taste of 8 to 5 – work  (written November 8, 2010)

The students graduating from high school a ‘practica professional’ (professional practicum) is required.  For an entire month the students were placed at 30 different companies, all to work within the area of IT and Communication. Some students were working with graphics, others publicity, IT support, or technical work within hardware or software- there were many opportunities.

With the practicum the students were first of all challenged. They also experienced how it is to have an 8-5 job, and they tried out a certain area of jobs, which might have encouraged them to take an education within the area or to discard it, knowing what it actually contains. The students did not have to pass an exam, but –as in real life- they were being judged throughout the practice.

Cesar Barahona, 17 years old, worked at a company, where he tried out many things. He learned how to remove viruses from computers and fix broken hardware. He also tried making logos and worked with text-layout.  “The best thing was to meet new people and to learn so many new things,” says Cesar.  He really enjoyed the practicum, and liked the break from school, even though he’s happy about school as well.

The greatest challenge he had to win over, was his nerves about the responsibility he was given: “You always had to think about what you were doing,” he says smiling. Cesar was lucky, the company offered him a job afterward, and his plan after graduation is to work for a year to save up money for university.