I’ve been working for several weeks now alongside 15 volunteers from at least 10 different countries, most of them in their late teens and early twenties. I’m amazed by their dedication to the project. I missed classes yesterday due to a stomach bug and felt guilty about it, but grateful for the chance to recover. Since I’ve been here, I haven’t seen any of the younger volunteers take time off. They are passionate about working with the students and don’t want to let them down. On weekend trips, they look forward to seeing the kids again on Monday morning. They work collaboratively and seek out feedback in order to constantly improve their lessons. Some are here for as short as two weeks, while others are here for up to a year. Either way, their passion and dedication are the same.
Yes, this work is rewarding, but it is hard work. The more I thought about what the volunteers here do, the more I realized how different they are than what most might expect from people their age. I also realized that some certified teachers would balk at some of the responsibilities on this list. Keep in mind that the volunteers are not getting paid! Here’s some of what the volunteers do.
- Work collaboratively to plan lessons for classes that typically have students from ages 5-12. Some students can read, some can’t. Some days there may be five students who show up, while other days there are 25. The lessons must be engaging, relevant and meet the needs of all the various learners in the class.
- Prepare all the materials needed for each class such as worksheets, flash cards, drawings, photocopies, etc.
- Carry supplies to every class, every day. The Kindles, laptops, games, paper, markers, scissors, tape, etc. must be carried to class since there is little or no storage at each location. The volunteers also prepare and carry the snack along with the bowls, spoons and cups for each class.
- Set up the furniture for each class. Our locations are rented and/or used by other groups, so we always have to move tables and chairs to set up the classroom.
- Work as a team to teach each class. Be prepared to work with different volunteers and students every day, and be flexible!
- Teach additional classes, such as the Kindergarten class, Teen class, Adult class and Computer class. Teach up to three classes a day. Each class is 90-120 minutes long.
- Attend staff meetings two or three times a week.
- Meet 30 minutes prior to each class to review the plans, and for 15 minutes after each class to discuss and record how things went.
- Develop behavior plans for each class, explain it to the students and enforce it.
- Perform additional duties such as helping out with maintenance, writing social media posts about the program, recruiting new students, making flyers and posters, and more.
- Conduct themselves as professionals at all times. El Porvenir is a small community and the volunteers are expected to live in a way that will not reflect poorly on the program. You will not see these young people drinking at the local bars or staying out past 9 or 10 during the week.
- Do all of this in the intense heat and humidity and with limited access to resources.
So, why do they do it? I think you already know the answer, but I will try to get them to elaborate on why they are here for a future post.
July 20, 2016 @ 01:29
Fantastic. You are making such a difference in the lives of these children. And it IS not easy..
July 25, 2016 @ 14:26
And they are making a difference in mine!
July 20, 2016 @ 07:03
Excel lent pictures Tim love the writing it really opens my eyes at how much these volunteers and you are doing it truly shows a real passion in all of you!
July 25, 2016 @ 14:27
It can be hard to get motivated to walk to class, but it’s always worth it.
July 20, 2016 @ 07:25
Wow. What a demanding schedule!! Very impressive volunteers – great picture of them. And oh my….those children are so beautiful!! 🙂
July 20, 2016 @ 07:25
PS – sorry to hear you were sick – hope you are feeling better!
July 25, 2016 @ 14:27
Thanks. Definitely better now!
July 20, 2016 @ 08:17
I hope you have fully recovered from the stomach bug. Thank you for explaining what goes into your volunteer teaching experience, the children look so happy. Teachers don’t get enough credit and respect for all that they do,
July 25, 2016 @ 14:29
Very true!
July 20, 2016 @ 08:36
Beautiful post, my friend.
July 25, 2016 @ 14:30
Thanks, amiga.
July 20, 2016 @ 08:40
Wonderful job everyone, children are beautiful. Hope you’re feeling better – thank u for explaining the day. Love cousin Linda
July 25, 2016 @ 14:30
I’m back to normal now. I think I’m even getting used to the heat.
July 20, 2016 @ 11:02
Wow! Such amazing work you all are doing. An unforgettable experience.
July 20, 2016 @ 15:29
They sure do go above and beyond………like you! Great pictures.
July 20, 2016 @ 16:55
The beautiful faces I see tell it all! It looks like the students understand what true joy is and you all must get that back! Nice to see your face in the midst too! So proud of you my friend!
July 20, 2016 @ 18:41
It’s hard to tell who is enjoying this more the children, the younger volunteers, or you! It is great to see all you do and the joy from everyone. Keep up the great work!
July 20, 2016 @ 19:27
Tim, I love it when my computer tells me you have a new post. I read all of them with interest and relish living vicariously. This post was especially heartening for our future. And your pictures speak volumes. Thank you!
July 22, 2016 @ 08:06
Tim, what a great post! While your blog captured the responsibilities of the volunteers, it was the pictures that captured the reasons and the responses for/to all of that hard work and dedication. The smiles, eagerness and camaraderie was so evident in your shots. I can’t wait to read/see more!
Safe Travels, C
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