Viva Guatemala! Celebrating Independence Day at the School of Hope
Last week, students and staff at the School of Hope were filled with cultural pride as they celebrated Guatemala's Independence Day on the 15th of September.
Grades four through nine kicked off the week of celebrations by participating in an exhilarating torch run hosted at the Finca La Azotea. With boundless enthusiasm, they embarked on a one-hour run, tracing the biking trails behind the school, all while echoing triumphant chants of "Viva Guatemala!" Their journey culminated with a joyous return to the crowd back at the School of Hope.
Later in the week, students demonstrated their storytelling prowess and deep-rooted knowledge of Guatemalan culture and traditions through captivating folk dance performances. Together with their teachers, they prepared colourful costumes and selected music that would bring their dances to life. At the same time, they delved into the historical narrative underpinning Guatemala's liberation from Spanish colonial rule, immersing themselves in a plethora of folk tales that have woven the nation's cultural fabric.
Wednesday and Thursday witnessed a spectacle of unity as all students joined a grand parade that wound its way through the streets of Jocotenango. Dressed in their costumes worn during the week's dance performances, the students made their way through the neighbourhood while family members and spectators looked on with pride.
In a heartwarming gesture, teachers from every grade celebrated academic excellence by awarding certificates of distinction to students who had achieved outstanding marks in the classroom. This ceremony was a fitting prelude to the much-anticipated Independence Day itself.
Finally, as the week drew to a close, students eagerly awaited the actual day of celebration on Friday, which afforded them the opportunity to stay home and revel in the festivities with their families, thus extending the occasion into a well-deserved long weekend.
The School of Hope's celebration of Guatemala's Independence Day not only instilled a deep sense of national pride but also fostered an appreciation for the country's rich history, traditions, and cultural heritage among its students. It was a week filled with vibrant performances, meaningful learning, and cherished memories that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our students.
