If you don't have anything nice to say...
Don't say anything at all....or at least not on your Peace Corps public blog. Peace Corps says journaling those thoughts are better. :)
Well, I have been quiet lately mostly because I had a rough few weeks there. Some security issues, the ringworm is back in full swing, and projects were just stuck for various reasons. So, I didn't have much to write about.
I can say though that Peace Corps was great in getting me my medicine, prompt in getting in touch with me about security, and I have found a new project I am really excited about. We have a computer lab at school which another volunteer brought a few years back. So, 7th, 8th, and 9th all have one computer hour a week where they are suppose to learn how to use them. This is a flawed class for several reasons. One, there are 10 desks of computers and 9th grade has 35 students. So, computer class just doesn't work and most students end up having this period free to do nothing....at all. In any case, many of the computers have ceased working. They are according to my computer teacher in need of parts that can't be found in El Salvador. He had discussed this with the last volunteer who was a computer person. I am not, so I have agreed to do a few things. One, I am going to work with an NGO who brings computers to schools and other places for like $100. They are refurbished by this NGO. I will open a grant shortly for all who are interested. Second, we will be splitting the class up. For those less interested in computer class, we are going to have a service class. This will be for students who are interested in learning how to become reading tutors. They will be assigned an elementary student for the remaining months of school and read with them and to them. We will be reading to those students who are far behind their peers according to their teachers. So, in this way, we will reduce class sizes, take advantage of students who want to become mentors, and hopefully catch these little ones up to speed on reading. Also, we will of course be finally using my library that is still very much in need of organization. ( I plan on making part of the training also learning how to use and organize the library.)
So, ojala, I went through a brief blah phase and am pulling out of it. Life is tough in the Peace Corps. It is to be expected to have rough days/months/moments. Just gotta keep moving ahead and recreating your expectations. Or really, try not to have any. Just living is probably better.
Well, I have been quiet lately mostly because I had a rough few weeks there. Some security issues, the ringworm is back in full swing, and projects were just stuck for various reasons. So, I didn't have much to write about.
I can say though that Peace Corps was great in getting me my medicine, prompt in getting in touch with me about security, and I have found a new project I am really excited about. We have a computer lab at school which another volunteer brought a few years back. So, 7th, 8th, and 9th all have one computer hour a week where they are suppose to learn how to use them. This is a flawed class for several reasons. One, there are 10 desks of computers and 9th grade has 35 students. So, computer class just doesn't work and most students end up having this period free to do nothing....at all. In any case, many of the computers have ceased working. They are according to my computer teacher in need of parts that can't be found in El Salvador. He had discussed this with the last volunteer who was a computer person. I am not, so I have agreed to do a few things. One, I am going to work with an NGO who brings computers to schools and other places for like $100. They are refurbished by this NGO. I will open a grant shortly for all who are interested. Second, we will be splitting the class up. For those less interested in computer class, we are going to have a service class. This will be for students who are interested in learning how to become reading tutors. They will be assigned an elementary student for the remaining months of school and read with them and to them. We will be reading to those students who are far behind their peers according to their teachers. So, in this way, we will reduce class sizes, take advantage of students who want to become mentors, and hopefully catch these little ones up to speed on reading. Also, we will of course be finally using my library that is still very much in need of organization. ( I plan on making part of the training also learning how to use and organize the library.)
So, ojala, I went through a brief blah phase and am pulling out of it. Life is tough in the Peace Corps. It is to be expected to have rough days/months/moments. Just gotta keep moving ahead and recreating your expectations. Or really, try not to have any. Just living is probably better.
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