Cedro, Peru 2011
The community of Cedro has been trying to build a sports court for several years to no avail. They were motivated to act but needed a catalyst, which turned out to be the court. Once we committed to this project, it actually grew into something bigger than we could have anticipated. The entire central area to their community is transformed, including the court, additional paved areas that will be used for celebrations and festivals, a new drainage system, repainting their school and a waste management solution. The entire community was involved in many various capacities.
Our team was able to participate as partners in the project, committing our share of sweat, blood and money into the court. http://vimeo.com/22326914 . The cultural experience was very rich for our group, from market day, to guinea pig harvesting, to taking care of donkeys, to helping prepare meals, to working alongside locals, to hiking in the Andes, it was a whirlwind of activities that our team from SW Washington will always remember.
From our host, Peace Corps Volunteer Paul Stanchfield, "Not only did the American youth show incredible flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability during their entire stay, they were also eager to get out of their comfort zones, integrate into the community, and experience daily life in rural Peru. They harvested guinea pigs, prepared communal meals, sweated side-by-side the locals pouring concrete, shared song and dance, and ultimately assisted in the execution of not just one but five separate community projects! The team also demonstrated a great deal of humility during their stay, an invaluable trait that will serve them in their future endeavors. At the conclusion of the trip, I felt a deep respect for the team as well as a renewed sense of pride for my country and its promising youth. I experienced the best of America on this trip. Thank you Courts for Kids for all your hard work!"
From our students:
"I used to think I should get to eat whatever food I wanted but now after this trip, I really understand how hard the Peruvians have to work for each meal. And I feel bad because back at home I always complained about doing chores and work, but now I know how hard the Peruvians have to work to survive."
"This impacted my life in many ways, because when I go home I will definitely look at things different. When I go home, I am changing a lot of things. Who I surround myself with and my decisions I make. Everything here (the simplistic life) made me realize what is actually important in my life."
"This is the simplest I’ve lived and yet it’s the happiest I’ve been for a really long time. I wish I didn’t have to go home so soon. I really believe that everything I’ve learned is going to stay with me and I hope it does. I’m so thankful I got to come on this trip. It’s honestly changed my life in so many positive ways, changing the way I think and the life I want to live."
A special thank you to our court sponsors: Avamere - Rick and Robyn Dillon, Eric Stanchfield, Brian Clay, Five Guys and the participants of the 2011 Ultimate Free Throw Challenge.