Smarts Through the Arts

Espwa visitor Maria specializes in exercises and techniques that help brain development in young children. She did all sorts of activities with the kids while she was here, including dancing, rhythmic movement, vocal exercises, music, and arts and crafts that help children focus, find healthy ways to express themselves, and develop their senses. This is especially important for the kids at Espwa, most of whom have experienced trauma such as starvation, malnutrition, and abandonment at an early age.

She even got a chance to work with Espwa's preschool teachers to teach them some of her techniques for working with children. They were very grateful for this information that will help them draw the attention of a class of little ones, and find more effective ways of teaching the lesson to young brains.

Maria working with Solange, the housemom who closely cares for Espwa's newest baby, Job. 

We are so grateful for all of Maria's work for Espwa! 

Celebrating the New Year

In the first week of the new year we have been blessed with gifts for the kids from some of our wonderful visitors. On January 1, each child received a notepad, candy and a bracelet from Jim, Marsha, Grace, Patrick, Michael, Katie and Yasemin. They were so happy to receive another treat after Christmas.

This week, Dee's group gave out even more New Year's gifts for the kids including a brand new shirt, cards, and candies. It's nice that so many of visitors think of our kids during this holiday season. Although they don't expect all of the gifts that many children receive this time of year, they are thrilled by what you are all able to provide for them. Thanks to both groups for their contributions!

Ladies take the Field

A common sight at Espwa is boys playing soccer after school. But today after class some of our Espwa girl's geared up to show their stuff! There was a huge crowd gathered cheering on the girl's who got to kick the soccer ball around the afternoon.

Hand-Painted TOMS

For all you owners of TOMS shoes out there- make sure you pack them with you when you come to Espwa! Some of Espwa's most talented artists, Francky and Laurant, will gladly paint the canvas shoes with some fabric paint that you provide. Nothing says "I love Espwa" more than walking around in Espwa art!

Celebrating Epiphany

To celebrate Epiphany, some of the older kids pulled out their acting skills and performed a skit for Sunday mass. They told the story of the magi and their journey to visit newborn Jesus. It was a great way for the little kids to see the story played out, and for everyone to celebrate the holiday. 

Placide, Arold, and Fery starred as the Magi, and Jean Erice Desire played a local. 

Laguerre and Lifaite as the Chief Priest and Elder, and Julnor as King Herod.

And Elizabeth as Mary, and Franky as Joseph.

Sparkling Faces

Our wonderful visitors from New Jersey painted the girls' faces last week. The girls got to choose from many designs, such as butterflies and cat whiskers. We loved seeing these bright, sparkly faces around Espwa!

Ringing in the New Year with Service

Two of Espwa's older boys, Makintoch and Lifaite, created and manage a program for the children of their home village in Camp Perrin. It is their way of giving back to the community, and spreading the values Espwa has helped instill in them to others. Yesterday they hosted a New Years celebration for the village. The boys carried snacks, gifts, and sound equipment way up into the mountains to set up the party. They led games like musical chairs, had a dancing contest, and shared a meal together. It was amazing to see 2015 beginning in a joyful way thanks to Makintoch and Lifaite and their mentoring of the kids.