By: Erin Smith
Changing lives and offering comfort and aid are usually the goals of any mission trip. After a mission trip to a school in El Salvador in 2014, one Bladen County resident’s life was both touched and changed forever. Upon his return home, he didn’t forget the school he visited nor the many needs that still remained.
David deAndrade, owner of White Lake Marine, began to think and plan how he could continue to support the school, Casa La Atarraya, in their efforts to educate their students but also to help them gain access to modern comforts such as computers.
As a result, deAndrade is planning to return to the school, in August, with computer equipment, computers, school supplies and hopes to install internet service at the school. To accomplish this, he started a foundation called the 828 Networks based on the scripture Romans 8:28, which reads, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
He will be part of a mission team that will leave from Trinity United Methodist Church in Elizabethtown on August 7. He said currently there are 12 individuals including himself who have agreed to go.
deAndrade said the school is a Christian school founded by two missionaries — one of whom he was able to meet and get to know. Bob Hamilton is originally from the United States and founded the school about 20 years ago, according to deAndrade.
He said the school began with just a one room facility and now it has an enrollment of almost 400 students from pre-K to high school. He said the school is attempting to create a Technology and Design Studio and deAndrade said his mission team will be carrying computer equipment and computers to help with the effort.
“They are teaching the students how to use computers. Those kids can go to the city and find an appointment (because of their computer skills),” said deAndrade.
The school also offers other programs such as carpentry and welding. Both are fields that students can easily find work.
deAndrade said that the mission team is hopeful that while they are in El Salvador they can network the school and get internet service installed for the design studio. He said the students at the school have not had exposure to using the internet and it is a needed skill.
deAndrade said he first learned about the school and its needs through Nautique, a boat company for which White Lake Marine is a dealer. He said the program is called Nautique Cares and in 2014, the company decided to invite their dealers along on the trip to El Salvador.
“Myself and one other dealer agreed to go,” said deAndrade.
He said as the date for the trip few closer, he tried to find excuses not to go. deAndrade said the Lord kept finding ways to nullify his excuses.
“So somewhat reluctantly, I got on the plane,” said deAndrade. He said upon his arrival, he met Bob and his wife, Maria, and toured the school.
“There are so many needs. So many of the basic little things meant so much to the students,” said deAndrade.
He said the students attend the school through sponsorship from individuals and companies located in the United States. deAndrade said the school has outreach programs in the community. He said the school will invite students from the surrounding schools to come out and take part in sports and classes.
deAndrade said the needs at the school are so great. He said there is still a need for more funding for this year’s trip.
“We’ve had a great outpouring of support,” said deAndrade. His son, Will, attends Harrells Christian Academy and the school held a drive to gather school supplies for the students.
He said the group has also received tools and equipment and have gotten computers and computer equipment. deAndrade said the group will also be sending a 3-D printer to the school so the students can have the experience of utilizing one and bringing their creations to life.
deAndrade said it is an expensive endeavor to keep the school connected (to internet service) which is part of the impetus for the creation of the foundation.
“There are a lot of needs in the world,” said deAndrade. He said that if the group can give these students hope and their town hope then it is worth it.
He said that students have left the school and attended college. deAndrade said one student graduated, attended college, went to work, then came back to the school to work there.
“This is just one of I don’t know how many more (schools). There are countless schools out there,” said deAndrade.
He said he is aware of similarly situated school in Paraguay and gave them a donation as well. deAndrade said that at the school in Paraguay, after the basic needs were taken care of, there was never anything left.
He said by reaching out, he is attempting to follow the path the Lord has laid before him.
deAndrade said that when the first ten computers were sent to the school, he had no idea they would attempt to open a technology center and have it recognized by the government.
“If these kids can learn these skills, you can work from anywhere. You can design something from anywhere in the world. If they can draw it and create it, it can change their outlook,” said deAndrade.
To make a contribution towards obtaining internet service for the school, go to https://www.gofundme.com/27buhqc.
To learn more about the 828 Networks foundation go to www.828networks.org.
About Author
