So many years ago (the early 1950's to be more precise) a group of Quakers from the US founded Monteverde's Dairy Industry. They also started the Monteverde Friends School, a school for all of the children of Monteverde and the surrounding area. My host brother is one of these children--he started kindergarten there this past fall. In Monteverde's ever-growing ecotourism industry, having a mastery of English and Spanish is truly the only way to succeed here, and the Friends School provides an excellent bilingual education. The school starts by teaching for one week in only Spanish, and then one week in only English, and alternates throughout the school year. Although my little brother has had barely a semester of this type of education, his English is really coming along! My friend Jake's host siblings also attend the Friends School, and both their English and Spanish is impeccable (for 7-11yr olds). Unfortunately the school is a bit pricey and many parents rely on a donation-supported scholarship fund in order to afford their children this opportunity.
My host family has been absolutely wonderful to me, hosting me with grace and warmth. I have truly been made to feel as though I am part of their family (except for the fact that I never have to do the dishes!) and would love to show them some kindness in return. So I'm putting this out in the blog-o-sphere; if you're feeling like you'd like to donate to the scholarship fund, print off the form below and mail a tax-deductible check to the PO Box address listed on the bottom. Thank you!
Also, here's a letter from John Blount, the director of the school, just to let you know a little more about the donation program!
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