The New Habanero Pre-School and Kindegarten was a vision of the founder of Evergeen Ministries back in 2005.  At that time, no other pre-school options were available for these children, and consequently, when they were old enough to go to the grade-school in the next town, they were often times too far behind the other children academically to catch up.  Brenda consulted with Roberto in the planning stage as they worked together to visualize God's plan for this small village.   Roberto is a local Dominican.  At the age of six years old, Roberto and his mother moved to the United States where he learned English and eventually his trade as an artist and electrician.

Layout
	The Habanero Pre-School and Kindegarten is a simple, very functionally designed brick block building with three classrooms for teaching. The floor layout plan was designed by Brenda Backes and Roberto Gonzalez, literally on the back of a napkin. With running water and restrooms, this building is considered very state of the art for its accomodations in this area.

From Bricks to Books
	Many of the villagers, children included, helped in the building of the school. Construction started the first week of December 2005 and was completed on-schedule and just in time for the next school year. The first classes were held the last week of August 2006.

Early Construction - January 2006
	The school is located in the newer part of the village. It is surrounded by fields and trees. In the morning and the evening you can watch as a local farmer herds his cattle through the school yard to a nearby grazing area.

Painting
	The colors of the school were chosen by Roberto Gonzalez. Painting day was one of the most exciting days of the project and everyone watched the grey bricks transform into a beautiful yellow, white, pink and salmon school house. There is not another more beautiful building for miles around.

The finished school is a beautiful addition to this small village - and a constant, visual reminder to the people of the love and caring of those that God has called to minister to THEM! The school serves as the heart of the community and it is a source of pride for the people of Habanero.

Children Lined Up for School
	The school currently accomodates 45 children in three classes - 3-year olds, 4-year olds, and kindergarten.   See more student pictures, click here . . .

Classrooms
	The children and the teachers enjoy decorating the classrooms with lots of colors and the children's artwork!

The pre-schoolers (ages 3 & 4) participate in a curriculum developed by the organization that manages the school in next town, which is where these children will continue their grade school education. For the kindergarteners, a curriculum designated by the government is being used.

Lunch - Mmm, Mmm Good!!! Many of the children's families lack the ability to provide nutritional meals for their children on a regular basis.   Evergreen provides a daily lunch for the school children.   The children enjoy a sandwich of meat and cheese and all the milk they can drink.   Clean drinking water is also available at the school.

Recess
	After lunch, the children enjoy a short recess. However, at a mere 15 minutes, they barely have time to get to first base in their favorite sport - Baseball! Baseball is loved by every boy and girl and every young man dreams of playing in the Major Leagues in the USA.

The Staff

The school staff is composed of residents of the town of Habanero. They are paid by Evergreen Ministries. From left to right - Candido is a Pastor and our kindergarten teacher. Feliz and Carmen are the feeding and clelaning staff. Maria teaches the 3 year olds. Roberto is the school Administrator and Yaneth teaches the 4 year olds. Our staff is dedicated to educating and nurturing these children. We are grateful for each one of them.