To do the useful thing, to say the courageous thing, to contemplate the beautiful thing:
that is enough for one man’s life. ~T.S.Eliot
Rainy Season
September 21, 2002
Dear Family and Friends,
It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words and yet I believe there are times when the picture of the mind’s eye cannot possibly be captured on film. This morning we went for an early walk. The rain clouds were hanging over the mountains forming a mystical view. With each bend in the road, I was captivated by the mist that lingered through the depths of the mountains with their numerous shades of green, and I tried to imprint this image to my memory; for I know this beauty will be one of the distinct things I miss about Honduras when we leave.
We have spent many hours this month working on a curriculum for teaching English in the High School. The English professor quit mid-year without notice and we volunteered to finish teaching his classes until the end of the school year in December. This commitment involves teaching over 200 students in seven different classes each week. Teaching has proven to challenge our energy levels as well as our language capabilities, yet through the process we have discovered that we thrive on teaching. The energy expended is somehow restored when a student finally understands a difficult lesson or eventually learns how to pronounce “Good Morning, Mrs. Silvera” and actually comprehends what they are saying. Working in the school has also given us new insight into the education system of Honduras and where improvements need to be made in order to advance the country.
A typical week at the high school will guarantee that at least one of the five hour school days will be cancelled for a variety of reasons ranging from teacher strikes to electricity going out to people thinking it is going to rain and wanting to get home before it starts. Unfortunately, the rainy season lasts about five months and consequently the electricity goes out every third or fourth day. The quality of education also has its boundaries. Over half of the teachers themselves do not have an education beyond high school, which limits the teaching methods used. Creativity is often not encouraged in their system of rote learning. Students are taught to strictly memorize, which in the case of learning a second language can be beneficial, but has its barriers when trying to have the students speak. They are timid and reserved, not accustomed to a style of learning that involves presentation or speaking in front of groups. We are working to create an environment that is comfortable and encouraging for the students to practice orally what they have learned on paper. Next week in our English classes we are going to learn about “ordering food in a restaurant”. Our plan is to set up the room with tables and pretend menus and role play with some of the students being waiters and others being customers. We want our students to learn basic, functional language skills; something that is quite foreign to the classes they have had in the past.
The process is starting with the basics. We are using our classes not only to teach a language, but to encourage foundational study skills; as well as mentoring them to prepare for their future by setting goals and supporting their aspirations. We took our first quiz last week and had about 70% of the class cheating. We had been told that this is a common crisis in the school system, yet to experience it first hand was nearly comical. We had one student who had his friend from a different class stand outside the window feeding him the answers, another boy had answers written on the inside of his uniform shirt, and two girls kept passing an eraser back and forth with the answers on it; subsequently answers with the wrong spelling, but that is besides the point. These were the more creative measures in addition to the cheat sheets we confiscated, the high rate of whispering taking place and the girl who blatantly stood up out of her desk, on her tip toes to see the test in front of her. After class when we commented on our disappointment to other teachers we were told that this is not only common, but allowed. Next week, in addition to the English lesson we will be learning about consequences and how they can affect our lives and our future.
Overall, we have had great satisfaction with the progress of our classes. This experience has also given us a new found respect for the teachers we had in high school; for their dedication to our education and allowing us the freedom to learn in a creative environment. We know that we benefited from the opportunities we had from receiving an education in the United States.
Last week we celebrated Honduran Independence Day (September 15th) with a parade and ceremony. In true Honduran fashion, the ceremony in the town square started 2 ½ hours after the scheduled time. When Shawn and I heard the commotion in the streets we knew it was time to leave for the parade. After a long week of teaching we had hoped to go for only a half hour to take some photos, but when we arrived in the town center we heard the master of ceremonies say, “Miguel and Jennifer from Peace Corps have just arrived, we welcome them to the head table.” Shawn tried to ignore the announcement pretending we didn’t understand, but that only caused the speaker to introduce us again only louder. We were trapped! We went to the front of the group and proceeded to sit through a three hour long ceremony in which the entire declaration of independence and history of the day was read. With eyes raised, Shawn said this is the last time we try to come for “just a minute!” We are learning…everything takes time.
The highlight of our month was visiting the mountain village of El Peñon to distribute over one hundred toothbrushes at the elementary school (we have attached two photos with this letter). Colgate donated a box of toothbrushes and toothpaste along with various handouts to explain the importance of good oral hygiene. Shawn’s mom also sent a package of toothbrushes to pass out. It felt like Christmas. The children were excited to receive their own packet of supplies. When we asked the kids how many of them owned a toothbrush about 20 % raised their hands. These children live in the most basic of conditions. Many will be lucky to have more than one meal a day, let alone a toothbrush. Toothpaste is a luxury. The children told us that if they do brush their teeth they use salt in place of toothpaste.
We played games with the kids to encourage brushing their teeth every day and handed out worksheets for them to color how many times they brush each week. The school kids were so excited and guarded their new toothbrushes like a precious gift. Shawn and I were impressed with their sincere hearts of gratitude and their attentive behavior to learn. It occurred to me that as a child I never once had to concern myself with worrying about toothpaste to brush my teeth. I grew up and was provided for; that is what I knew as a child and that is what gave me security. Watching the children from the mountain village, I could see the hunger in their eyes to know security. Children are so trusting. They flocked around Shawn and me with immense curiosity and intrigue. It will probably be one of the highlights of my entire experience, meeting these kids and spending time with them.
Next week Shawn’s mom is coming to visit for two weeks. We have been preparing and planning all month with great anticipation. Our next update letter will be dedicated to her visit and hopefully will include some of her insights into life in Honduras!
Think of us this week each time you turn on a light at night to read, use electricity in the kitchen or turn on your radio and it works! We are learning a new sense of the word patience with the rainy season and living frequently by candlelight when the power goes out. We are learning here that we truly have more than we ever imagined!
Rain or shine,
Shawn-Miguel and Jennifer
Peace Corps Honduras
Concepción de Maria, Choluteca
Determine to live life with flair and laughter. ~ Maya Angelou
