Help English School in Costa Rica

My name is Melony Brown, founder, director and teacher of Sunshine Learning Center.   I was born to be an educator.  I studied Elementary Education in Connecticut, with a dream of one day making a difference somehow and somewhere in this world.  Little did I know that my path would bring me to this beautiful country of Costa Rica.  When I came here in 2005, I never imagined I would fall in love with the beautiful place and its wonderful people.  I truly found my place in this world.   Almost 14 years and 4 children later I am still calling La Fortuna my home. 
          My school started at my kitchen table, literally!  I had four students that came once a week to classes while my twins were napping.  Within a short period of time more people were contacting me because I was recommended by a friend.  They either wanted classes for their child or for themselves.  Shortly there after, I had a few small groups I was teaching outside on my front patio.  Well, it got to the point that the demand outgrew my space.  So this last February I took a leap of faith and turned my house into a school.  Moving my children out of the only home they have ever known, with the dream of making a difference in this world and teaching them to follow their dreams.

         Sunshine Learning Center is named after the song I sang to my babies " You are my Sunshine".  They are my sunshine and I know my school is like warm rays of Sunshine to this community, helping it grow and thrive, one person at time.  I know in my heart I am doing exactly what I was meant to do in this world and I am exactly where I am supposed to be in La Fortuna, CR.  I have a huge dream to help better education here in this country.  Not change it.... just help people see there are other ways of learning that help so many different individuals.  I also want to build a small library for children and adolescents to learn what joy and wonder books can bring into ones life.  Currently there is no library in this or any other nearby area. Nor is it part of the culture in this country.  Little by little change can be made, by opening minds to new ideas.  Books help make this happen!!! I truly believe that. 
           Right now my school is a private English School focusing on teaching local children and adults a second language.  I am rewarded with giving people an opportunity to brighten their future by learning the English language.  My goal is to continue on this path in addition, seeking out the possibility of becoming a private Elememtary English School.  To start this I need to build a large classroom for my preschool classes, a small library / technology room and a bathroom.   I also need to purchase industrial tables, chairs and shelves to replace the plastic ones I am currently using.   My school needs at least 2 laptops or desktop computers to help kids have a research center right at their fingertips.  Enabling kids to have access to many resources which they may not have otherwise.  I have been trying to do everything on my own on top to being a single mom of 4.  Yet I have come to a point where I need to put my pride aside and realize "it takes a village".  I am so grateful for any help to make my dreams come true.  I am driven to make a difference in this world, one student at a time.  Please help me by donating funds, materials, books, building materials, computers or any other way you think you may be able to help.
         I do believe we all cross paths for a reason and if you are reading this it is for a purpose.  Thank you for taking the time for me to share my beautiful story of how my dream all started.