But things turned out a whole lot worse on Monday than I had expected. Amilor informed me that there would be another soccer tournament starting this week, and that there would be more tournaments following that one. So, I have tried to reschedule the classes for an earlier time but that has proven more difficult that I could ever imagine. For one, I have no way of getting the word out about the new times for the classes. Second, many of the students can’t come to class at an earlier time because they work in the mornings. Thirdly, Actionnel has apparently organized a couple weeks of extra, summer courses for the 9th and 10th graders that will start next week. I have no idea if students would be willing to stick around for an English class after already being in classes for 3 or 4 hours. Fourthly (!), no one at OFCB can give me details about when the soccer games will take place, or what these summer courses will be like, or advice about how to get word out to the students about class changes. Basically, I’ve asked a lot of questions and gotten very few answers.
I have 3 1/2 weeks left. Even if everything gets worked out and classes start back as normal, I’ve lost a lot of time and there isn’t that much time left. The 5 or so students that know about the changes say they’ll keep coming, so there will at least be some form of class, hopefully. But the days of packed classrooms are long gone. I have no idea how much work, if any, I will have from now until I leave. So, that’s that.
5 comments:
No problem man. Don't let the Caribe laid back lifestyle get to you. Go with the few and teach them how to teach the others. Stuff happens and if "we be flexible" you can make the best of it. Okay enough of the "don't worry be happy" stuff. Hang in there dude. We will be praying for you. "Uncle" Stan
I'm sorry! that sounds really frustrating. but stan's on the right track, and is there any place you can put up a sign with the new information? can the kids read well enough? good luck!
dude, that sucks! I hope you can do something else in the meantime...like writing a novel. haha keep it up. treasure this free time.
Here is where you have to put aside the American culture's notion that "doing" is more important the "being." A few possibilities - making the most of the smaller classes and even 1-on-1 opportunities, getting another student to walk you to as many of the student's homes as possible to get the word out, "hanging out" with whoever is around - you have no idea what that could mean to a kid, be available late at night or early in the morning. Hang in there - set aside all American ideas of the importance of a schedule and plans, see each day as the adventure of what and who will cross your life that day. Forget the "program" and focus on the relationship. Maybe the real reason you're there has nothing to do with English classes or music lessons.
man, that stinks. i know you're frustrated. especially because you're trying to ask and find out information but no one seems to be able to help you out. i guess you can slowly spread the word about classes through word of mouth. enjoy the time you have with those who come. it's hard to reign in our davidsonish (or american?)tendency be determined to push for maximum efficiency, driven by a work vision or something. there doesn't have to be a tangible or visible end product. what matters most cannot be seen- it's eternal.
Post a Comment