Honduran Politics

We're talking serious business here. The kids at Río Esteban had student elections today. I'll get into the real legalism of Honduras later, but I have to tell you about these elections. Hilarious. The kids nominate others (and sometimes themselves) for the normal student body positions like President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. They also have positions for a minister of health (someone to be first on the scene if an injury occurs), a keeper of the garden (someone to make sure the tomato plants are always watered), a position for children's defense (if any bullying occurs, this person is supposed to protect the victim), security, sports administrator (in charge of organizing games, etc.) a mediator for the environment (making sure everyone picks up their trash), and a study buddy (makes sure the kids listen to the teacher and get out their books when they're told). Each kid got their votes in. Karin and I served as International Ambassadors to the election. Also, did I mention that the President ended up being a 6 year old little girl named Connie? She won by a landslide. There is a video of part of the election on facebook if anyone is interested. I wish I could've taped the whole thing. SO so funny.

Next week, the kids have the week off from school for "La Semana de Los Estudiantes." More like week of the non-students. Fortunately, Karin and I won't be too bored next week. Bictelia (the school director), her daughters, Delmi and Deyni and our friend, Lindy will be at Río Esteban to learn English from Karin and I. I also think a few kids from the older class expressed interest in learning more English so they'll probably be there as well. I am still astounded the eagerness to learn here. It's just incredible. When Karin and I arrive at the school, we start in the kindergarten class and usually every time, the first and second graders come into the class (with the knowledge that we'll be coming to their class next), not because they have to but because they want to. I wish I had that much zeal for learning. I just wonder how much more potential these kids would have given the right resources and opportunities. I was told the other day that a student can graduate in either two subjects: tourism or computers. TOURISM OR COMPUTERS. What?! I'd probably be laying in a hammock all day, munching on tortillas for the rest my life too, given those options! I see so much hope and passion in these kids though. We have English conversation time in the older class sometimes. And the other we asked them what they wanted to do when they grew up. Even though there were a few kids that wanted to be fishermen just like their fathers (which is fine, if that is what they really really want) but most of them wanted to be world travelers and inventors.