The village of Arenal is situated on the Belize - Guatemalan border, pretty remote and obviously forgotten by Government and authorities, has approximately 800 citizens, more than half of which are children.
10 years ago people did not even have jobs and it was a hard life in Arenal. Times are changing and people get temporary jobs now, but life is still very basic. The amazing thing in Arenal is that you see smiling faces all over the village: People spread vibrations of happiness and many people from the Western world should come here and watch and understand that happiness does not come with money or any material advantages!
More than 20 years ago the village had been donated a kids playground but unfortunately it is out of use, all the metal rusted, the concrete slide with no ladder and just out-dated for a long time now and we would love to built a new kids playground - a place of events for the kids, meeting point for the parents, place of fun, communication and some adventure and that is why we created this project.
The new kids playground can already be created with a budget of 4000 US$ as we would then be able to get trees, lumber, ropes, tools and many other things and construct the base with our own hands. In case we would pledge more money, we would buy some additional equipment in Mexico or in the US (as these things are not available in Belize) and would be able to also pay for more than 50% duty and taxes for imported articles.
In the video we posted a bunch of kids playground equipment - swings, slides, adventure equipment and even a trampoline and maybe we could supply the playground with some benches for the parents and some sails to produce shade for kids and parents - with global warming we now have temperatures of up to 115 Fahrenheit (45 Celcius) from March till June and we might have to protect the kids from the sun while paying. In any case we appreciate any donation - our rewards are special and personal rewards - cooking class of local food or a lunch within a family or recognition on a re-activated website www.arenalbelize.com and we say "Thank you for your donation
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We also want to use this project to show and teach all villagers that "yes we can!" realize projects together and built the advantage for the future together. In this world politics divides people and make them fight one side against the other (because as long as they fight they will not closely monitor politics at all and have no attention of what politicians do or not do)! To construct a new kids playground would surely help to open the eyes and understand that TOGETHER we can accomplish much more.
My name is Hans and I have been living in Arenal for more than 13 years. It was a hard decision in the beginning because Arenal was not easy. In the end it is the special vibration of these smiling people that makes me feel so very well here and I do not want to return back into the Western world. I've been working in hospitality for nearly 48 years, in `17 countries and on 4 continents, and when you live in so many countries, get to know so many cultures and mentalities, you need to open up your mind, learn to be flexible, tolerant, patient and widen your spirit and this process (especially as I'm very sensitive) has always caused a very deep connection to the feelings of the people, their joys but also their sorrows, their worries and problems and I have always tried to help in any way. I see that people here do not fight for their rights or for an advantage to have a better life, and with this project I want to show that it is possible to move things, to accomplish a progress, if you just want, if you risk to think the idea and then start to work on it. It might be a first step for some more things to come.
I'm a service person 100% (not just in profession), think that we clearly can change the world while treating our close environment and people around us with kindness, love, respect and understanding, and I'm always ready to spread the same vibrations that I feel here in Arenal (at least I try hard!!!!), as a person, as a citizen, as a hotel manager, as a singer and entertainer, or as a Grand father or wherever. I personally am about to finish a donation to the village: A playground for adults: A volleyball court (that can also be used as a badminton ground). I had to dig out hundreds of small trees, straighten out the ground, put the poles and set up the net and lines - a hard job while outside temperature was more than 100 Fahrenheit! - but also an opportunity to move my body and stay in motion) and hopefully within the month of May 2017 we'll have our first match on the compound - very close to the spot, where the new kids playground should be built. - Thank you very much for supporting this project - please let's make it OUR project :-)
......and maybe you want to come and visit our village and enjoy the smiling faces :-)
