A School in Need

On June 4th, 2025, Timothy “Hemp the Artist” Thompson, Pastor Mario Miralda, and I visited the Garifuna community of Ciriboya to meet with teachers at the primary school and members of the local teachers union, COLPROSUMAH.

What we found were teachers and administrators happy to meet someone who someone cared. We were greeted with smiles and camaraderie after an all-morning journey, and we responded with “We love you. What can we share with the world on your behalf?”

You know, it’s funny. You can go halfway across the world and teachers will have the same complaints:

• No materials
• Not enough desks
• Students are “just off” since the shutdowns
• Underpaid

However, the Centro de Educación Básica Alvaro Contreras also lacks major repairs and reconstruction. The school requests immediate help as the teachers fear much of the building will imminently collapse on them and their 125 students while they are teaching one day.

What do they need? They are requesting a complete rebuild due to termite infestation and the deteriorating effects of being located just a few meters from the Caribbean Sea. They also lack accessible potable water, functioning restrooms, a library, and a playground.

The need is urgent. Would you please consider having your church, university, company, or organization join us in recruiting the talent and funds to help the children of Ciriboya have a safe place to learn?

The teachers of Ciriboya can’t do it alone. Neither can we. However, TOGETHER, we are the difference!