A visit in height: Toon Oome in Matagalpa

Toon Oome is visiting our city of Matagalpa, although he is in a different mission with members of Algemene Onderwijsbond (AOb) Union of Education in the Netherlands, something similar as ANDEN in our country that brings together much of the Nicaraguan teachers to make replicas with Matagalpans educators awareness of child labor.

Toon Oome, or just Tom as it is called the same for these tropical sides, paused in his schedule and visited the Mano Committee Back to share with the Board some details of his visit, but also to give her words of encouragement and hope to the challenges envision many changes, some harder than others and that will test the mettle of Friendship and Twinning between Tilburg and Matagalpa for 31 years without interruption.

Toon, a teacher, slim body with the European average, slightly more than 1.80 meters tall, frank smile and a gentle and good-natured character, would be a description of the physical Friend. With much knowledge in educational topics that fascinate him, and now several times their feelings surfaced as a teacher.

With the participation of all agencies and institutions that in one way or another, known tenacious efforts of these volunteers who have worked from Tilburg, in favor of education, social and economic aspects of our city, with the only remuneration that is invaluable: FRIENDSHIP.

Today, very early I accompanied the Master Oome to different institutions including the Unite-Managua, FAREM-Matagalpa, FUMDEC and Escuela Normal, to give them two essential questions: What can or can offer Matagalpa to Tilburg? and What does or can mean Tilburg to Matagalpa?

Everywhere he was received in a pleasant, pleasant and friendly, largely because of the smile and contagious spirit of Toon helped create that warm atmosphere. Issues of education, the teaching life were addressed Interoceanic Canal even conversed with the Lord Dean of the UNAN-Managua, FAREM-Matagalpa MSc. Víctor Gutiérrez. In the Escuela Normal chatted briefly with student teachers and urge the tenacity and never act on "autopilot", that is without the spirit and zeal to share the bread of teaching with children and matagalpinas girls .

It was a nice way to share with actors who have been part of these 31 years of Friendship between Tilburg and Matagalpa and today, we ask answer these two questions, which seem simple, but must have the essential support to achieve define this relationship between two brotherly peoples.

Responses wait institutions and bodies, which are sure to confirm the thanks of this city to friends Tilburg, Holland.

Master Frans Couwenberg expressed in his speech of thanks from a recognition for their dedication Twinning by the commune in Tilburg: "What I would like to share with you are the future prospects of our partnership, because there is still much to do by Matagalpa, "and indeed it is, the proof is that next April we will be visiting teachers who shared through workshops with Twinned schools and two teachers Fonty's Tilburg PABO that interact with teachers and students Normal School José Martí, all thanks to efforts to undertake Frans Couwenberg and Miranda van der Klaauw, managers Stedenband Tilburg Matagalpa, who also accompanied the representation of PABO Tilburg. This relationship of affection and friendship among people without family ties, have conquered the hearts of Matagalpa and this friendship will endure even if the path becomes uncertain and difficult, but the helping hand forged in 31 years, will be the cornerstone which is sustained the Brotherhood.

Toon Oome, by the Dean of UNAN-Managua, FAREM-Matagalpa MSc. Víctor Gutiérrez, MSc. Janette Rizo Maradiaga and MSc. Virginia López Orozco

Toon Oomen, talks with the Principal of the Escuela Normal José Martí, Lic. Aracelly Fernández

Toon Oomen, talks with teacher of the Escuela Normal José Martí, Lic. Juan Aldana

Toon Oomen, poses next teacher of Escuela Normal José Martí, MSc. Enriqueta Caldera and Lic. Ari Peña

Toon Oome poses next student from second year from the Escuela Normal José Martí