This was the last day of our book tour, and we would have been sad, if we weren’t having SO MUCH FUN! Our eighth and final stop was with the students of Escuela Trinidad Vasquez Cumes elementary school in San Juan Comalapa in the department of Chimaltenango.
An arrival steeped in local tradition
Millie was treated to a traditional, ceremonial arrival, nestled amongst flower petals with baked xecas, a traditional roll-like baked bread that is served on special occasions.
A GRAND ENTRANCE
The ceremonial basket with Millie was escorted into the school’s courtyard by a group of students traditionally dressed. The students, all wearing the traditional outfits for the region, performed a traditional dance to marimba music while others carried our book through the awaiting crowd and up to the stage.
A sea of students
More than 100 students were here to greet Millie, waving balloons and cheering. Students proudly displayed their pins and waited patiently to see what was in the big box on the stage…
a big box of…
Books… books… so many books! Instead of wrapping up the Millionth Book, teachers at Escuela Trinidad Vasquez Cumes elementary school wrapped up new books that were donated by Child Aid.
Storytime
While a teacher read the Millionth Book out loud, students counted up to 1,000,000 on the stage, adding zeros with each page turn.
Watching stories come alive
Attendees at today’s celebration were treated to a student production of the book El Día del Libro. These fantastic costumes were made by the fifth graders who were performing, bringing these lively characters to life for their audience. It was so much fun, we were entertained!
Its time to color!
Students were then welcome to explore the art corner, where posters and pages from the Millionth book were set up for coloring and painting.
poster presentation
While coloring pages were posted on the wall, the posters got a special treatment. Each was mounted on wooden frames and presented for all to enjoy.
its piñata time!
The fun just kept going when the teachers hoisted the Millie piñata up in the courtyard. Filled with an assortment of candy, she was a sight to see… while she lasted!
A special story time with the co-CEO. The woman at the center of this crowd of kids is our co-CEO, Graciela Landa Pichiya Sajbochol. She is loved by staff and students alike, as it is clear to see in this series of photos. When the book delivery was unpacked she asked students to choose one book for storytime, reading their choice aloud for all to enjoy.
The dancers at today’s celebration wore the traditional dress for the region. The girls’ blouses all feature red at the shoulders, this feature is distinctive for Comalapa and it ties back to their Mayan culture. These blouses are paired with wrap skirts held in place by the sashes you see here. The boys wear white shirts and pants with a black and white Jerga, a traditional cloth that protects their white pants when working in the fields. The red bandana, worn around the neck in other locations, is traditionally worn around the head in Comalapa, beneath the common straw hat.
We hope you enjoyed this recap of day 1, but there is so much more to explore… seven more days of celebration to be specific! Check out another stop on the tour…
One million books is amazing, but we have some other amazing milestones on the horizon – and we need your help to reach them. Child Aid is funded by grants and the generous donations by people like you. Help us reach our next milestone by donating today.
