Speaking with Mr. Sam, Mr. Jose, and the other staff at the school was compelling because they have a real passion for serving these students. When I first arrived at the school, the excitement of the girls to see us was contagious! The respect the students give the volunteers is humbling and their sincere interest in learning is inspiring.

During my trip, I spent time in the math lab, english lab and art classroom. In the math lab, I helped some of the students solve homework problems and clarified concepts by answering their questions. At the English lab, I taught geography of the world—the major continents and their major geographical features, as well as the oceans of the world—with some blank maps brought from the US. That class was the first time both the 6th and 11th graders had ever heard about the concept of a ‘continent’. Lastly, in the art room, I conducted an art project—also with materials brought from the US—in which the girls designed and decorated their own poster detailing their vocational goals for the future. Over 40 posters were completed and will be hung up in the school for everyone to see!

On days the higher grade students were testing during their classes, I and some other volunteers would walk to the primary school and substitute in for teachers that needed to take a break. With the youngest kids, we would teach them songs in English (“head, shoulders, knees and toes”), practice simple math skills, help them expand their English vocabulary, or teach them simple dances (Macarena, Cupid Shuffle). Though sometimes tiring, being in the classroom leading activities for the students was incredibly rewarding when I saw the smiles of pure joy on their faces when they learned something new or understood a concept.

Other times, when I was done conducting lessons, I would speak with teachers about what they need most in their classrooms, or learn about the curriculum they prepare for the students. I plan to take these requests from teachers back to the US and determine how our non-profit can help fulfill these needs.