Hey everyone! It’s the Leaders of the Day, Emely and Emelyn (yeah we know it’s easy to confuse).
Today was a light day, not much work to do really. Today was our third English tutoring class and was definitely much better than the first time because now we are in our flow and are feeling the teaching vibe. We get lots of tips and techniques from the GG Leaders on how to keep our class engaged and cooperative.
After the morning teaching, we went to visit the school 21 de Abril in Flores, Riobamba (Fun Fact: this school is called El 21 de Abril because this is the date of Riobamba’s independence). We are planning to partner with this school to do a leadership project called CAP (Community Action Project). There are three phases to this project: Discovery, Design, and Delivery. When we arrived at the school, we were introduced to some of the staff of the school including the principal, Segundo Montero and one of the teachers named Carmelita who is indigenous like most of the community.
The principle gave us a tour of the school and showed us the situation of the school and what were things that they needed to fix. The principle, Segundo was very funny, definitely had an easy going vibe, especially when he tried to speak English. One thing that really hit deep with us was when we saw the deteriorated walls and floors in the classrooms. Their bathrooms lacked toilet paper and water from the sink and toilet. When we went into the classes, it was a much different environment than what we were use to seeing. They lacked the resources and space for 300 hundred students. There weren’t many notebooks, chairs, tables, writing utensils, or games to play. Additionally, the school area had several dangerous areas like the broken glass windows and the uneven cement floors. While we were there, some of the kids in the school were our tour guides! They were friendly, sweet and absolutely adorable! They were also very excited and welcoming to show us their school. We became more compassionate because even in their environment they still had smiles on their faces and showed us the innocent and loving hearts of children. Such an area that we saw is not meant to be a learning environment. Students in 21 de Abril deserve as much opportunity, effort and passion to pursue their dream as one would in the United States. The school, although it was pretty damaged, had a lot of potential for greater and better things for the community.
We just got through the first phase of CAP and have come up with these ideas: remodeling of bathroom and kitchen, painting school walls, painting the lines of the basketball court, and new classroom materials. However, getting to this conclusion was not easy, we had a very LENGTHY discussion but as a group, we made a way to capture everyone’s opinions and cultivate some feasible ideas.
Great things that the rest of the Glimpsers did was help us with translating what the staff from the school was saying-we really appreciated it! Even during our discussion when we had reached many bumps, we were able to smooth it out together and be the cooperative people that we are! BIG LOVE TO ALL!
P.S. – Thank you for commenting family and friends, we have been a bit homesick so hearing your lovely comments brings joy to our hearts!
I’m amazed by all you plan on doing for the school so the kids have a safe, clean and bright environment, as well as materials to learn. It sounds like a big undertaking but I’m sure as a team, you’ll achieve all you set out to do.
Eliza. – I was so sad to miss your call. I’m not letting the phone out of my sight again. We miss you terribly but are so happy for the amazing experiences you’ve had and people you’ve met. Enjoy your time there. BTW – There’s a ton of summer homework for you rising seniors this year. No joke. xoxo
Sabrina, I seen the weather is cool there right now, hope you’re keeping warm! Love you, miss you, Mom
Light day? It seems to me that you Glimpsters had a lot to take in and put into perspective. Not to mention excersicing your communication and decision making skills. Not an easy task-Great teamwork! You guys rock! Have fun and stay safe.
We miss you Danny?. Can’t wait to see you and hear all about your experiences. Take a lot of pictures! Love you❤️
What great ideas to improve the school. I hope it will be feasible.
Sounds like a moving and inspiring day.
Josh-listening to your guitar videos and some of your favorite songs.
Hugs. Dad
HI Everyone……You are bringing joy, education and helping hands to the people you are serving and they will be forever grateful to you, and you will all be better people and will be grateful for having the opportunity to give back. Josh, could not be more proud of what you are doing and so happy that you are having this experience! Have a great hike today! Big love…..
Great post, Emelyn and Emely! I’m happy to hear that y’all are hitting your stride in the English classes. Teaching is hard, huh?! I’m also happy to hear that you had a long, constructive dialogue regarding the CAP project! Good to hear you navigated the challenge of working with a diverse group and coming to a conclusion!
Looking forward to the rest of the blogs, and to see all of you next year in the Alumni Ambassador Program!
Hey Gemma! Hard to believe it was just a week ago we drove you to Newark Airport in the driving rain!…Seems that you and your fellows Glimpsers are doing a variety of interesting things. I imagine you’re picking up some Spanish during this time!
All my love, Dad
Hey tigga it was so God to hear your voice. I love you and I’m glad you’re loving this experience chulo says “turn up boy”lol we all miss you.cant wait til you are group leader, we all want to know what’s on your mind. Auntie lisa say she loves you
It seems like you are enjoying your new experience, we’re are happy for you Jessica. Please stay warm and be safe, God bless you and protect you. Love you my angel.
How awesome that you all get to be part of improving the local childrens’ school environment – they will be forever grateful to you! Great job talking through all the ideas and finally agreeeing on the plan even though it might have been bit difficult at times – communication and teamwork is the key of success – letting people know what you think but also listening to others and respecting their thoughts and ideas is very important and sounds like you all nailed it – we’ll done everyone!
Hi Matilda! Hope your throat is feeling better! Keep drinking the hot tea with lemon and dress warmly! ❤️ We love you! ?