After many months of planning we finally saw our dream become a reality...that the Youth of Brasilito would have a secure and fun place to meet, where they would receive tutoring in the subjects that they struggle the most but also meet other teens and have fun together.
One by one they started arriving at 8 in the morning on Saturday April 15, 2023. Their faces..., you could tell some of them were really nervous and shy, while others immediately started connecting with each other.
We started with English support since they are soon to have the exams at their school. They brought their books so the volunteers could work with them. After English came pickleball. We walked to the nearby park where these group of volunteers had 5 nets placed and ready for them. Some of the teens were nervous and expressed they didn't want to play because they didn't know how to and they were too embarrassed. We encouraged them to give it a try, and they all did and had the greatest time ever. They were all playing with a smile on their faces. People who didn't know each other that well were working together, were laughing together and I could tell through all the fun and laughter they were connecting. They had such a great time that they decided they wanted an extra day of pickleball on Friday evenings after school!
We came back to the building after pickleball to have fruit and then move on to support on math, but before that we handed out scientific calculators that were donated to us from one of our volunteers and the teens were really happy and surprised. I heard some comments like "Now I don't have to be asking classmates to lend me their calculators in class", another comment I heard was "wow these are very expensive". Several of them didn't have one when they really need it at school.
We closed the morning sharing pizza with the Youth. What a morning! They all went home happy and willing to come back next Saturday for more!
These memories bond the group together, developing more of a sense of community and a shared history.
All of this wouldn't have been possible without the following group of people who believed in this project. Thank you all for your interest in helping with Accai's Youth Program.
Thank you to our volunteers that have been there since before we even started! EJ Avey, Tammy Walker, Yakira Mandy Lee, Federico Robledo and Kathy Roberts. You are helping us raise awareness about the need the High schoolers of Brasilito have and that is very important to the community. Your contribution makes it possible to continue making strides towards our goal of having everyone in the program successfully end their school year!.
Thank you to our sponsors: Marina Foundation, The Palms, Catalina Cove. Ron Kirchhoff, Jeanne and Joe Gillen, Kristin S. Cox. Your contribution is vital to continue our important work. We cannot succeed without the generosity of supporters like you.
Marco Cruz, Ronny Perry,Yakira Mandy Lee, Tiffany and Devon Smith, Frank and Marilyn Webb, Cindy Kokesh, Perry Carlile, Babe Hopkins and the ADI of Brasilito, thank you for your time donated, for donating materials to fix the building, for bringing us supplies for our classes and for helping us with the yummy snacks and lunches for the group. We truly appreciate your interest in helping our organization thrive. You can rest assured that your generous donation is being put to good use.
Thank you Asociacion de Desarrollo Integral de Brasilito A.D.I. for providing a secure space for our Youth to receive the program. Cepia for always caring for our children's and youth's educational, mental and physical health in order to have them improve their quality of life. To all the parents, and specially the moms, for helping us get the place ready and encourage your kids to come to our program, we know how hard it is and appreciate all your effort and hard work, thank you!
Thank you all for your kindness and support. It's the generosity of people like you that allow us to carry out our mission in the community. We hope to continue making a difference with your help.
Thank you for your generosity. We hope to hear from you soon! Until next time
With deep gratitude,
Erika and Karen
Well I think the Pickleball team was nervous too in the beginning. This great group had never even seen the game of Pickleball and we saw some natural athletes right away! Looking forward to Friday Nights under the Lights!!