The GVI Phoenix Project

Plan Ironwoman in Ecuador

2012-02-04T10:37:00.000-08:00

Plan Iron Woman (Plan Hierro) is a community development project that aims to provide
pregnant mothers with the essential nutrients, including iron, for the healthy development of their children.
Promoting pre-natal health through the production of iron rich vegetables and pulses
complements the Phoenix Project’s educational goals. According to the World Health
Organization, improvement in nutrition before birth and up to 3 years of age have the greatest impact on the child’s future growth and development.

Reinforcement in Itzapa - Guatemala

2012-02-03T05:35:00.001-08:00

The reinforcement program in Itzapa is off to a great start!!! Heres Seno Louise with grade two students reviewing their morning lessons!!

Music in Maldonado - Perú

2012-02-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

The theme for this week at summer school was Disney/cartoons. It is a bit difficult to think of ways to link this theme to natural or social science so the volunteers at Maldonado, Peru decided to take a different approach and taught the kids about music!

On Tuesday the kids were taught about sound and how it travels. They then split the class into three stations where they learned more about sound. They made telephones using cups and string. Another group experimented with different sound wave lengths. Using jump ropes volunteers Jamie and Kyle Anne moved the ropes either faster or slower while the kids jumped over them. The kids were all smiles and learning at the same time! On Wednesday, the kids made and decorated instruments. Some made maracas by filling bottles up with sand from outside, others made guitars by putting rubber bands over used (but washed) ice cream containers, and there were also bongos made by taping two big water bottles together. Finally, on Thursday the kids were taught about music notes and beats. They then experimented with different beats going at the same time. The best was when Fabricio (a little boy who will be entering first grade) began showing off his dance moves while everyone was keeping the beat.

It was an incredibly fun week up at Maldonado and it goes without saying that the kids LOVED these amazing, hands on activities that the volunteers organized. Let’s see what next weeks theme, animals, brings!

Ecuador Cotopaxi Challenge almost underway

2012-02-03T05:28:00.000-08:00

As the Guatemala Challenge enters its third day, the Challengers in Ecuador are gearing up to head out on 6th Feb to take in four volcanos, culminating in the mighty Cotopaxi - best of luck to everyone - funds already raised have paid for our new "Plan Ironwoman" for better future nutrition for pregnant women, more on that later - cheers

Atacama Challenge in Perú

2012-02-01T07:04:00.001-08:00

It's almost time for our first GVI Phoenix Charity Challenge of 2012 to being in Perú! It's now less than a month away and we need to begin preparing. From February 17-18, twelve participants will hike along Peru's Pacific coast. So what's the real Challenge? Walking about 28 kilometers (17 miles) in 2 days though the Atacamba Desert, the driest place on Earth, in temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius (100 F).

Day 1: Leave Arequipa at 4:00am until reaching Quilca on the coast. After a 16-kilometer hike, we will arrive at the “S” Cove where we will eat lunch. We will then continue our hike for another 8 kilometers, or about 2.5 hours where we will arrive at our campsite for the night at the Cove of Honoratos at about 6pm.

Day 2: After breakfast, we will begin hiking again for about 4 kilometers to arrive at the Punto de Hornillos Natural Reserve. We will then return to Honoratos and get on a fishing boat that will take us to the small island of Punta Hornillos where we can appreciate sea lions in their natural habitat. We will continue in the boat until Quilca and then return back to Arequipa at about 5pm.

Ok, so now THIS is a Challenge!

New Teacher in Santa Maria - Guatemala

2012-02-01T07:03:00.001-08:00

This is Elvia our new teacher paid for by Phoenix who works with us in Santa Maria, Guatemala, with the little kids

Marmite Test in Ecuador

2012-02-01T07:01:00.001-08:00

At Larcacunga, 1st grade were learning different types of tastes and the senses – so, of course, we tried the “Marmite, te gusta o no te gusta” test! They pretty much universally hated it, but we may still send the results into Marmite anyway – here's a picture of little Estrella “enjoying” her first taste!

At Muenala, music lessons included an introduction to music theory and scales, and some fun with “push/pull forces” in second grade

And at Huayrapungo, the 5th grade had their first lessons in tectonic plates. A world map jigsaw was made out of polystyrene, which the children then had to piece together again. They also had to depict how plates were pushed together to form mountains, and how the continents were formed, using plasticine.

On top of this, the team were preparing themselves for the 2nd Ecuador Challenge started this weekend – mentally and physically, as they prepare to climb 4 volcanoes to raise funds for the project, including Cotopaxi, higher than Kilimanjaro and -22c on the summit! Good luck guys!

Itzapa starts - Guatemala

2012-01-21T05:17:00.000-08:00

There aren't the words to describe how it felt to be in Itzapa, Guatemala today on the first official day of school!!! Walking in and seeing all the classes with their national teachers and volunteer support was wonderful...the school running smoothly running as a team...but best of all lines and lines of smiles from ear to ear, those kids just love their new school, are proud to be there and are working their socks off - a fantastic day in the history of Phoenix!

Merry Christmas from the Phoenix Projects

2011-12-26T05:34:00.000-08:00

It has mainly been a week of parties and graduations in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Ecuador and Perú; Merry Christmas to everyone from Phoenix - cheers

Adios Profe Aaron - Nicaragua

2011-12-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

To say last week was an emotional one, would be an understatement, as it was time for Aaron, Nicaragua Country Director, to finally say goodbye to the project. Aaron has been working tirelessly for the last 2 years in Esteli and with his fellow staff and the all the hardworking volunteers, has been making huge advancements on the project.

He was here to get Chiriza off the ground, the school starting with just tables, whiteboards and a roof, untill today where there are 4 classrooms a kitchen and bathrooms. La Thomspon has also made huge strides, with the Incentives Scheme, Plan identidad, Secondary School Scholarships and so much more in both school. Aaron will be sadly missed by the children, staff, volunteers and the local community, but we know he will be back before too long. Cuidate Profe Aaron!

The return leg of the girls' football - Nicaragua

2011-12-04T05:02:00.001-08:00

It was time for the return leg of the La Thompson and Chiriza girls football match, all part of the "Nicaragua Sports Program". When going to pick up the away team to take them to the pitch, not only were the girls waiting on time (unheard of in Nicaragua), they were early!!!! It's just another example of how excited the girls were and how much these matches mean to the children in our schools.

This month we were able to hire a semi-profesional ref, nicknamed "el perro", so we were to eager to emphasise to the girls that they should be on their best behaviour. They did us all proud showing great sportsmanship, and el perros' bark was worse than his bite, helping to explain the different rules of the game to the girls (though that didn't stop him from brandishing a yellow card to Yaosca for an accidental handball).

The girls played out another draw, though the game wasn't without drama with poor Karelia missing a second half penalty despite being Chirizas' best player and Anielka for La Thompson would have to be the "woman of the match".
We just can't wait for the next game!

GVI Phoenix Anniversary Celebrations - Perú

2011-12-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

This past week we celebrated the anniversaries of our schools in both Maldonado and Triunfo, where we've been working since 2006. It's such a treat to be able to see the parents, teachers, volunteers, and kids all come together in celebration of the great work these schools are doing. Maldonado was practically bouncing on its foundation from all of the dancing the kids were doing...not to mention the free for all scramble when candy came showering down on them from teachers and volunteers alike! Triunfo was covered wall to wall in streamers, balloons, and glittery posters! The kids from Triunfo put on a choreographed traditional dance that was the absolute highlight of the party. Congratulations to both schools and everyone who's been there along the way making their work possible! Especially, a huge thanks to Phoenix for supporting these schools for the past 6 years and for making this celebration possible!

Animal month- Perú

2011-11-17T16:33:00.002-08:00

The month of November is animal month here on the Phoenix Perú projects. The animal themed events began on Wednesday November 9 when the kids at Maldonado had a great time showing off their pets in the school's annual pet day! We saw everything from guinea pigs to cockfights... An exciting day to say the least!

On the same day 59 kids from Triunfo took a field trip to the zoo and the following day as Maldonado also got to see all the animals up close. The kids had an awesome time looking at all of the different animals (many seeing some animals for the first time ever!) From lions, to penguins, to condors the excited expressions on the kids faces were priceless. Talk about a fun week!

Sad farewells to Sian in Perú

2011-11-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

Sadly, on Monday morning the Phoenix Peru projects had to say bye to Sian who was project coordinator at Maldonado for 4 months. Even though her stay was short, she accomplished so much. She 100% changed the kids behavior, she created a strong relationship with the 2 local teachers at the school, she provided amazing volunteer support, and created an English curriculum that has helped volunteers structure their lessons. Thank you señorita Sian for all that you’ve done, you’ll be missed!

Timetables in Machahuaya - Perú

2011-11-15T13:29:00.000-08:00

In one of our most recent projects at Machahuaya, the year two students Fatima and Sayda are enjoying studying the timetables. The school may not be the biggest of our schools but the children are full of energy and love to learn.

Chachani Charity Challenge conquered in Perú

2011-11-13T13:35:00.000-08:00

The Chachani Charity Challenge in Perú has been successfully completed! On day one we only hiked a short 2 hours to the campsite. Once the tents were set up and dinner had been served, everyone called it an early night and went to bed by 8pm. The earlier you went to bed the better because the wake up call for the next morning was at 12:30am! Due to the high altitude (sleeping at 5200m) and the loud wind, most Challengers didn’t get more than 30 minutes of sleep… if they were lucky! The next day was a long one with 8 hours of uphill climbing to the summit. It was worth it though to see the spectacular views and to be standing at the top of the volcano that we see every single day. After a short stay at 6095m, it was only a1 hour sand ski straight back to base camp. Everyone was so happy to be back at a lower altitude but the Challenge was not over yet! We still had to pack up our campsite and hike back to where the vehicles were waiting to take us back to Arequipa. Congratulations to everyone who too took part in the Challenge. Every single one made it to the summit, which is a huge accomplishment. Way to go!!

Plan Identidad in Nicaragua

2011-11-13T12:52:00.001-08:00

Plan Identidad has officially been launched in La Thompson, Nicaragua!! Special thanks to Karla Moran for her great work in organizing this special day and teaching the children about local dances and customs. The first Plan Identidad celebration was a huge success with over 120 children and parents joining together for food, music and dancing. Through this program we the children are learning about their local culture and customs. Below is two of the children that danced as part of the celebration!

The second GVI Phoenix Nicaragua Volcano Challenge is complete!

2011-11-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

Thirteen participants and thirteen survivors!! In the first day the challengers made the summit of Volcano Telica to begin their four day journey and later climbed the very difficult Santa Clara Volcano. Day two featured climbing to the top of Volcano Rota as well as making the summit to the moon like Cerro Negro Volcano. To descend Cerro Negro, each challenger volcano boarded and made it to the bottom in less than 45 seconds!! Day Three saw the challengers conquer three volcanoes: Ojo de Agua, Las Pilas and El Hoyo and the day ended with a dip in Lake Asososca. Finally, the great Momotombo Volcano awaited the challengers on Day Four! All thirteen challengers made the hike and here is the photo to prove it! Wonderful job to the challengers and all the people who have donated and helped us sustain and expand our wonderful projects here in Nicaragua!! More pictures to come this evening.

Phoenix Challenges - Nicaragua on the slopes

2011-11-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

13 Challengers are currently on the slopes of one of eight volcanos in four days in Nicaragua to raise funds for the Phoenix projects, the 9th Charity Challenge for Phoenix projects in Latin America this year, raising funds for daily food programs, local teachers, primary, secondary and college scholarships, old people schemes, classroom building and more.

So far in 2011, over 100 GVI volunteers have been involved in Charity Challenges in Latin America, raising over $160,000 for the cause. We thank each and every donor for their undying support to take the projects to a new level, especially in 2012, and most importantly, we thank the communities and the children. Cheers.

Good luck to all on the Nicaragua 8 Volcano Challenge

2011-11-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

Best of luck to everyone about to head off tomorrow morning on the Nicaragua 8 volcano challenge, Telica (foto) awaits first up!!! Thanks to you all, your donors and most importantly the kids and the communities...Momotombo is easy...erm! cheers

Dance competition- Perú

2011-11-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

For the past month selected kids have been spending every spare moment practicing dancing, even during recreo! What for? This Sunday both schools, Triunfo and Maldonado, participated in a dance competition! Maldonado (wearing the red outfits) was first to of the two schools to take the stage and did an exceptional job dancing a traditional dance from Cusco.

Theirs was the most complicated choreographed we had seen yet that day! Triunfo shortly followed and did an equally fantastic job with Erica, one of our second graders, participating as well. The kids from both schools were nothing but smiles, and sweat, after being able to show off their hard work and awesome dance moves. We are also so proud to say that Triunfo won 2nd place!!

What does this mean? That they had to keep on dancing. The following Monday, October 31, the kids once again put on the traditional dress and danced their hearts out in hopes of winning the competition. Stay tuned for the results!

Kites in Santa María - Guatemala

2011-10-31T11:54:00.000-07:00

This week in Guatemala we are celebrating the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos in Spanish). It is a holiday that focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebrations are highlighted by the construction and flying of giant kites (Barriletes in Spanish) in addition to the traditional visits to grave sites of family members. In Santa Maria, the kids made their own barriletes which flew high over the skies of the town.

Guatemala volcano mini-challenge - Acatenango conquered

2011-10-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

Eleven challengers hiked 18kms - 2km of which were vertical! - to conquer Acatenango here in Guatemala to raise much needed funds for the projects. Two challengers also made it up part of Fuego to round off an incredible 2 day mini-challenge. Thanks to everyone involved and more importantly, their donors who were amazing once again - cheers

School exposición day - Perú

2011-10-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

Today in Perú both of the schools of Triunfo and Maldonado participated in an exposición along with all the other rural institutions in the area. It was a fantastic day and a great opportunity for the schools to show off a bit! Each school brought student's work and projects to put on display so that the education board and other schools could see the great work that was being done.

Each school also did a performance. Triunfo did a traditional dance, dresses and dance lessons all paid for by Phoenix! They put on a flawless performance. However, by far, the star out of the whole day was our very own Naomi, 2nd grade Maldonado. For those of you who know her she may be small, but man she’s got a voice!

She sang so beautifully that people came out of their offices and were watching from balconies as well as applauding constantly during her time in the spotlight. An encore was requested by the education board and she ended up singing 4 songs. We work with 92 exceptional primary school students who we are so proud of for all their hard work and determination.

BBQs in Guatemala

2011-10-29T12:30:00.001-07:00

The first BBQ of the dry season went off with a storm last night in Guatemala!! After five months of the rainy season which ended in nine days of solid rain we finally have blue skies above us!! Which can only mean one thing...staff and volunteer Friday night BBQs!!!! With lots of food and beer and the welcome return of The Manteca we welcomed in the dry season! And of course we said a few sad goodbyes. A big thank you goes to Caroline and Kim for all their work in Santa Maria. And of course to Elaine Tesalona who had been a coordinator with us for six months in Santa Maria - she did an amazing job and will be missed! Thanks for a great night everyone (and for all the dancing!!!).

Football in Nicaragua

2011-10-29T12:28:00.001-07:00

The much anticipated inaugural football match between the boys of La Thompson and the boys of Chiriza took place yesterday on the pitch in Chiriza. La Thompson struck first with a goal on a penalty kick but Chiriza came roaring back with a goal not long after.

The final score, Chiriza 4 and La Thompson 3. The boys displayed a lot of hustle and football skill and both teams can't wait to play again in December.

Guatemala mini-challenge - good luck everyone

2011-10-26T05:10:00.000-07:00

Weather looks good for our Acatenango/Fuego Mini-Challenge starting today - photo taken this morning; all being well we will be camping on top of Acatenango (right) this evening. Good luck all 11 Challengers http://www.justgiving.com/Elaine-volcano-challenge cheers.

Yonatan and Diego in Peru

2011-10-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

And here are two of our current grade 2 students, Yonatan and Diego, at Maldonado working hard with the support of their current teachers Kyle Anne and Sam.

Stoves in Nicaragua

2011-10-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

So far this year 18 stoves have been constructed by volunteers in the community of Chiriza, Nicaragua!! The stoves cut back on the wood used to cook in turn decreasing deforestations and the costs associated with buying wood to cook. Further, the families are no longer breathing the damaging smoke emitted when they cook and the chance of being burned or having a fire in the home is decresased exponentially.

By the end of they year, we will have a total of 20 stoves built and the efforts of Phoenix staff to support and educate the families on how to use the stoves has been a success. Thanks to Amina, Tom, Steve and Daniel (the stove masters who built nine stoves), Sidney, Tara, Sneha and Sushuma, Hyesung and Raymond!

Swimming in the Peruvian desert!

2011-10-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

The month of October has been a wet one for grade 5 and 6 students in Villa Triunfo and Victor Maldonado as for the third year running GVI Phoenix Peru has been leading a 4 week course aimed at raising confidence levels in water and teaching basic swimming techniques. A 2:1 student to volunteer ratio, coupled with the students’ determination to learn has seen them make incredible progress with the majority of Villa Triunfo students able to swim a width of their pool after just three lessons and Victor Maldonado students, a lesson behind, mastering kicking techniques and swimming with floats.

The biggest accomplishment for many of the children has been losing their fear of the water: jumping into the pool; putting their heads under the water; and forgetting their inhabitations whilst playing games of water polo, marco polo, sharks and minnows and swimming races. Our volunteers have been absolutely outstanding, braving near arctic conditions in the unheated swimming pools at 9am in the morning (some even turning blue!) and, more importantly, encouraging, reassuring and developing our students’ confidence. Well done guys, this is such an important skill to develop, and the results that we are seeing are incredible!

Pirates in Huayrapungo - Ecuador

2011-10-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

Check out 'me hearties' in 2nd grade - Huayrapungo, Ecuador - doubloons aye & 3500m away from the sea, vertically! Great work Jemma!

The Jungle Book in Guatemala

2011-10-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

On Friday, in GVI Phoenix Guatemala, we performed yet another fantastic play in Itzapa, The Jungle Book, to celebrate Day of the Child, Doreen's birthday and the children's birthdays in great style. Everyone enjoyed the day and it was a fantastic party! Thanks to all the staff and volunteers for their hard work making the day a success.

Let the Games Begin - Nicaragua

2011-10-09T07:03:00.001-07:00

The sports program has finally launched in the GVI Phoenix Project in Nicaragua! On September 30, 2011, 17 girls from our school in the community of La Thompson were transported in three taxis to the football pitch in Chiriza (where our other school is located).

12 girls were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the opposing team and soon after the whistle blew to signal the beginning of intra-school competitions between the two schools. The girls played their hearts out despite a lot of pushing and running through loads of mud. The teams played to a fitting 0-0 tie and the girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The next match will be October 28 between the boys of La Thompson and boys of Chiriza. The kids can enjoy this opportunity even more given they have earned a spot on the team through their attendance and behavior in classes; another incentive program we have introduced.

Further, a special thanks to former volunteer, Kate Downer and her colleagues at RS Consulting & Consensus. She and her co-workers chose to sponsor this goal and their financial generosity has presented the kids in the GVI Phoenix Project in Nicaragua with a wonderful opportunity.

3 Water-tanks connected in 2 weeks in Perú

2011-10-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

We are so thrilled to announce that 3 water tanks have been successfully connected to the water system, all in the last 2 weeks!! The 2 tanks that the Whole Foods volunteers built in the community of Alta Chiriguana are now connected to the main water system, which means that over a hundred people will now have access to water all day everyday. Before, the community members had minimal water access, as it was only available for a few hours a day. Now, during those same hours when the government provides them with water, our new tanks will get filled so that they can enjoy water throughout the day. I am also so pleased to be able to say that the tank at Triunfo is now filled with water as well! Numerous volunteers have put their heart and souls into building the water tank for the school at Triunfo.

All the teachers, all the 52 students, and the volunteers were so happy to see water pouring out of the faucets outside of the 7-9am time frame we had before for water. Water is now also flowing through the pipes into the kitchen, which means that we can actually wash the dishes in the sink! Now, instead of rushing in the morning to fill up as many buckets as possible before 9am strikes, we can be with the kids and begin lessons immediately upon arrival at Triunfo. Pictures had not yet been posted of the finished tank at Triunfo so here it is! I want to say a huge thank you to all of the tanking volunteers who have put their hardest work into these 3 tanks and have given a truly priceless gift to so many people. Water is such a simple resource and the tanks you have helped build are going to make the biggest difference possible to their lives. Thank you.

The integral part local Ecuadoreans play on the Phoenix projects

2011-10-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

On the ground here in Ecuador, GVI Phoenix employ 29 people on the ground - from our 7 attentive homestay mums, Jaime our longstanding yellow mini bus driver (and occasional salsa dancer), Fernando and the crew at Segunda Lengua (the local spanish school), Don Raul, one of the dads from our Muenala community & expert in guinea pig housebuilding - see photo below!), Veronica and the family on stall 50 who sell us chicken & fresh veg for the kids at school to Bérénice and Joffrey at Villa Nancy in Quito who make sure we are met at the airport and get a decent first nights sleep and Darwin in Mindo, where we go to relax at the weekend and zip-line through the cloud forest! A team that make all we do in our 3 communities here possible. Que buenaso - muchas gracias!!

Income generation in Peru

2011-10-07T18:15:00.000-07:00

Here in Peru, GVI Phoenix employs 15 host families, 8 Spanish teachers, 2 local cooks, and the full time employment of 2 local teachers and 2 Quechua teachers. Not to mention about 6 local masons, various market venders, a local hardware store, the corner photocopy shop, the t-shirt shop, the piñata and cake shop, Doctor Luis who helps out when anyone is ill, and helping to support the hotel where we are based out of and all the employees that are involved in it. Thanks to everyone here on the ground that helps keep the projects in Peru running. We truly couldn’t do it without you!!

Spreading the wealth in Honduras

2011-10-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

GVI Phoenix Honduras employs 4 secondary school teachers, 1 Indigenous Language teacher, a driver and a mason, all thanks to our volunteers. Our host families, tour guides, Spanish teachers, fruit sellers, etc also benefit. Thank you for all that you do.

Local employees and income in Guatemala

2011-10-04T05:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the GVI Phoenix volunteers in Guatemala, 94 local people receive income from our projects on the ground. This includes our community leaders, host families, a women’s group, four stove masons, drivers, market vendors and many more people whom we work with on a daily basis. All thanks to you!

Guacamayas in Honduras

2011-10-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

We were visited in the schools by some guacamayas on Friday. The authorities want to release them all into the wild so they’ve been doing a year-long campaign educating the surrounding communities.

Cheers Ray, from Triunfo, Perú

2011-10-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

From February to September 2011 Raymond Jones has given one-on-one lessons to Jhon at Triunfo here in Peru. He did such an amazing job and has truly become part of the school. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to him on Friday, September 16 and there was not a dry eye in the school. Thanks so much Profe Ray, and as the kids said... que se quede!

Blast from the past - Larcacunga, Ecuador 2007

2011-10-01T17:28:00.001-07:00

Frankie becomes a teacher in Itzapa - Guatemala

2011-10-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

Franklin, or Frankie to his mates, has been with us in Itzapa, Guatemala for four years now. He works so hard in class and on top of that he always looks out for the children and helps the teachers with their work. So, this week it seemed like the most natural thing to make Frankie and honorary teacher!! On Friday, in front of the whole school, we presented him with his badge. And he has taken to his role like a duck to water, keeping me updated on all the goings on in the school!!! Congratulations Frankie!!

Day of the Student Field Trip - Peru

2011-09-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

Here in Peru, the Day of the Student fell on Friday September 23. To celebrate we took Maldonado and Triunfo on a field trip to Quiscos, a park with a natural hot spring about 40 minutes away. The kids, volunteers, and profesoras were in heaven! It was amazing to be able to spend the day playing with the kids, some who have never even been in the water before...we do work in a desert!

The kids were given the afternoon to run around, splash in the water, and to just be kids… and you know it’s a success when not a single kid cried! To eat everyone was provided a lunch as well as fruit, some soda, and something sweet for the ride home. Thanks so much to all the volunteers who participated in this day. Especially, a huge thanks to Phoenix for making it all possible and giving the kids a fun, memorable day.

Spring Fever - Peru

2011-09-24T06:42:00.000-07:00

Our schools at Triunfo and Maldonado here in Peru are definitely feeling Spring Fever. Right when the weather began to get even warmer, the teachers began their decorating frenzy and have transformed the schools. Flowers, birds, and bright colors hang all around the classroom, even from the ceilings!

The kids have been loving it as well, they have done many art activities around the theme and have put their work on the classroom walls to brighten up the spaces even more.

Primary school scholarships in Santa María - Guatemala

2011-09-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

Each year in Guatemala, we give scholarships to all our children who have attended our schools, so they can go to national school aswell, thanks to kind donations from volunteers and challenges we regularly run. Recently we gave 160 to our kids in Santa Maria - a great day and thanks so much to everyone.

Summer School in Ecuador

2011-09-18T05:56:00.000-07:00

While the concept of attending school during one´s vacation period may seem somewhat repugnant to many students around the world, the opposite proved to be true in Ecuador. For six weeks in July and August, all the kids at Larcacunga, Muenala, and Huayrapungo enjoyed themselves at summer school.

With the general theme of “Ecuador mi pais”, summer school emphasised a reinforcement of the student’s knowledge in math, language, and social science, as well as the inclusion of activities in music, art, and PE. For the high school children it was a fun packed two days of active English lessons!

Further, these weeks proved to be productive for GVI Phoenix in terms of community development, with the construction of 4 cuy houses. Cuy (the Kitchwa word for guinea pigs) are considered a culinary delicacy in Ecuador, with the sale of each fetching upwards of US$5. With each house potentially holding 60-100 cuy, these facilities provide the families with an independent means of economic sustainability that goes straight to supporting their high school education.

Finally, the students partook in a special school day designed entirely around the legend of the phoenix. As a fun end to this day, an art competition was held with each student designing their own phoenix to be used as the new Phoenix Ecuador logo. Congratulations to Beatriz from Larcacunga for her winning design!

Meet the team – Señorita Edyluz in Perú

2011-09-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

Employed by Phoenix, our inspiring local teacher Edyluz has been teaching our children and also supporting, encouraging, coaching and enthusing volunteers in Maldonado since March 2007. When not working she enjoys eating her favourite food chicharrones (fried pork, similar to pork scratching) and spending time with her nine year old son Rodrigo. The thing she has enjoyed most about working with GVI Phoenix in Maldonado is the enthusiasm and happiness that the volunteers bring to the school and the children. In the future she hopes to see the school grow, both in the level of education that we’re giving and the number of pupils on role, and to see the children that we have supported grow up to do great things and have success in careers such as healthcare and teaching. Volunteers enrolling on the teaching part of our Phoenix Peru programme may well find themselves under the guidance of this amazing lady.

Flashback one year to July 2010 - Nicaragua

2011-09-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

This video was taken one year ago, the differences now are incredible.
cheers

Maldonado and Triunfo in all their glory in Peru

2011-09-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

The following is recent video of our project in Maldonado, Peru.

And here is Triunfo aswell...

cheers

Pacaya, porridge and pasta in Plan Ancianos - Guatemala

2011-09-06T08:54:00.001-07:00

Every three months the grandparents of our school children in Santa Maria and Itzapa are provided with a food parcel in return for their grand-children attending school. This generally includes rice, sugar, mosh (a porridge like food), soups, pasta and maizena plus a fruit tree or medicinal plant which will help when food is sparce.

Recently, in Itzapa, 165 grandparents turned up to receive their food parcels and Pacaya trees, the eldest being 98 years old!! All the food was handed out by our current volunteers and when this eldery lady came in we naturally asked two of our young, strapping, male volunteers to help her back into a tuk tuk with her food. Unfortunately, they were too slow off the mark, another elderly grandmother helped her; the volunteers sheepishly returned to handing out the food parcels!!

It was wonderful to see all the older members of the community and to be able to support them, all thanks to the support of our ex-volunteers and donors who have continued to provide financial support for our projects. Thanks very much!

New Classroom Inaugurations - Peru

2011-09-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

On Thursday September 1, the preschools we work with at Alta Chiriguana and Triunfo, Peru held inauguration celebrations for their new government-provided classrooms. The schools now have an additional classroom complete with chalk/whiteboards, desks, and chairs. Each class currently has 30 students enrolled who are all at varying abilities and ages.

Now that they both have an extra room, the teachers, one of who we cover some of her wage, wish to split the class into two in order to shrink the student to teacher ratio. GVI Phoenix is excited to help provide volunteers to take on a smaller class size and give these kids the attention they deserve!

One Year Anniversary Chiriza, Nicaragua

2011-08-31T06:27:00.000-07:00

Recently, GVI Phoenix Nicaragua staff, volunteers, students in our school and their parents celebrated our school’s one year anniversary in Chiriza, Nicaragua. With more than 300 people in attendance, the party consisted of dancing routines by the students, speeches by GVI Phoenix staff members, piñata bashing, musical chairs and a meal for the students and their family members.

To top it off, our local builder, Don Pedro, who constructed our schools in La Thompson and Chiriza, was invited to finish off the piñata. Without hesitation, he proceeded to demolish what was left of the poor piñata! The day was very special and it’s hard to believe the progress we have made to this point. Special thanks to our local staff Karla, Tita and Yessenia and to our local builder Don Pedro and his sons. Also, a huge thanks to the volunteers who have worked so hard to make Chiriza what it is today! Here’s to another successful year!

Ecuador Challenge - done, with more than a dusting of snow!

2011-08-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Go Phoenix Ecuador! The first challenge completed, 3 volcanoes and a crater lake, over 4700 metres, ice, snow, cloud and a fantastic fundraising effort by all! Between the 19th and 22nd of August, a team of 8 volunteers, plus Marcel (our guide) set about conquering 3 of the volcanoes surrounding Otavalo, the base town for the GVI Phoenix Ecuador project.

Day 1, began with a slightly nervous but excited group heading up to Laguna Cuichoca (Guinea Pig Lake) at the foot of Cotacahi and circumnavigating the great crater at approximately 3.300m. A sunny day to warm up our limbs to view all 3 volcanoes that we would be summiting in the following 3 days and raising a few eyebrows, Cotacachi - its peak covered in snow and ice, breathtaking and in awaiting our climb on day 4.

On Day 2, we set out early to catch the best light and weather on Fuya Fuya. Up at Laguna Mojanda the 4.200m summit of Fuya Fuya loomed above us as we set off at a gentle pace. High gradient slopes and pampas grass a plenty, the team, where rewarded with some great views, birds of prey, clouds, and a short rock climb to the summit!

Day 3 saw us heading out at 6am to begin a mammoth hike up the north east face of Imbabura, the crater filled with snow from the night before. Up long steep-inclined, slippery grass slopes with the last 2 hours involving some tricky rock climbs, snow and even a small snow man! Thrilled at reaching the summit, covered in cloud, the team stopped to celebrate the 2 peaks before descending once again, with slipping, sliding and in some cases some spectacular falls - but without injury! It was 5pm by the time a very tired team clambered back on the bus ready for a full night sleep ahead of the final challenge - Cotacachi!

Day 4 - Up at 5am for breakfast and a 5.50am start on the icy and windy sloped of Cotacachi, beginning at 3600m. layered up, harnesses and helmets packed for later the team headed up the south face with 4 guides. The first 2 hours involved a gentle climb through more pampas grass, clear views up to the ever beckoning snow line and some amazing views down towards Quito, and the ‘Valley of the Volcanoes’. A full panorama of all volcanos complete with snow, Cotopaxi, Cayambe and even Chimborazo (the highest volcano as measured from the earths centre!)

After a quick stop for lunch we proceed to don our helmets and harnesses. Tied in groups to the guides we began a steep climb up into the clouds, finding holes in the snow and rocks to manouver ourselves upwards. A challenge in a true sense and involved some strong team work. Crossing crevices of rock, snow and ice for about 3 hours we managed to get up to 4,750m (about 100m from the actual summit!) where wind, snow and melting ice meant that we had to turn around.

Here on the ledge you can see us all, tired, happy and amazed at the sheer beauty of nature around us. Some 1500m below the kids and the rest of the volunteer team were below enjoying another day of summer school. Now the downward challenge... ropes, rappelling, laughter, near tears, more falling down and some keen sprints back to the van! By 4pm the team were sat enjoying a well earned beer, digesting the experiences of the day and toasting their success!

Thanks to all the team for their valiant efforts, team spirit and laughter and all of you that have supported and followed our progress on our first Challenge. A great 4 days for a fantastic cause - the education of the kids and communities here in Ecuador! As a team we have raised just over $10,000, all of which is going straight into the further education of the children in Larcacunga, Huayrapungo and Muenala. Cheers everyone - its been a blast!

New laptops in Perú!

2011-08-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

The government has given new laptops to the communities of Maldonado and Triunfo, where we work here in Perú. However, they’re so special that everyone was scared to open them until this week! Triunfo has been the first to take them out of the box and use them. Thanks to our amazing GVI Phoenix volunteers, we are able to provide lessons to each grade once a week.

The first lesson for each class was how to care of the computers, and of course…how to simply open them and turn them on! The kids realize how special this is and have been handling them with the utmost care. Even the teachers have been enjoying the lessons!

The inaugural Phoenix Ecuador Challenge starts

2011-08-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

Here we go, yet again, this time in Ecuador, Challenging three volcanos, between 4290m and 4944m and one volcanic lake, in four days, to raise money for the Phoenix project here, which will include food programs and secondary education through Plan Moo and Plan Cuy for 2012. Best of luck to all eight Challengers, we'll let you know how it all goes when we return! cheers

Meet the team - Fausto in Nicaragua

2011-08-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

Our volunteers in Nicaragua enjoy taking the weekends to explore the treasures Nicaragua has to offer. One of these is the Somoto Canyon located near the Honduras-Nicaragua border in northern Nicaragua. The canyon tour includes floating the river, swimming, hiking and a high plunge from the rocky ledge into the river below. We have been fortunate enough to establish a friendship and partnership for the canyon tour with Fausto Ramon. Fausto, 29, was born in the department of Somoto and has been a guide for four years since the canyon was opened to tourism.

Fausto has guided a myriad of foreigners through the canyon to include many GVI Phoenix volunteers. Fausto is knowledgeable, safe, and strong and can boast that he has never had an accident on one of his tours. Fausto loves his job because he has met people from all over the world and because he loves the canyon. When not giving tours, Fausto raises corn and beans and cares for his family. If you choose to volunteer in our projects you will have the opportunity to explore this beautiful canyon with Fausto and friends!

Mid-year report for Nicaragua

2011-08-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

Please click here to read about all our work in Nicaragua between January and July 2011. It has been an amazing year so far. Cheers

El Fantasma de Itzapa - Guatemala

2011-08-10T06:38:00.000-07:00

There is a legend in Itzapa of a monster that lived in the surrounding hills and only came into town to eat children and animals when he got hungry. We are assured that the monster no longer exists but you wouldn’t have thought that on Friday when Clase Agua (grade six) and their teacher Wanda bought the legend to life through a play!!

Over the last few weeks drama teacher Wanda and the morning and afternoon classes have been practising and preparing props for the play ready to perform it to the whole school - and perform it they did! There was a few nails being bitten before the performances and a few final rehearsals on the day but both classes were fantastic!

As the legend says, the villagers got together and killed the monster…but if you are ever in Itzapa please be weary of El Fantasma de Itzapa walking the streets! Thanks very much to Wanda and to all the kids who performed, it was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

New watertanks in Perú!

2011-08-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

Huge thanks to Andrew, Claire, Kaila, Sean, Michael, John, Claire, Joanne and Carielle for building the watertanks in Los Angeles de la Cruz - they were officially opened last week with the community coming out to celebrate - dozens of families will benefit from the tanks so thanks very much - cheers

The Cerani Pass is Challenged and conquered in Perú

2011-07-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

Between 25th-29th July, 12 hardy challengers, 7 mules, 5 guides and cooks, 4 nights in freezing tents at high altitude, killer cactus balls (well, not really killer), over 40km hiked, toffees, indoor tent snow, volcanos, blisters, ice waterfalls; and put altogether, what did all this achieve?...climbing over the 5225m (17,000 feet) Cerani Pass near the Colca Canyon to raise money for Phoenix Perú, that's what!

On Day 1 we set off around 3am from Arequipa, arriving in Chivay at around 6am for breakfast, then headed out to Cruz del Condor to watch these magnificent birds and getting a first sight of our goal, way off in the horizon, the Cerani Pass.

Further along the windy roads, we geared up at the Puente Choco at a piffly 1900m and the climbing started for a few hours, along narrow mountain paths which offered incredible scenery of the Colca Canyon, before heading up to the small village of Choco at 2000m, where we ate and camped on a football field!

Day 2 saw us rise early and head on up the Miña Canyon, following the river all the way to the tiny mountain hamlet of Miña, nestling at 3500m!

After lunch we set out on the gruelling afternoon trek, to climb a further 1000m to our campsite on the other side of the Miña valley; the climb went on and on and we arrived at the campsite at 4500m after dark, cold, hungry and exhausted, though warmed by the fire and into the tents to escape the cold.

Day 3, the push to the pass, traversing quite incredible scenery, frozen rivers and waterfalls, the occasional uplifting turn of the head to see where we had come from, far down the valley, only to be rebuffed when looking back uphill to see how much further we had to go up rubble, scree and sand.

Pausing at intervals and trekking at a slow, though necessary, pace as we picked off the metres one by one. The landscape surreal, mountain lakes frozen, snow-capped peeks all around, and still, the pass lurking up ahead.

And then, early afternoon, we made it, the Cerani Pass at 5225m or 17,000 feet was conquered, buffetted by wind, the views were quite incredible and a celebratory Cusqueña beer was toasted, of course, giving a little to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth), before heading to the campsite at 4500m and rest.

Plan B was needed on Day 4 as we were a little behind schedule, and the transport was delayed by landslides and rocks. Though a bit of hiking, looking back upwards to the pass, and a trip in an open top truck, coupled with a potato crop and firewood, we made it to Chachas at 3025m and after a well-needed rest in a local tavern and an explore around town, it was to the tents and sleep, in a churchyard!

Day 5, the Valley of the Volcanos, after crossing a river and a 5 hour hike dodging cactusses and one of the 80+ volcanos, it really was something out of the Wild West. We finally made it to Andagua, thinking all was over, though one little chestnut awaited us.

Las Gemelas are twin volcanos at the head of the valley, and to finish off the challenge with a bang, we "raced" up the tallest one for the views down the valley, exhausted though truly amazed by our achievements over the past 5 days. 9 hours later, following extreme mountain roads, we were back in Arequipa, exhausted though pumped with adrenalin.

I would like to thank each and every Challenger and their sponsors for this truly amazing Challenge; the guides were incredible and the food amazing. I'd like to thank Pacha Mama too, as it is her land anyway! Most of all, I'd like to thank the communities and kids we work with, truly inspiring what can be done. Cheers and bring on Ecuador!!!

Secondary School Becas (Scholarships) Nicaragua

2011-07-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

GVI Phoenix Nicaragua set a goal in late 2010 to support secondary education in the communities we work in, La Thompson and Chiriza. This goal has become a realization as we recently handed out six secondary scholarships; to two students in La Thompson and four students in Chiriza.

These students have passed through GVI Phoenix schools or continue to attend our schools. The scholarships offset the cost of public school uniforms, shoes, transport to school and the cost of school materials.

The scholarships will continue to be awarded each semester if the students have consistent attendance, have passing marks and given the students bring their report cards to be verified by GVI Phoenix staff.

The scholarships have been viewed as a success given the feedback from the student’s parents and given many of the children bought their school materials immediately after receiving the support. GVI Phoenix hopes this incentive and financial support will encourage the students to continue their secondary education; secondary retention of students is alarmingly low in Nicaragua. Good luck to Karelia, Enma, Wendy, Joseph, Magdalena and Doribel in the upcoming semester!

School field trips mark the end of term here in Ecuador

2011-07-31T13:04:00.000-07:00

In the final week of term Huayrapungo and Muenala planned a school trip. All 30 children from Muenala, alongside parents and volunteers headed out for a day trip to Cielo Verde in the Intag region just outside of Otavalo. An early start and clearly excited children we all head out into banana and coffee country. A lovely day was had by all, swimming in the local rivers and hot springs, and being invited by the local community to share their fruit crops - the kids will be enjoying plenty of bananas and papayas for next few weeks.

The Huayrapungo community decided it was time to head south to Mindo and enjoy the cascadas there. A feast of potatoes, broad beens, mejoco (from the potato family), corn tostadas, chili, and cuy (guinea pig) was enjoyed by all before heading down to visit the local waterfalls. The kids, mums and dads and volunteers all enjoyed splashing around and cooling off before clambering back, tired and exhausted, on the bus home.

Meet the team in Nicaragua - Tita

2011-07-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

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Tita has worked with GVI Phoenix Nicaragua since June 2010 and has been instrumental in the success of our newest project in Chiriza. Tita was selected as the community coordinator for Alexis Arguello (Chiriza) in 2009. This section of Chiriza consists of 7,000 inhabitants who originally squatted illegally on this land above Estelí. Tita has helped bring legalization to this portion of Chiriza and continues her strong leadership on a day to day basis in this up and coming community. Tita came to Chiriza in hopes of having her own plot of land and her own home. Before working with GVI Phoenix, Tita worked in a restaurant in Estelí. Now, Tita works with the preschool children in our school each day, upwards of 45-55 children, and is a strong local presence that we must have in our school. Tita states that the GVI Phoenix project in Chiriza was the first major project in the whole community and that it has brought food and education to many children who otherwise would have gone without both. She thanks GVI Phoenix staff and volunteers for believing in her community and for following through even though it has not always been easy. On a personal note, Tita states that she enjoys her job and this is evidenced by her commitment to the children and project each day.

Art in Ecuador

2011-07-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

Art is often a subject neglected in the rural schools in Ecuador. However, GVI Phoenix Ecuador provides weekly art lessons to all of its students at all ages. Artistic and creative expression is a key part of a child's development, and can provide a much-needed release from their hard lives. We have also included art exams alongside the usual curriculum areas.

This term, we decided on something a little more unusual for our children in the mountains – they had to copy and interpret “The Scream” by Edvard Munch. Marks were awarded for drawing to scale; including all major parts of the original; and creative merit.

It was incredible to see the children, who have of course never seen or heard of the original, tackle the exam, and we hope you will agree the results were impressive!

Meet the team - Eden and Juan Carlos in Nicaragua

2011-07-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

It’s hard to find the perfect words to describe GVI Phoenix Nicaragua’s taxista Eden: rambunctious, outrageously outspoken, machete-wielding? These are just the beginning. Thirty-two years old going on sixteen, Eden arrives each morning to take the volunteers and staff to la Chiriza and la Thompson with energy and flair. Eden was raised in la Trinidad, a neighborhood thirty minutes south of Estelí, and still lives there today with his wife, son, and daughter. He is known for blasting Latin America’s hopelessly romantic love songs, enthusiastically greeting foreigners, and always being on time. We cannot thank Eden enough for his constant help and hilarity, and look forward to many more taxi rides in the future.

Juan Carlos, another of our regular taxistas, has become a constant joy in the lives of the volunteers and staff as he shuttles them to and from la Chiriza and la Thompson. Juan Carlos, 30, grew up in Matagalpa, a town about one hour southeast of Estelí. He remembers spending delicious days on his grandfather’s farm, taking care of the animals and swimming in the nearby river. Full of jokes and ridiculously rapid Spanish, Juan Carlos now lives in la Trinidad, a neighborhood about thirty minutes south of Estelí. Always a hard worker, Juan Carlos works six long days a week to improve the lives of his wife and six year-old daughter. He is very grateful for the dependable work that our partnership has provided, just as we, too, are forever grateful for his cheery and reliable transportation and friendship.

Welcome to the Cerani Pass - Challenge Perú

2011-07-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

At 5,225m, or over 17,000 feet, THIS is the Cerani Pass, the aim of the Phoenix Perú Challenge which has just been completed! The blog will follow, though I had to get this out there!!!
Well done everyone!
cheers

Good luck all Perú Challengers

2011-07-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

Monday morning, the inaugural Perú Phoenix Challenge gets underway at 3am. Over the next four days we will be trekking around Colca Canyon area at high altitude, going over 5200m at one point...easy! Best of luck to everyone and as ever, it is for a fantastic cause.
cheers

Watertanks connected in Perú

2011-07-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

For the past year, we have been building watertanks in the communities surrounding Arequipa, bringing much-needed water supplies to hundreds of families who live in the "pueblos jovenes".

This past weekend, the community dug trenches and connected the tanks recently built by volunteers, a tremendous occasion and great to see everyone working as a team.

Our Go to Guy, Ronaldo - Nicaragua

2011-07-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

We have a myriad of local Nicaraguans who help us immensely each day. Without these fine individuals we would not be able to run our projects as we would like. One of these individuals is Ronaldo Antonio Cardoza. We met Ronaldo by chance in Managua over a year ago as we were searching for a taxi outside of the airport. Not only was Ronaldo extremely nice and helpful but he charged us a fair price up front; this can be unusual outside of the airport in Managua!! Since this day, we have not used another taxi driver in Managua. Ronaldo was born in Matagalpa in northern Nicaragua and entered the civil war in Nicaragua when he was only 18 years old. After the war, Ronaldo went to Managua and worked in government jobs under the newly formed Sandinista government. Later, he became a taxi driver and has done this for twelve years now. When asked if he likes his job, Ronaldo smiles and answers in the affirmative stating he likes his job because of the friendships he has with many types of people from Nicaragua and outside of Nicaragua. He also said he loves working with GVI Phoenix Nicaragua because of the help we are providing for his country.

Phoenix Brazil January to June 2011 project report

2011-07-20T06:02:00.000-07:00

Please click here to read what we have achieved so far in 2011 with our work in Salvador, Brazil.

Guatemala's Kayak Challenge - round 1!

2011-07-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

After 3 days flat-water kayaking over 60 kms, storms, hot-springs, waterfalls, a few mosquitos (ahem!) and arms bigger than Arnie's, the first 8 challengers and 3 Old Town Outfitter guides made it to the Caribbean and on to our goal to trace Tarzan's first steps on the silver screen - Las Siete Altares!

After a 5 hour ride up to Lago Izabal and an afternoon trip out to Finca Paraiso and its hotsprings, a kayak training session followed by a monumental storm, Day One of the Challenge started bright and early!

Moving out of Lago Izabal, past the old Castillo de San Felipe we made good distance over five hours, through the main mooring docks in the Rio Dulce and 16kms under our belts, reaching the entrance to the Golfete, camping down for the night under torrential rain!

Day two started at dawn for the push across the Golfete, over 25kms for us today, though the waters were relatively calm. The Golfete is a huge expanse of water and it was a grind!

We managed to kayak some incredible backwaters in the Biotopo aswell, and reached our goal at the end of the day in Finca Tatin, where we had a couple of hours to play in the river and some great BBQ'd chicken, a treat after 7 hours in the saddle.

Day three, the final push to the Caribbean, though first an explore down a side river which took us deep into the wilds!

As the river narrowed, the obvious pirate battles commenced and it was great to explore kms of relatively untouched areas, save for the locals who live in these parts.

Back onto the Rio Dulce, the final kms were ahead of us, and luckily, so was a slow-moving current, winding us out to the Caribbean, enjoying the awe-inspiring high-sided walls of the canyons.

We made our camping ground in the early afternoon, on the mouth of the Rio Dulce, with the Caribbean behind us, and still time for the afternoon hike out to the Siete Altares and back at dusk.

So, the final day took us back along the way we had come, by motor-boat!, and we could really appreciate the achievements we had made over the past three days, and the distance! On the way back to Antigua, we stopped off at the Mayan ruins of Quirigua, which were amazing!

A great Challenge conquered, once again, and we would like to really thank all our sponsors who continue to donate and keep Phoenix projects going in Guatemala and getting better and better. If the projects are better, the kids are better, which is the all-important reason! Best of luck to the second group, who leave this weekend!
cheers

What a difference a Year Makes - Nicaragua

2011-07-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

July 6, 2011, marks the one year anniversary of the GVI Phoenix education program in the community of Chiriza, one of the poorest in Nicaragua, a huge challenge, though the construction phase is complete as two latrines were built to add to our three indoor classrooms, outdoor covered classroom area, concrete floors and a kitchen with a GVI Phoenix energy efficient stove.

None of this would have been accomplished without the support of the wonderful volunteers who have passed through our projects. Further, a special thanks to GVI Phoenix Nicaragua staff, Karla, Tita and Yessenia and our wonderful coordinators, Aaron, Valerie, Adam, Anniela and Marian. Money raised through the GVI Charitable Trust has been a huge factor in terms of completing the school and thank you to all who donated. Another special thanks to the participants in the inaugural GVI Phoenix Nicaragua Volcano Charity Challenge held in May 2011 - the second will be run in November - and a big shout out to members of the community of Grand Junction, Colorado, USA for their unbelievable support!

Plan Semilla starts in Honduras

2011-07-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

It is done. The beans and maize seeds are in the ground and the rest is up to Mother Nature. Starting Monday the 28th, the students at our secondary school with help from the community started planting maize and beans. That turned out to be the easy bit, however. The next day we started building a fence. If you have never done this before, let me tell you it is a lot of work.

First you dig a very deep hole. Then you look for the biggest heaviest post you can find and put it in that hole. While refilling the hole you have to make sure the dirt is packed very tightly so the post won’t move. Repeat every 2 metres. Only then can you nail the fence to the post.

We feel immensely proud of the work done this week. All the blisters and sore muscles were well worth it. We hope to fund the next phase of this project (coffee planting) with the proceeds from this harvest, which will help fund our secondary school.

Anniversary of Maldonado - Perú

2011-07-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

This month we celebrated the 14th anniversary of Victor Maldonaldo school. All of the children got dressed up in traditional outfits and performed dances that they had learnt specially with the local dance teacher. After weeks of practicing they finally got to show off what they had learnt.

The kids loved it and the dances were all amazing! All the volunteers, staff and teachers joined in too with an impressive performane of "Shake your tailfeather".

Maybe not quite up to the standard of the kids but it certainly got a few laughs! We also had some singing from grades 1 and 2 and a special performance from Naomi and her sister, Daniela, who for two little girls, have the most incredible voices.

After all of the performances "hora loca" began, which certainly was crazy! There were whistles, balloons, confetti, lots of party games and most importantly - a clown! Everyone got involved and there were smiling faces all round. After this, everyone dug in to some well-deserved lunch. An unforgetable, action-packed day for everyone.

One week to go until the Guatemala Kayak Challenge

2011-07-03T07:38:00.001-07:00

We are one week away from the inaugural Guatemala Kayak Challenge to the Caribbean, to raise money for our projects here. Money raised will go towards secondary school and college scholarships for 2012, expanded fruit programs and an emergency fund. If you would like to donate, which would be very welcome, please click here and thanks in advance, cheers!!

Ch´orti´ classes going well in Honduras

2011-07-02T16:38:00.001-07:00

Since starting Ch´orti´ classes, the local indigenous dialect, back in 2010, the results are extremely rewarding, especially as it was becoming less and less used. Bringing the language back also brings back local culture and belonging, very important in Latin indigenous societies.

Pollo Fridays in Nicaragua

2011-06-26T04:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to money raised through the inaugural Phoenix Nicaragua Volcano challenge held in May 2011 We have recently implemented an addition to our daily food schemes in La Thompson and Chiriza, Nicaragua. Each Friday the children are now receiving chicken as a supplement to the fruit, rice and beans they normally receive each day.

This translates to much needed protein leading into the weekend when school is not in session and the kids may not eat. To say the children look forward to Friday Art day to include a meal with chicken would be an understatement. Nicaragua's second volcano challenge of the year will be in November, so we can sustain these important programs for the children in our schools and add new ones!

Day of the Student in Honduras

2011-06-26T04:42:00.000-07:00

Did you know that June 11th is Day of the Honduran Student? It is. This year we celebrated it 5 days later with a party at our school. We had planned an outdoors event, but the rainy season had other ideas. We didn’t let that dampen our spirits however. Our creative teachers put their heads together and came up with hilarious party games for the students.

After all the games it was time to dig into delicious enchiladas and cake. There were prizes for top students as well as a raffle. Our school director showed off her dance moves before opening the dance floor for everyone to do the same. Pity that Day of the Student comes once a year. ‘Till next year then.

Fumaça is conquered in the Brazil Charity Challenge

2011-06-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

After three days hiking trail, rapelling, canyon scrambling and swimming, swollen river crossings, soaked tents, ants and Pedrock (one of our amazing guides, hewn from the Chapada Diamantina itself - for sure!) our ten challengers reached our goal, Cachoeira (waterfall) Fumaça, the tallest waterfall in Brazil, at 392m.

After a 7 hour bus ride to Lencois, we trekked out early a few hours to reach our first goal, the incredible Cachoeira do Capivari, where we donned harnesses to rapell the 45m waterfall.

From here, we headed on up to the first campsite next to the river, preparing ourselves for day two, when we river canyon hiked, boulder hopped and swam up kms to reach the amazing Cachoeira de Mixila, which has only been open to visitors for 4 years.

More hiking to our second campsite at dusk, where rain swelled the Rio Capivari a metre higher overnight, and we had to cross in the early hours to continue our trek, towards Fumaça.

The terrain all the way was quite stunning, and the majority of the trail no more than an upward goat track, up and over canyons, to reach our goal.

Fumaça is one of those views that a photo cannot do justice, at an incredible 392m high, we trekked around to the top of it, peering over the ledge straight down into the deep valley below. After three days hard trekking and adventure, the goal was worth each one of those 392 metres!

Many thanks to the challengers, the guides and to all of you who have donated to help raise funds for our school in Mata Escura. With money raised so far, our teachers wages are secured, as well as our food program, for a few more months!
cheers

Good luck to all the Brazil Challengers

2011-06-17T03:51:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, 10 Challengers will set out on the three day Chapada Diamantina Charity Challenge to raise money for our project in Mata Escura. Funds raised will go towards the food program and local teacher salaries, so if you can, please do donate! Cheers and best of luck to all! Cheers

Día del Niño celebrations in Larcacunga - Ecuador

2011-06-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

Larcacunga’s “Day of the Child” programme began with a school discussion about their rights, privileges and responsibilities. They were then set the challenge
of drawing a picture to represent what they had learned with prizes given to the
best picture from each grade.

The afternoon focussed almost exclusively on the ‘right to play’ and opened with
team potato and spoon, three-legged and sack races. A downpour of rain forced
the fun to be moved into the dining room where apples were bobbed and water
transportation games also served as an impromptu cleaning session.

The sun returned in time for a whole school tug-of-war challenge and Señorita Lucila’s speciality: the broom game, best described as a musical statues and bumps
hybrid ... with a broom. Their usual end of the day fruit was supplemented with prizes and pieces of ‘day of the child cake’ for everyone. An exciting fun-ﬁlled day was had by all.

First Aid in Santa María - Guatemala

2011-06-12T03:47:00.000-07:00

Recently we asked the local "Bomberos Voluntarios", or local firemen and general emergency service, to pay a visit to our school in Santa María to give the kids and volunteers a demonstration of basic First Aid.

They spent the whole afternoon showing what to do in various emergencies and what to use as replacements for splints and bandages if there were none at hand, using our brave kids as examples!

With all our kids living and working in dangerous environments, it is paramount that they know what to do in an emergency, and we will be repeating this demonstration regularly! Cheers Bomberos!

Route of The Condor Challenge - Peru

2011-06-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

Between 25th-29th July, The Phoenix Peru team will be taking on one of the most daring and exciting charity challenges ever put to together (!!), to raise lots of money for the Peru Projects, while having great fun at the same time. The Challenge will be 5 days hiking the "Route of the Condor", which will take in the deepest canyon in the world and going up to the mountain pass of "Serania", 5,200 metres in altitude.

Day 1 - Cruz del Condor
The first day will start off with travelling from Arequipa to the Colca Caynon region, one of the most beautiful areas in Peru. On the way, we'll get the chance to have breakfast in the lovely town of Chivay, stop at the Cruz del Condor to watch these amazing endangered birds sail on the thermals and then the great hiking adventure begins, 3 hours to start with to get us acclimatised.

Day 2 - The Serenia Pass
On the second day it is time to start walking in a very "upward" direction. Today is the most challenging as we will be walking for around 7 hours, though all this effort will not be in vain, as this is when will reach the highest point on the challenge - "The Serenia Pass". After enjoying the views from 5200 metres, we can also enjoy the last hour of the walk which of course is downhill, to the campsite.

Day 3 - Chachas
After a filling breakfast and a good rest, we will be ready to take the 6 hour walk to the small town of Chacas. The towns we pass and visit along the way are very small, simple and isolated, and are a great way to see the rural way of life for so many Peruvians. Wild llamas and alpacas roaming freely in this high mountainous region are common!.

Day 4 - The Valley of the Volcanoes
The 4th day brings another good 6 hour hike, though now we will be in the region of Anadahua, The Valley of the Volcanoes. This area is populated with literally hundreds of small volcanoes, making it a truly magical place to walk through.

Day 5 - Homeward Bound
The last leg of the journey. After breakfast we hope to find time to visit the amazing petroglyphs in Todo Muerto, before making the homeward journey back to Arequipa, feeling very satisfied with ourselves and I would imagine a little bit tired - Arequipeñas await!.

Good luck to all the Challengers and funds raised will go towards High School Scholarships, Food & Education Program in Primary Schools and the Peru Emergency Fund.

Spelling bee, Ecuadorian-style!

2011-06-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, all 3 of the schools we work with around Otavalo travelled to a remote school in the mountains to compete with 17 other rural schools in a language competition. The contest was fought with intense competition between 3 age groups, and included spelling and grammar exercises.

After 2 hours of marking and deliberation, the winners and places were announced – and Darwin from Huayrapungo, our most remote school, came second in his group! We were especially proud as Darwin is from one of the grades that GVI Phoenix volunteers teach, and he has shown massive improvement during the school year.

The children from that school work in the fields with their families after school, and don't have the same chances and resources as kids from other schools, so we were all especially proud of him – next step colegio we hope, with continued financial support from GVI Phoenix and its supporters.

Day of the Tree in Honduras

2011-06-06T06:18:00.000-07:00

On Monday the 30th of May we observed the Day of the Tree here in Honduras. Children leave their classrooms to go outside and learn more about trees and why they’re important to us. This year, the students from our secondary school took on the task of educating the younger children from our primary school in San Rafael.

They read them stories, staged short plays and organised various games and activities as well as some refreshments. We all learned something and had loads of fun. And cake.

Day of the Inicial in Perú

2011-06-06T05:35:00.000-07:00

This week we celebrated the day of the inicial on the Phoenix Teaching Project Peru. Eighty years ago the first inicial opened his doors in Peru and every year they celebrate this anniversary with many festivities. On Wednesday we held a birthday party, for the inicials, in our school, we had dances, games, a lot of confetti and plenty of fun.

On Thursday we held a loud march, with whistles and clackers, in town with placards made by the mums to show everybody how proud we are and then we were off to visit a neighbouring inicial to show off. To end the festivities there was a talent night on Thursday evening for all the inicial teachers from the district.

Our inicial teacher Lucy and her friends gave an amazing, and some might say “unique”, dance performance which i’m sure we won’t be forgetting any time soon. Happy 80th anniversary inicials in Peru!

The Otavaleñan 3 Peak Charity Challenge - Ecuador

2011-06-04T09:03:00.000-07:00

Between 19th-22nd August, the volunteer team in Ecuador plan to take part in a 3 Peak Challenge to raise funds for our project here in the lake district of South America, Otavalo, Imbabura. The plan is to summit the 3 volcanoes we see each day up at school and that surround Otavalo: Fuya Fuya (4,290m); Imbabura (4,557) and Cotacachi (4,944m). We will also take in the wonderful crater lake of Laguna Cuicocha. The challenge - to do this in 4 days!

Day 1 - Laguna de Cuicocha
A chance to prepare for the altitude and the 3 volcanoes. The team will be enjoying the crater lake of Laguna Cuichocha. At 3,068m the lagoon created over a thousand years ago is at the foot of Cotacachi; the round trip will take about 4.5 hours and we will pass by several different ecosystems and enjoy more views out over Imbabura and Otavalo!

Day 2 - Fuya Fuya
The team will set out early and head up to Lago Mojando where they will begin the ascent of Fuya Fuya. At 4,290m Fuya Fuya overlooks Lago Mojando (a series of 3 crater lakes). Often covered in cloud (its Kichwa name is Cloud, Cloud) this extinct volcano, with its steep climb, will provide the perfect acclimatization and warm up for the team.

Day 3 - Volcán Imbabura
Heading out at dawn the team will make their way up to national park entrance where they will begin the 5 hour ascent of Imbabura. We will be climbing up the east face of the exploded crater and will be up among high grass páramo and in the last 100m face some rocky outcrops to reach the summit at 4,557m. If the clouds are high the team will be rewarded with a fantastic view of Ibarra, Otavalo and of their objective for the 4th and final day - Cotacachi!

Day 4 - Volcán Cotacachi
The final and most challenging of climbs (especially after the previous days) is that of Cotacachi - the 11th highest peak in Ecuador (4,944m). We will again set out at dawn and get ahead of the sunshine in the 5 hours ascent. The last 100 or so metres will require a rock climb and ropes and harnesses will be provided for those that wish to attempt the summit.

Good luck to all the Challengers and funds raised will do towards high school education, a new kitchen in Huayrapungo, Plan Cuy 2 and an emergency fund.

English Classes and Adult Literacy in Nicaragua

2011-06-04T08:54:00.001-07:00

Over the last ten weeks GVI Phoenix Staff and volunteers have been giving English classes in both La Thompson and Chiriza twice a week. Attendance is steadily picking up and we have the same consistent groups of children and younger adults attending each week. The volunteers have brought great energy to the English classes and have enjoyed the dynamic presented through teaching English.

Further, we have offered Adult Literacy classes and one mother in Chiriza has begun to come to classes each week. She wants to improve her reading and writing and we’re hoping more adults come to these classes as illiteracy among adults is high in these communities.

A Rainy Day Sewing Lesson at School in Brasil

2011-06-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we had a really enjoyable arts and crafts day at the Phoenix school in Mata Escura, Brasil. With the pouring rain outside, volunteers organised a sewing lesson for the kids (and as it turned out, some of the adults as well).

We used sewing picture cards with ready-made holes and managed to ´man-it-up´ a bit with a few batman symbols for the boys, although to be honest, they really didn't seem to mind either way! Most of the kids had never done anything like it before and got very into it which was great.

Also because of the rain there were fewer kids than expected so some of the teaching and kitchen staff got involved too... All in all it was really fun and had some of the kids concentrating for longer than we´ve seen them in a long while!

Mother's Day in Nicaragua

2011-06-04T08:42:00.001-07:00

This week we celebrated Mother’s Day in our projects in La Thompson and Chiriza. In La Thompson, the children made cards for their mothers in the morning and later, the mothers were invited to the school for a party just for them. Musical chairs, a raffle with prizes, dancing, a cat walk competition and a speech by GVI Phoenix local staff member, Yessenia, commemorated this special day.

The mothers enjoyed themselves and the party was topped off with a cake and refreshments. In Chiriza, the children spent the morning working diligently on cards for their mothers or people in their lives whom they consider their mothers. The work done was quite impressive and put a smile on the faces of mothers across Chiriza.

Water tanks in Perú - the final product!

2011-06-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

After days of hard work under the sun, preparing foundations, mixing cement and laying bricks, this is the finished article of our water tank project in Perú. Cheers

Meeting the team - Raimundo in Brasil

2011-05-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

Raimundo is one of the first people you will meet on arrival in Salvador and he always makes an effort to make new volunteers feel welcome. Born and bred Soteiropolitano, Raimundo is very proud of his city and very passionate about it´s number one football team - Bahia! Raimundo has 8 years experience as a professional driver and has recently opened his own tourism agency. He takes huge pride in his work and has been a invaluable friend to the project since its beginnings. He is a wealth of knowledge on the city of Salvador and full of ideas and suggestions for volunteers to explore and enjoy Brazil´s 3rd city.

Mothers' Day in Guatemala

2011-05-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

We recently celebrated Mother's Day in both our communities of Santa María and Itzapa, a great time to get everyone together, with volunteers meeting the mothers of the kids they teach day in day out!

As always, games a-plenty, including some old favorites and some new ones stolen from Ecuador, including water in a bottle...! A great day in both communities, keeping relations alive and kicking! cheers

Stoves for all in Muenala, Ecuador!

2011-05-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

We are very proud to announce that we have completed our stoving project here in
Muenala, Ecuador. Over the past 18 months we have built exactly 21 stoves within the local community.

This means that each of the families within the community now have full use of their very own GVI Phoenix designed stove. This mean that the our kids and their families no longer need to contend with breathing in the smoke and having it saturate their clothes.

It also means, from an environmental perspective that the wood used now lasts longer
and the stove not only serves to cook meals on but also as a central heater in the house - especially necessary in the wet winter months here.

Many thanks from Muenala and the GVI Phoenix team to everyone that has donated money and
time to built the stoves here in Ecuador. Keep your eye on the blog for news on more
construction project opportunities!

Incan battles, the Jungle Book and origami frogs in Ecuador

2011-05-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

After 12 hours of discussion and preparation in four working groups with $10 worth of 2cent photocopies, 16 bottles of glue and an invaluable amount of white A4 card, plans for Easter School 2011 were finally in place. Monday saw Muenala students chasing around school on a ‘geometric shape’ photo hunt, stretching their brains with tangram puzzles, constructing bridges to support a record breaking 25 apples, creating 3D shape towers and competing in an origami frog racing finale.

Meanwhile their Huayrapungo counterparts were getting to grips with Incan life: learning about gods, life in their villages and re-enacting an Incan battle with handmade shields and headdresses.

For the rest of the week a combination of heavy rainfall and existing mudslides prevented all but the food from reaching the schools and caused bitter disappointment amongst the creators of the unrealised Jungle Book themed language day. However, an unanticipated teacher-free day in the following weeks meant that pupils in all three schools were able to have the excitement of creating animal masks, cartoon scripts, their own story endings and dancing to “I wanna be like you oo oo”.

Two Year Anniversary Celebration in La Thompson - Nicaragua

2011-05-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend we celebrated the two year anniversary of the GVI Phoenix school, Escuela Guardabarranco in La Thompson, Nicaragua! The party was replete with pin the tail on the donkey while dancing, other games, raffle prizes, singing, food and speeches by local GVI Phoenix staff Karla and Yessenia.

Even better, the parents, grandparents and GVI volunteers and staff got into the act and played the games and danced as well! The celebration was a tribute to the community’s support, former volunteers and staff and current GVI Phoenix staff as well as the students that attend our schools each day. In total, nearly 160 people came to celebrate!!

Teeth-cleaning in Perú

2011-05-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

In Peru for the 2nd year in a row, we have been able to provide every inicial child in our three schools with a toothbrush. The kids keep their individual and cups at the school and everyday the volunteers help them brush their teeth. It’s not only an important habit for them to learn but it’s a fun one too!

The new batch of inicialers came at the start of this school year with some unhealthy baby teeth. But thankfully due to our dental health program our kids will learn how to brush their teeth and will be doing it everyday – which will lead to even more beautiful smiles at Chiguata, Truinfo and Maldonado.

Friday Art Day in Nicaragua

2011-05-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Last Friday it was art mania in our projects in Chiriza and La Thompson. The preschool groups traced their hands and then colored them. The first graders made sombreros out of paper and decorated them and the second grade groups made volcanoes and volunteers and staff made them erupt.

In Chiriza, the third, fourth, fifth and sixth graders made individual flags that represented each student. These flags will adorn the inside of our new classroom and help make our new building feel more and more like a school! Friday art gives the students an opportunity to tap into a different type of intelligence and is something the kids lack at times in the public school setting.

The creativity and commitment from our current group of volunteers continues and we thank all of the wonderful people working in our projects!

Computer lessons in Triunfo - Perú

2011-05-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

The GVI Phoenix volunteers in Triunfo have this year started computer lessons to all the children at the school as part of their curriculm. So far the children have been learning how to make drawings in ‘paint’, as for a lot of the kids it's their first experience of using a computer. The volunteers are giving impressive demonstrations and the older ones even made a poster for a football match.

A fun way to figure out how the mouse works, because sometimes it can go wrong. The next step is learning how to use ‘word’ and typing lessons for the children of fifth and sixth grade. It is the favourite hour of the week for the children, and I’m sure that the volunteers are enjoying it equally as much.

Plan Café update - Honduras

2011-05-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

Plan Café is moving forward. Last week current and former students from our secondary school in San Rafael as well as members of the community tackled the daunting task of clearing the land set aside for cultivation with gusto!

It took just 2 days to clear 2.5 hectares. The money raised from this project will help fund the secondary school. In the coming weeks we will build a fence and terrace the land before cultivating. Bring it on, we say!