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Fundraising, El Ojochal style

The school in El Ojochal del Listón has become the pride of the whole community since the second classroom was built and improvements were made to the whole building last year, thanks to the support of New Hope, Llantwit Major.  Things are so much better than they were but no-one is satisfied yet!  When term started in February, Eyner Alvarado, whose nephews are attending the pre-school, noticed the need for more chairs in their classroom and had the idea that the community themselves could raise the necessary funds.  Eyner took the idea to the community leaders and they decided to hold a ‘Gran Carrera de Cinta’, something which translates into a modern day rural Nicaraguan knights’ tournament!

The leadership committee rose to the challenge, putting into practice the new skills acquired in workshops on community leadership and organisation which Nuevas Esperanzas has been running for the last month.  Invitations were sent out to four neighbouring communities, prizes were bought and responsibilities divided between the committee members.  The big day arrived and 60 horses and riders participated, each contestant paying around 30 pence to compete.  Horses came bedecked with tassels especially for the occasion.  With Rosa welcoming everyone and hosting the event, Margarita taking responsibility for the money and Marcial and Santos ensuring the safety of horses, riders and spectators the day went very smoothly for all involved.

Heated debate ensued before the third race could get underway.  This event required the riders to capture rings hanging down from a rope strung across the track.  Each ring was then to be presented to one of three ‘princesses’ in exchange for a kiss, and the princess with the most rings would be crowned Queen of El Ojochal.  The cause of debate was the height of the rope, and the need to consider differing heights of participating horses while ensuring fair play!  The 35 rings were soon attached and, armed with a pencil, the riders raced down the track to capture the rings.  Three riders from El Ojochal took the lead showing the way it should be done.  Sebastian won and there was a tie break for 2nd and 3rd place.  One or two of the princesses seemed a little bemused by the kisses proffered by these knights in shining armour.  A couple of knights displayed true chivalry ensuring that all the princesses were given some rings each.  Yessenia Delgado Reyes, great grand-daughter of Doña Melba, one of the matriarchs of the community, was crowned Queen and rode off with her knight.

The event was a great success and the leaders were proud of their achievement in raising funds for their school.  The amount raised may not be huge in monetary terms but it is just enough to buy the chairs they hoped for.  Plans are already being discussed for a future fundraiser and this time the leaders would like to have food for sale to increase the possible revenue.  It is great to see the community taking the initiative like this and representatives of the Nuevas Esperanzas team who joined them on the day were enthusiastic spectators, despite not having the required horsemanship skills to join in the events!

12/03/11