Vince Smith
During the six-week period from late January to mid-March, Operación San Andrés sponsored summer workshops for school age children. This was a time of educational enrichment, cultural appreciation, and recreation for approximately 45 children living in the dessert hills of Collique. In addition to enrichment activities in academic subjects like math, the children learned to express themselves with confidence through theater presentations, dance, and art. These children also enjoyed a well-balanced, nutritious lunch with protein, fruit, and vegetabTles each weekday.
These summer workshops concluded on March 13 with a family field day held at a nearby elementary school. These closing ceremonies were attended by 43 parents and grandparents and 44 children in addition to the staff of Operación San Andrés. The adults and children joined together in several fun games. The children were also able to display their artistic creations, perform a puppet show, and demonstrate beautiful folk dances that they had learned during the summer workshops. Events like this provide a rare opportunity for family and community bonding that are greatly needed in marginalized communities like Collique. The following photos illustrate the fun, learning, and family bonding that took place during the 2025 summer workshops.
