I've been around a lot--been there, done that, seen it all.
Except for my chance encounter today. That was new.
I walked out of my hotel (which is in a residential neighborhood) and almost ran into a mother and her young daughter. She was loudly addressing the child, standing over the squatting kid, holding the little girl's hands above her head.
I was at first confused and had no idea what was going on until I looked down to the sidewalk. And there, a little memento. The kiddie had pooped on the sidewalk.
Now, I don't much like it when I see a dog do that (doo-doo?). But a kid? Yuck!
A Mexican would call that behavior "mal educado" (badly educated). Or, translated into English, "you can't fix stupid."
Showing posts with label volunteer work mexico. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volunteer work mexico. Show all posts
Monday, May 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Happy & Sad
Today I was happy. I got a second opportunity to be a guest lecturer at the Queretaro Institute of Technology (in their foreign language department). I spoke to an advanced English class (level 6).
For a lesson plan, I chose a short fairytale by Danish children's writer, Hans Christian Anderson. Many of you may be familiar with it, "The Princess & The Pea." I did a dictation exercise, reading the short work line by line to the class. They had to listen, understand, and write what they heard. Later, we compared the original printed version (handout) to their own writing. Then, we read for pronunciation. Then did a oral translation. Then discussed new vocabulary words, and certain verb formations.
All in all, it was a delightful class. They all paid attention, and the department chair sat it. Genial!
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But yesterday, I was sad. I've been volunteering every day at a local shelter for abused children. Tuesday was the day that many of them had parental visits at their former homes (some supervised, some not). After lunch there was a little girl who'd been on such a home visit who stood in the corner of the playground (outdoors), and slapped the wall, continuously, while sobbing. One of the ladies who works there tried to calm her down. No luck. I sat down on the ground next to her and tried to calm her down. No luck. So, it was the end of my shift, and I left. With the little dear still crying uncontrollably and hitting the wall. The image stays with me.
For a lesson plan, I chose a short fairytale by Danish children's writer, Hans Christian Anderson. Many of you may be familiar with it, "The Princess & The Pea." I did a dictation exercise, reading the short work line by line to the class. They had to listen, understand, and write what they heard. Later, we compared the original printed version (handout) to their own writing. Then, we read for pronunciation. Then did a oral translation. Then discussed new vocabulary words, and certain verb formations.
All in all, it was a delightful class. They all paid attention, and the department chair sat it. Genial!
--------------------------
But yesterday, I was sad. I've been volunteering every day at a local shelter for abused children. Tuesday was the day that many of them had parental visits at their former homes (some supervised, some not). After lunch there was a little girl who'd been on such a home visit who stood in the corner of the playground (outdoors), and slapped the wall, continuously, while sobbing. One of the ladies who works there tried to calm her down. No luck. I sat down on the ground next to her and tried to calm her down. No luck. So, it was the end of my shift, and I left. With the little dear still crying uncontrollably and hitting the wall. The image stays with me.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Best Day Ever
Today, I filled out an application for volunteer work at a local kids' shelter, got 2 passport-sized photos, and marched down there with paper in hand. And they let me start right away. This is one of two local organizations recommended to my by the state office of family development. It's a residential home for abused kids. About 40 are in (temporary) residence, from infants to age 13. I was amazed at how little (none) training was required. Nor background check. In the U.S., it would be a mountain of paperwork and procedures. Not here. But the first question the lady asked me was, "Are you Catholic?" This, at a government-run agency. Separation of church and state...not so much. Especially in Queretaro, which is known for being ultra-religious and conservative. Crosses and pictures of Jesus throughout the building. Three other lady volunteers were there to teach the kids catechism. And this WAS NOT a church-run organization.
So... just like back in third grade, I started out on the playground, where I played ball with some of the kids, taught them a few English words, and translated their names into English (José = Joe). Then, one of the workers led me upstairs with a bunch and we did classroom work, completing math worksheets, etc. I tutored one kid who was having a devil of a time with addition. He actually counted on his fingers!
And then, a 2PM, we all went down to the cafeteria for lunch. The kids are seated, say a prayer, and then we volunteers serve them. I thought, "Rod....once a waiter, always a waiter." And I finished by spoon-feeding a handicapped boy. He seemed to think it was pretty OK, so I decided to not get all emotional. One of the workers told me, "we're not here to have pity on them. We're here to help them become strong kids." That's easier said than done. One boy, 11, was telling me why he was there--his stepfather beat him. You could see the scar on his mouth where he's had stitches.
But I'll be back tomorrow. And every day while I'm here for the next week. The kids were amazing. I can't believe their resilience. If I can help, I want to. It was the best day ever.
So... just like back in third grade, I started out on the playground, where I played ball with some of the kids, taught them a few English words, and translated their names into English (José = Joe). Then, one of the workers led me upstairs with a bunch and we did classroom work, completing math worksheets, etc. I tutored one kid who was having a devil of a time with addition. He actually counted on his fingers!
And then, a 2PM, we all went down to the cafeteria for lunch. The kids are seated, say a prayer, and then we volunteers serve them. I thought, "Rod....once a waiter, always a waiter." And I finished by spoon-feeding a handicapped boy. He seemed to think it was pretty OK, so I decided to not get all emotional. One of the workers told me, "we're not here to have pity on them. We're here to help them become strong kids." That's easier said than done. One boy, 11, was telling me why he was there--his stepfather beat him. You could see the scar on his mouth where he's had stitches.
But I'll be back tomorrow. And every day while I'm here for the next week. The kids were amazing. I can't believe their resilience. If I can help, I want to. It was the best day ever.
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