PEN PAPER PEACE e.V.

📢 News from Honduras!
At the program „Talleres", for all students from grades 7 to 9, half of the school week is dedicated to academic subjects and the other half to vocational workshops in areas such as carpentry, tailoring, metalwork, electrics, car repair, and beauty.
The trainees sell the products that they have created. This not only generates economic profit, but also involves the young people in the entire process, from manufacturing to advertising and sale. It also boosts the adolescents' self-esteem when they see first-hand how other people admire their work and that it is entirely possible to earn a living from high-quality craftsmanship.
After passing the final exams, the trainees receive a state-recognised vocational certificate followed by an eight-week work placement in professional workshops. The practical experience helps the adolescents to be better prepared for an independent future by giving them tangible work experience in a profession.
The recognised certificate gives graduates a clear advantage on the job market, helping to reduce poverty and strengthen the local economy through better-trained professionals.

You can donate here to support the project: https://www.betterplace.org/en/projects/89782-talleres-apprenticeships-towards-new-opportunities-in-honduras

Christmas in Haiti - Colonial Traces

France's colonization of Haiti, which lasted nearly two centuries (between the 17th and 19th centuries), profoundly changed the island's cultural traditions. Traces of this domination are still visible today, particularly in the following religious observation: More than 80% of the Haitian population is Catholic.

This religious heritage, once imposed by force, is now deeply rooted in the daily lives of the vast majority of Haitians and, as in all predominantly Christian countries, certain dates are of crucial importance. Christmas is no exception to this rule.

This holiday is particularly cherished by Haitians, who attach great importance to it: Radio stations play Christmas carols throughout December, houses are meticulously cleaned, new clothes are bought to attend Christmas Mass, and some regions organize fireworks displays called “pi detwal,” from the French “pluie d'étoiles” (stars rain).

December 24 is the most festive day of all: Children and adults make fanaux (small traditional lanterns), children clean their shoes and place them under the tree (it is rarely a whole tree, it can be a few pine or banana branches, or fake plastic trees) filling them with straw so that "Uncle Nwèl " (Father Christmas) can replace them with gifts. Preparations for dinner are gargantuan (usually goat with shela rice, potatoes, and Creole pâté), and it is only eaten after attending Christmas Mass, which can last until the early hours of the morning.

Thank you to our volunteer Andréa B. for the research!

📢 News from Namibia:
The boarding school "Baumgartsbrunn" in Namibia currently has 340 students from grade 1 to 7. There are 12 teachers, 15 boarding school employees and one administration employee.
The first three grades are taught in the mother tongue Khoekhoegowab and English is taught as a second language. From grade 4 on, as a transitional stage, everything is taught in English and Khoekhoegowab is a second language.
This school year, the teachers and students are building a garden next to the school buildings where they are planting vegetables.

To support the school, you can donate here: https://www.betterplace.org/en/projects/89424-support-for-the-farmschool-baumgartsbrunn

--german--
📢 Neuigkeiten aus Namibia:
Das Internat „Baumgartsbrunn” in Namibia hat derzeit 340 Schüler*innen der Klassen 1 bis 7. Es gibt 12 Lehrkräfte, 15 Internatsmitarbeitende und einen Verwaltungsangestellten.
Die ersten drei Klassen werden in der Muttersprache Khoekhoegowab unterrichtet, Englisch wird als Zweitsprache unterrichtet. Ab der 4. Klasse wird als Übergangsphase alles auf Englisch unterrichtet und Khoekhoegowab ist Zweitsprache.
Dieses Schuljahr legen die Lehrer und Schüler neben den Schulgebäuden einen Garten an, in dem sie Gemüse anbauen.

Um die Schule zu unterstützen, kannst du hier spenden:
https://www.betterplace.org/de/projects/89424-unterstuetzung-fuer-die-farmschule-baumgartsbrunn-in-namibia