Hello, readers! Today, we learned about aid and development. As the next leader of the day, I woke everyone at 6 AM so we could arrive on time to a satisfying breakfast of fried rice and plantains at el comedor Deja-Vu. The morning continued with an educational seminar delivered by Cindy, in which we debated the issue of providing “aid” to foreign nations. Though many third-world countries continue to battle obstacles such as malaria and severe corruption, the aid that wealthier countries have been supplying is frequently crippling rather than constructive. For example, the NFL recently shipped an incredible quantity of T-shirts to villages in Africa. The prospect of a rich organization generously donating clothing to the impoverished may be romantic, but we should consider many more questions: do they really need more shirts? Now that everyone is dressed, what happens to the existing clothing industry? How would that affect the economy?
With this in mind, we traveled by private bus to Cocinas mi Fogon, a business that manufactures ecologically-sustainable kitchens to sell to people all across Nicaragua. We received a tour and learned that Don Juan, the founder, began without the ability to read or write. However, he joined an aid and development program which led to his own organization, Cocinas mi Fogon. He has grown wealthy since then, yet he uses this money to aid the community instead of himself; he has paved roads in addition to purchasing bikes for his employees, which is truly inspiring. Furthermore, we had fun helping make two kitchens for him by filling the frames of cooking ovens with cement. 🙂
We traveled home to prepare for our upcoming English classes, and spent an hour working hard and creating lesson plans. At 12:30 PM, we ate lunch and then returned to hear from the director of Fundar Fabiola, another aid and development program. They focus on environmental sustainability by restoring destroyed mangrove forests and protecting turtle eggs laid on the beach (that are typically harvested by people for food), among other ventures. This presentation reminded us that the world is connected: what hurts the environment hurts us as well.
After dinner, we were finally able to teach our first English classes! Everyone had a wonderful time getting to know their students and share our knowledge. The first lesson is always more difficult, but I am confident that each of us will improve next time as we understand what our students genuinely need from us. We’re all excited for next time! See you tomorrow. 🙂
“Just because you have a really large hammer does not mean that everything in the world is a nail.” – Unknown
Hello! Wow, another early morning. You guys must be tired by 8pm!
The issues and subjects you all are being exposed to are things that most American teenagers don’t think about, but should. The fact that you are seeing and experiencing it first hand is remarkable.
Thank you for the daily blogs. It makes it easier for us parents knowing what you guys are doing.
Kimmy, I hope you are doing well. We miss you!!!!!!
Very nice and thought provoking blog. Hi Casey, miss you and I hope to see u in a picture tomorrow.
Hola! Bien dicho! Gracias! For shining the light on the necessities and the passed out tokens! Magnífico to Global Glimpse and to you Glimpsters. I am so delighted that you guys are experiencing life outside of our community.
Mantener el buen trabajo
Hi Claire! Great writing! You’re asking important and hard questions – I’m curious how you’ll answer them after this trip is over, and a couple years later when you’re in college. I’m glad to hear you’ve started tutoring. Keep your mind open – there is more to learn from the locals than you can teach or help them.
Eat lots of plaintain for me, wear lots of sunscreen, and keep writing!
Love,
Susie
It’s awesome to see all of you embracing the culture . Love the pictures and exciting to read the daily blogs.
Nicole hope you are taking allot of pictures.
WOW, what a busy and exciting day! Claire, we love to read your very informative log and can’t wait to hear more about your eye- opening experience. First time teaching English must be challenging, but we believe you all will be great teachers. We are so proud of you!
Take care and keep cool! We love you and miss you!
Mom & Dad
Hi Claire, such a great writing. We could learn from you too. Keep on. Thanks.