Chacaya is located across the bay from Santiago Atitlan. It is an aldea ( village ) of about 11,000 people; 320 of whom attend grade school at Chacaya Lower School. The team I am working with has been at this school for two years now and so our arrival was expected. The kids were excited to see us; I suspect because they knew the day would be different. Of course, their new desks had arrived over the weekend so that was a special treat. Gone were the old benches and tables; worn soft with the oil of many young hands. In are the new desks with a small shelf underneath for their books. Pretty cool stuff.
I was having real trouble understanding how we were going to teach lessons to kids who speak Tsuchay'hel ( spelling may be off), a Mayan dialect as their first language and some speak Spanish. We solved the problem with a couple of different strategies. Firstly we have two team members who have enough Spanish to be able to give the kids some basic information in Spanish - the teachers with kids who only speak the Mayan dialect could then translate. Secondly, we developed lesson plans in Spanish which we shared with the teachers so they were able to take the lead and we were able to provide the teacher's aid support and to do the activities. Lots of fun for all.
The team comes with lessons ( in this case Nutrition/Health and Bible) as well as funds for items needed for the schools; eg a stove for meal preparation, addition of a wall for safety. I would be interested in figuring out if the lessons and funds are equitably valued or if the lessons are a means to an end. The team is is also providing a dental clinic something I know is of value for the children and their parents. Some of the kids were already lining up to show our dental expert the attention they had been paying to their teeth over the last year.
The teachers and principal were most welcoming and were real troopers about our invading their classrooms. I keep wondering how I would feel as a professional teacher if a group of people arrived and took over my classroom. Day one seems to be full of grace and generosity on all parts. I have to say it was heartenening to see the kids get in to washing their hands in a very serious way!
The health issues in the community are profound; dental, lack of water, lack of work and money, diets not balanced and health issues related potable water when there is running water. Poverty is at the core - 29% of Guatemalans live below their poverty line.
Having say that, I was impressed and a bit surprised by the dress and the cleanliness of the kids; especially the older ones. Kids are responsible for their own care at an early age and it seems the older kids are taking the time to manage their personal hygiene. Much more difficult for the little ones who have less ability and training around personal care.
We do it all again tomorrow at Chacaya Upper School. I will need a good night's sleep.
One comment about dealing with culture shock - the advice I so often give students ( based on reading and research) is get involved; volunteer, play sports, make friends. The advice is faultless!
Hasta luego,
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