Por fin in Cusco, and I had no idea where I was going. I had heard the hype of it all and how beautiful it was, and that is true. It is a beautiful city with a lot to do. But what you may not have heard, it is one of the poorest and most dangerous cities in Peru and South America. Don't worry I'm safe, and not stupid, but the reality is, this isn't a city of "oh look at us we have Machu Picchu and tourists and everything is happy, as it is portrade in Plaza de Armas. There is a McDonalds and beautiful gardens and police, so it appears safe and keeps the toursits coming. Which in reality is good for the economy, but that is not the real Peru.
I am in love with the volunteer project I am working with, and the children are wonderful and so sweet. These kids come from working class families of abusive, drunkeness. The families don't have money because usually the father spends all the money he makes on women and alcohol. While the majority of families have satellite television and cable, most don't have a fridge to keep their food in. The influence of western culture is so prominent that they feel to be happy that is what they need. A bigger better television, and don't really know what priorities are. That is where we come in. Los voluntarios de amor at the Yanapay school spend 4 hours a day with these children after school to love on them, and teach them how to live better in simple circumstances which in the long run is cleanliness and education. Most of the children can not read or write, and I am one of the tutors so everyday I work with 4 students 30 minutes each and help with reading and writing and math. We play games and use flash cards. Sometimes I just read to the little kids, but they are learning and getting something they probably don't back home. Then we have a circle of expression and they talk about events in the world and how they are feeling about the classes. Then there is 5 minutes of craziness. My favorite. I taught them the penguin song yesterday and they were so cute dancing to it. Then we go to our family groups (mine is the older kids 11-13, the dinosaurs) and talk about the theme of the week. This week is Christianity and we are doing the parable of the Prodigal Son. We are doing a skit thing today (Friday) and it should be pretty good. We have props and they are excited. Then the children have milk time and then go back home around 7.
It is a great program, and everything is like a story book. Lots of bright colors and fairies and stuffed animals, etc. I am in love with the children and leaving always sucks, but I know I've made a difference and can't wait to see where the program goes from here.
I am in love with the volunteer project I am working with, and the children are wonderful and so sweet. These kids come from working class families of abusive, drunkeness. The families don't have money because usually the father spends all the money he makes on women and alcohol. While the majority of families have satellite television and cable, most don't have a fridge to keep their food in. The influence of western culture is so prominent that they feel to be happy that is what they need. A bigger better television, and don't really know what priorities are. That is where we come in. Los voluntarios de amor at the Yanapay school spend 4 hours a day with these children after school to love on them, and teach them how to live better in simple circumstances which in the long run is cleanliness and education. Most of the children can not read or write, and I am one of the tutors so everyday I work with 4 students 30 minutes each and help with reading and writing and math. We play games and use flash cards. Sometimes I just read to the little kids, but they are learning and getting something they probably don't back home. Then we have a circle of expression and they talk about events in the world and how they are feeling about the classes. Then there is 5 minutes of craziness. My favorite. I taught them the penguin song yesterday and they were so cute dancing to it. Then we go to our family groups (mine is the older kids 11-13, the dinosaurs) and talk about the theme of the week. This week is Christianity and we are doing the parable of the Prodigal Son. We are doing a skit thing today (Friday) and it should be pretty good. We have props and they are excited. Then the children have milk time and then go back home around 7.
It is a great program, and everything is like a story book. Lots of bright colors and fairies and stuffed animals, etc. I am in love with the children and leaving always sucks, but I know I've made a difference and can't wait to see where the program goes from here.
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