Day 4 started bright and early at 5:30 with our usual serving of gallo pinto and eggs. First stop of the day was to either San Luis, the private school in Matagalpa, or Institute Nacional Eliseo Picado, the public school in Matagalpa. At these two high schools, everyone was partnered with a host student to shadow them throughout their day, during classes, passing period, and break. We all had the opportunity to get to know our host students very well and make many new friends that we will hopefully get to stay in touch with! Even though one school was private and one was public, they were very similar in that both classrooms lacked materials, only containing a whiteboard, rustic desks, and an old table for the teacher to sit at. The constraints for providing quality education in developing countries is restricted due to the lack of finances which results in lack of resources and opportunities for these children. This made the group as a whole realize how much we take our education back in the United States for granted.
Next stop was to visit Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral Comunitario (ADIC). This organization provides a place for children to come two days week to take educational workshops, with a focus on personal growth, leadership, violence in their community, women’s empowerment, and protecting the environment. The kids can also come to learn theatre, music, art, or just to have a safe place off the streets. After learning about their organization, we got to spend time with the kids, playing games and dancing. The director of ADIC, Silda, was the most inspirational figure of the day because she shared her passion for education with us by providing a fun, safe place for children without making a profit.
After dinner, we held our first English tutoring sessions at San Luis. It was chaotic at the start due to the fact that around 80 students attended, which caused us to have to change our lessons and switch teaching groups. However, the classes went well and it was exciting to see how everyone had the ability to step out of their comfort zone and teach someone a new language. We are looking forward to seeing our students’ growth within the next 7 sessions.
Being the Liders del día gave us the opportunity to improve our leadership skills. It was a challenge to constantly remind everyone to be on time, drink water, and to exemplify the three C’s (courage, commitment, and compassion). We learned that when in a leadership position we are strong, but we just need to be more consistent in directing others. Being the first liders del día of our trip, we hope that we set a solid foundation that others can build off of and learn from.
Thank you for reading our blog, sorry we could not post pictures tonight, but check back tomorrow! Also, shoutout to all the friends and family who have commented on previous posts. We all love hearing from you!
Thank you again,
Marisa and Gabby
Thank you for the detailed post. So proud of all of you! Positive it was a good learning experience for all.
PS: TinTin is really missing you. We call out you name and he runs around looking for you….yes we are all missing you too. 🙂
We love hearing about your day! We look forward to reading your posts each night. We are proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone! 80 kids? Wow, it sounded like you were not expecting that many. We are glad to hear it ended up going well. We are sure that it’ll get easier with each session.
Marisa and Gabby, congratulations on being the first leaders? Marisa, did you figure out your watch or did you need to use someone else’s? Marisa, we love you and miss you. Sending LOTS of hugs! Love Mom, Dad, Jack. Also, Sophie and Max are fine!
So impressive and incredible what you all are doing. I can’t wait to see pictures. You should all be so proud of yourselves regarding what you are doing. Have fun, be safe and lock in the memories. Those last a lifetime.
PS sending hugs to my Charley girl and Gabby!
Hope you all learned something while shadowing at the local schools!
Tiana,
Talfrog misses you very much and can’t wait to see you. That is all.
Hi Gabby! Great job out there ! You will make such a valuable impression on those students, and they will always remember you. I’m glad you are having a rewarding experience and learning things that will change your life forever. Please take lots of pictures! We love you!
Well, we really miss looking at pictures from you guys, but we understand you had a busy day. Keep up the good job!!! Have a good rest and may God bless you all?
Hola & Gracias Gabby B. & Marisa V. for the Global Glimpse ‘Liders del dia” Crew Day 4 updates. No need for pictures. Your descriptive words helped paint a clear picture and told vividly your education story with tasty gallo pinto & eggs start, probably close to sunrise…it must have been very cool and fun to hang-out with host students and other high school students in contrasting but surprisingly similar private and public schools. Perhaps someday they will meet & exceed the USA’s educational system. The non-profit ADIC organization with Silda are providing great and noble services for children in need of a safe place, learning of various serious subjects balanced with theatre, music, and art. Wow! 80 students in the first session and appears you’all handled it quite well. Thanks again for the insights, for educating us, for all you/crew do in your leadership in active engagement in the 3Cs with the people of Matagalpa! Miss u Gabby! Dad
Hey glimpsers! I’m glad you guys were able to shadow a student today and finally start your English tutoring classes! Even though Nicaragua educational system is different than ours, you can tell how eager they are to learn. English tutoring was definitely one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. The people of Jinotega was extremely anxious to learn from us when I was a glimpser 2 years ago, and I’m sure the citizens of maltagalpa, are happy that you are here too. I cannot stress how important the first delegation of a city is to the English tutoring program. You set the learning curriculum and first impression for the next delegation. It can be stressful at times, but remember what you’re doing, has a huge impact on their lives. You’re only giving a couple hours of your time to them, but those couple hours can change their entire life. Them learning English will be their chance to advance through life and get better jobs with their new English skills. Thank you guys for doing global glimpse. I’m proud in all of you. Quick shoutout to Tamy and Cynthia! I hope you guys are doing well and that the traveler diarrhea hasn’t hit you that bad hehe. Hope to catch up with you guys in 2 weeks and go falcons -Mr Rodriguez. Best wishes from this old Glimpser,
Sister,
It sounds like you are doing great at helping the kids! Remember what Gardiner taught you! All the animals are doing great, and I got my braces off! It feels so weird. Also, the Warriors are one win away from sweeping the Cavaliers in the finals! We miss you!
-Jack Varni
I love reading these posts! Your experiences are inspirational! It’s a great reminder to all of us, who aren’t there, how privileged we all are. The opportunity to teach so many is wonderful! We are very proud of you, Marisa! I am sure you did a fantastic job as a Lider! And as you noted, helped lay a foundation for the others. Great job! We look forward to hearing more about your adventures. Love you!
Auntie Trish
Hi global habibis, if you were not aware American just celebrated national best friends day! I know, very exciting. Kinda sad that my best friend was all the way in Nicaragua though. Looks like you’re having a lit time though. Oh hi Bridget.
Awesome. Travelling and learning about other cultures must be exciting,to include giving back to the communities you are visiting. Must be very rewarding and a priceless experience. B safe and have fun! …Freddy B.
Hi Marisa,
I loved reading your post. Thanks for sharing your day 4 events so vividly! I wish I was there doing these amazing things 🙂 Sending hugs!
School’s out here for twins, practicing their own English skills, you’ll be ready to take over as pro English tutor when you return! Hugs!
I learn so much just reading the blogs, I hope you’re using this experience to grow little sis! Education is very important no matter where you are, and I’m proud of everyone on this program for all that you are doing so far! Miss you and make sure you eat well, sleep well, and listen to your program coords Cynthia!
Love,
Big Sis
Hey Nicole,
Hope you’re having fun! Can’t wait to see you when you get back. Much love!
-Lily
Hi Gabby B.,
Thanks for the update. Have fun out there!
Francis Berdan
hi how are you the mom dad brother miss you every one is ok call if you have time by the way have fun and enjoy you trip
Thanks Marissa and Gabby for the update today. Go Glimpsers! Proud of you all.
Ria, we miss you a lot, but happy for the experience you are getting.
Please check email and respond if you get a chance.
Thank you Marisa and Gabby for sharing a very full and challenging day, especially being the first leaders. I’m sure you and the others learned a lot about how to manage and inspire people. The experience of visiting the schools and comparing to your own will be something you will remember and certainly give you a different perspective. Great job on the blog! Enjoy your experience and take in as much as you can. This is a once in a lifetime experience! Love to Marisa.
Auntie Char
Thanks for the blogs. Your day as leaders sounds very challenging and fulfilling! The experinces you are having will last a lifetime and I am sure you being there means so much to all you touch! Enjoy every moment!
Judy Brackin
P.S. Hi Marsa?
Hi Marisa,
We so enjoyed reading your post and all the posts! So informative and clearly quite an experience. There seems to be a lot going on and we hope that you will be able to take it all in. Not easy stepping up and stepping out of your comfort zone. But, know you will find teaching very rewarding!
So proud of you . . . Love you Marisa,
Auntie Mary & Uncle Dave
Thank you Marisa and Gabby for sharing your day with us! So wonderful to hear about the amazing work you are all doing with the students at the schools and children at ADIC! Sounds like you are learning a lot about becoming good leaders as well as learning about the culture and building relationships with the people. Very proud of you both and look forward to hearing more about your adventures! Miss and love you Gabby!! Mom ~
I miss my poot minoin!! hope you’re having lots of fun and learning new things!!