I got back to a normal routine today with a 5 o'clock wake up call and work in the kinder. It was Korey's first full day and she got to experience the entire school experience, including the line up in the morning where the kids all sing their national anthem. If we in the US ever thought saying the pledge in school was a nuisance, we have it so easy compared to their anthem. It is sooo long and repetative, and the kids sing it without any enthusiasm. It is so funny to watch as they repeat over and over, "tu banderrrrraaaaa". This week is exam week, the last week before the two month vacation. Since the teachers don't need to much help as the kids take their exams, we had 4 of the volunteers helping in the Kinder; Ethan, Korey, Anna (A volunteer from Spain) and me. Even with the four of us and only six kids it was still a project keeping them engaged. Every kid is at a different level, so while some have finished their work, others are just starting. We were successful in keeping them busy in the beginning, but as soon as they we ran out of papers for them to draw letters, we couldn't really keep them occupied. It is dificult to grab kids attention because there are always so many other things going on. The kinder room is smashed between the other two classrooms, which are both very noisy. In reality, it is almost impossible for any grade to truly concentrate. The school is desperately in need of the third classroom, which is in progress.It would be ideal if it could be finished by the time classes start again in January, but I don't think there will be enough funds to complete it. Something else the kids need, and David has plans to buy as soon as money comes in (which could be awhile), is a bus run by HHK. Right now HHK pays for a bus to take the Hogar kids to school, but the bus isn't obligated to stop for others who attend the Jungle school. Sometimes it stops and sometimes it doesn't, depending on how full it is. I didn't realize this until today when we were driving up the dirt road to the school and on the side were a group of the Jungle School kids in their uniforms waiting, but the bus kept on going. If the bus doesn't stop, the kids either walk to school, or don't go. It is so difficult to teach when the kids aren't there every day. So many things need fixing but at least there is something for now. Not to mention the hope of building a new Hogar soon because the rented house the kids are in is far to small for their needs, but that is another problem.
So many things that happen here I am amazed at. Today while taking her exams, one of the girls had to take care of her one year old sister, so she was holding her with her arm while taking her exam with her other. When the baby started crying she had to stop and quiet her. Clara was working with the second grade today and she asked another of the girls why she would never do her homework. She responded that she couldn't because in the afternoon she has to help her mother work and wash clothing. Second grade. Others aren't able to complete it because they don't have light in their houses. These kids also need so much more than just school knowledge. They need to be taught manners and social skills. Today Lissy, one of the Kinders, asked to use the bathroom. I said yes of course, so she went around back to where the outhouse was. I went to check on her right after and was slightly perturbed to find her just squating in the dirt and using the bathroom, like it was no big deal which I suppose it isn't. I find this slightly worrisome though because right there is where all the kids play during their break, always rolling in the dirt and falling down. Nothing is exactly sanitary here. Kevin was so extremely frustrating today. We honestly all dread what each day will bring when he is around, but I suppose it is an exercise in patience? He has no manners and is difficult to discipline. He is seven years old and still in kinder, though he looks as if he is only 4 or 5. The majority of the kids look at least 2 or 3 years younger than they are because of such poor nutrition. Their growth is stunted, which contrasts with their emotional growth, which is exponentially higher than most kids should be because the kids have so much responsibilitly. All I can do is help in my own small way, let the kids know they are loved, and try to leave a tiny mark in the paths of their lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment