We’ve had quite an exciting Spring. Two members of the La Casita team, Kathy Coster and Penny Pattison, were able to visit San Antonio Palopo and see first had the amazing improvements since we were last there in 2019. The number of children using LA Casita programs has grown to about 75 per day. There is often several activities at the same time and it was difficult to keep the noise level down. So, we launched out expansion project and the additional classrooms are busy and full. The following is a report from the field from Penny and Kathy.

“We were only in San Antonio Palopo for just over a week, and it was jam packed with activity!”

La Casita is even more wonderful in real life. The extra building has meant that things can be spread out a bit, and feel organized and welcoming. On the second floor of the new building, there are computers and sewing machines, as well as a large space for classes.

Ana Olivia, our very competent coordinator, has things running smoothly. With her social work degree, she has a wealth of skills to draw on in La Casita and the community. Lidya, our teacher, is confident and caring as she helps the youngsters with their remedial classes. We were there when Antonio, one of our scholarship students and part-time teachers, led a boisterous class of kids in their computer class. And Alma, another scholarship students and part time teacher, rounds out the energetic teaching staff. We are thrilled that all of our staff have been through our scholarship program and live in San Antonio Palopo – creating good jobs locally.