Clases de Natacion – Swim Lessons
We’ve started taking the kids to swimming lessons at the Escuela Naval (Naval Academy) here in Valparaiso. It has been incredibly beneficial for us to get the kids in the water. The facilities are incredible and our two swim instructors are as professional as the get. These classes are a crucial component to our program. Although many of our students are excellent swimmers ready to hit the surf, some have never had the opportunity to get in a swimming pool and are rapidly progressing with each class. I have to admit Jon and I felt like nervous parents on the [...]
Valpo Surf Project Midseason Letter
Dear Friends, Family, Followers, Supporters and Surfers,
First let me say that we and our students and our students’ families are all alive and well following what was the fifth biggest earthquake in recorded history. The VSP house came out of the quake without electricity, but aside from that, intact and in good shape. We showed up to teach an English class a few days after the quake, and to our delight, our students were already at their desks, notebooks and pencils in hand, with giant smiles on their faces. We already knew they were all safe thanks to communications we [...]
Class Photos
Here are some photos from class over the past few weeks for you all to enjoy.
-WT
Noticias del VSP
Valpo Surf Project quiere agradecer a todas las personas que se han mostrado preocupadas por las recientes noticias sucedidas en el centro-sur de Chile, lamentamos profundamente los daños y las perdidas humanas que esta tragedia nos ha dejado y compartimos el dolor de aquellos que han perdido a sus seres queridos o sus bienes materiales. Como organización estamos trabajando para continuar la programación señalada de las clases de ingles, las cuales se realizarán de manera normal y de acuerdo al calendario establecido. Las clases de surf se suspenderán indefinidamente hasta que las condiciones marítimas nos den la seguridad necesaria para realizar tales [...]
Valpo Quake Photos
So we’re about half way through Day 4 with no power and spotty water. Nobody seems to have the slightest idea of when the power will come back on, although it seems like the majority of the city is glowing at night. The tricky thing is the street lights are on all over town, but many of the houses remain dark. The word on the street is the water is going to be cut within the next day or so for anywhere from one to three or four days. Prepared and patient are definitely key words when [...]
Post Quake Update
Hello All! Thank you all so much for the e-mails, facebook messages, and phone calls to our homes back in the States! The amount of concern is overwhelming and very much appreciated. I’m pleased to report the Valpo Surf Project community is okay. We’ve heard back from the families of our students and everyone is safe. Later this week we’re going to pass through their neighborhoods to make sure all of their homes are intact. Casa VSP is completely fine apart from a few cracks in the walls. We’ve been without power since the first shock and the water comes [...]