An update from our UniBreakers in Peru...
Classes
This month the volunteers are doing really great lesson plans. Emma is having lots of fun teaching the kindy kids the hot potato and the hokey pokey, Jess' background in physical education ensures that PE is always filled with fun games, Ryan is conducting lots of imaginative art classes and Imogen is enjoying speaking English with the older students.
One thing that we have introduced this month to grades 5 and 6 is their own personal journal. At the end of every lesson we encourage them to write about their feelings, goals and wishes and give them a chance to think about the future. Jess has written up a list of questions and instructions in English so that the next volunteers can continue doing this.
Construction
Our main goal this month is to get the garden beds in the school up and running again so that we can grow more produce for the school kitchen. Once completed, we will allocate a plot to each grade to look after. In addition to this, with the help of Jess' additional fundraised money, we will finish the construction of a community member's house. If time allows we will install the floor boards, windows and kitchen and purchase new storage containers, bedding and electricity.
House visits
House visits are usually conducted during talleres in the afternoons, however with Ryan's background as an occupational therapist, we have used this time elsewhere.
Lucia, a monther of four who lives in the community is in desperate need of rehabilitation after brain sugery. Ryan has been working with our local social worker three times a week to help Lucia communicate and exercise her memory. Emma, who has a high level of Spanish, has been helping Ryan through their sessions to translate and help encourage Lucia to talk.
With Ryan and Emma working with Lucia, Imogen and Jess have their had hands full with talleres so we have not done any house visits this month.
Talleres
Talleres has been extremely busy this month. Imogen has really become interested in the Jewelry making and has helped the women select different colour combinations and new designs. Jess has been really helpful in all the book keeping and has made some great suggestions on how to make the processes more efficient.
Families
Families are going great. Everyone is getting on really well with their new parents and are enjoying the time they get to spend with them. No complaints on the food either however Jess thought is was slightly strange getting cake one night instead of dinner and being sung happy birthday for no apparent reason. Something definitely got lost in translation.
Tours
Last weekend the volunteers had a great time paragliding and doing a tour of the sacred valley. Emma and Imogen had this weekend free but Ryan went fishing and Jess went mountain biking. In the coming weeks they will be doing the Lares trek, Machu Picchu and the Amazon. So far everyone has really been enjoying the tours.
Spanish
The Spanish lessons are really paying off. All the volunteers are improving everyday and are finding it much easier to get by on their own. Imogen is enjoying them so much she is taking additional classes every week.
Until next time, Adios :)
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