Colegio Elizabeth

Every year that we have conducted this program in Punta Cana, we have reached out to a tiny elementary school in Veron called "Colegio Elizabeth". We have watched the school grow from one crowded classroom to five classrooms in five years. One year they were building the second classroom from donated bricks while we were there. They didn't have money to buy paint for the classroom, so our group went to the hardware store and bought them paint.

Senora Elizabeth runs this elementary school for about 200 children in her community. One group attends in the morning and another group attends in the afternoon. Their parents pay whatever they can afford for their children to attend. Each year our 4-H group collects school supplies which we carry with us on the plane, and then donate to Colegio Elizabeth. This year we were fortunate to be able to meet with Senora Elizabeth and to tour the school when we brought the boxes full of school supplies to her school. The classrooms are very small, but they are well organized. Every resource is used.

Each of our 4-H delegates collected school supplies to bring to Colegio Elizabeth. Churches, neighbors and families all donated to this cause. We are also grateful to the Virginia Chapter of 4-H All Stars for collecting school supplies, and donating to our cause, as their service project during their Summer Conference. Senora Elizabeth was very grateful to receive all of the school items we brought her. Gracias to everyone who contributed!

Contributed by: Carol Nansel, Shenandoah County 4-H Extension Agent