This past summer, as many of you know, my site mate received a partnership grant to revamp a park frequented by the majority of the kiddos in Gramsh. We are very grateful for the support provided by many of our friends and family. This past month the project has gained some serious momentum. Workers installed new equipment and now are working to improve the landscape.

We saw this second step as a way to promote volunteerism in our community and reached out to our environmental education group. Students came out to help with some painting and preparing the soil around shrubbery. Volunteerism is a growing concept here, especially when it comes to physical labor.  Many people see it as shameful and routed in old ideals.

We drew a little crowd as the students worked and they explained what they were doing. I was very proud to hear their responses as they explained they were happy working for the benefit of the community.  Afterwards we celebrated their hard work and New Year with pizza.