Our second day at the Altagracia school was full and successful. We got an early start and arrived as the students were streaming in on foot, on motor scooters, and a few in cars. No school busses here. We had the honor of being present for the daily opening ceremony. The students lined up in the courtyard, and sang the national anthem, hands over hearts, as the flag was raised. We then divided into our two teaching teams, each following one of the designated English teachers, Valentina and Lewis. The lesson for the fifth grade class was family and family names: mother, father, sister and brother. We drilled on the words, performed skits, and even had time to review some past lessons. This first class, by the way, was outdoors in the courtyard so we could divide into small groups, and also use sidewalk chalk as an additional teaching tool. The next two classes were Lewis’ Physical Education classes, again in the courtyard. We combined English and PE, with vigorous games of “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” and “Hokey Pokey”. Then it was time for recess, and the courtyard flooded with children, all eager to connect with los Americanos. Our young people stepped up with all sorts of games of tag, hopscotch, basketball and fancy handshakes. Kyle tried to dribble a soccer ball through the entire student body with limited success. Then it was time for lunch. We sent the students back inside reluctantly, with promises of “hasta pronto “. We hopped onto the bus and had a quick lunch at the hotel, eager to return for the afternoon. The last class of the day for Lewis was sixth graders. They also had the family lesson, and did a splendid job with their skits, having appreciated the example set by our students. All too soon it was the end of the school day. We all poured out of the building together, now used to the chaos and noise of Altagracia in transition. We had the joy of walking through a gauntlet of hugs, high fives and greetings as we boarded the bus, with promises of “hasta manana”.
Our day wasn’t done. We left a tough part of the city for a tougher part, La Colonia, where we visited a wonderfully successful womens’ collective, organized by Rita more than a decade ago with great support from the Norwich church. It was moving to see Norwich Pastor Mary Brownlow see this place for the first time. Over the years, many local women have established a successful business weaving tote bags in vivid colors out of recycled plastic bags. The business has grown to the extent that members are traveling to the U.S. to sell these high quality crafts at trade shows. We had a warm welcomed with delicious local fruit, beautiful bracelets that each member placed on our wrists in a way that was sacramental, introduced ourselves to each other, and danced to the music from a nearby club. Yes, we danced. It’s a DR thing. We heard some stories of struggle and success, and had a chance to purchase several of the bags. Each sale helps support local families, and lifts the entire community.
We are half way through our trip. It’s hard to believe we have only two days left at school. We will be sad to leave but feel wonderful that this amazing program has a strong chance of being successful (with your support) and sustainable. We promise to make the most of every minute we have left.
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