They will be the ones . . .

Here’s a photo of one of my English classes at the Colegio (High School).  I have about 15 students in each class.  My primary projects here do not include the teaching of English but I’ve been doing so during these first months as I integrate more and more with the community because I feel it is a good thing to do for now, and I’d like to explain why.  I spend quite a lot of time working on the issues of the artesanas here; however, in thinking about other members of this community, I know that they, too, will play a role in a successful future for Yataity.  I have been thinking about the youth in particular.

They want to learn English and that knowledge will aid them in their future endeavors, plus, it has been easy to meet the adults here, but I haven’t really had many opportunities to meet the youth, and I’m really hoping to get to know them.  The reasons are simple:  1) They are fun, bright, interesting and enlightening, 2) They are so interested in learning English; 3) I want to share some incredible resources with them, and 4) the biggest reason: they hold our future in their hands. They soon will be the ones responsible for this community and its capacity to flourish.

Peace Corps Paraguay has initiatives that the youth of Yataity shouldn’t miss out on.  I can’t imagine living here for two years and not sharing these with them – leadership camps, entrepreneurship workshops, classes on planning for their future and setting goals, and so many other great opportunities that will not only benefit them, but will benefit this village in the long run.  How could I possibly not let them in on such cool, life-changing programs.

So, back to our classes –  Our English classes are full of energy and the students seem to be learning fast.  They are good-natured and their kindheartedness stands out. Typical Paraguayans, they have a loving nature and are very accepting.  They turn to help each other with the difficult words.  They giggle and work hard to follow my instructions when I show them that their tongue has to touch the front teeth to say “this and that” correctly.

My first days in class were spent setting out the Normas de Aula, (classroom rules) so my classes would be manageable. (My friends Lorraine Khoury, in Waco, Texas and Profesor Jorge Monges of Villarrica, Paraguay, both taught me the importance of taking the time to establish rules of behavior in the classroom). I thought it would be hard for me to do.  I love these children and I feel so tenderhearted about them; it could be difficult for me to be strict.  But, I had heard that in some schools the students like to play with their cell phones during class and chat with each other freely. so I made a point of having them discuss the rules and I specifically acted out the two rules — that (1) cell phones would be handed over to me and placed in my pocket if i saw one in class, and (2) chatting students would be asked to come sit by me instead of sitting with their group.  They are great students and easy to work with.  With the snap of my fingers a conversation ceases and they begin to listen, and I feel so proud of them.

Some of my students know a little English but most know none at all.  They range from 13-18 years old.  I learned that many of their English classes have been taught in the traditional Paraguayan way with lots of writing and board work, and perhaps with little group interaction or pronunciation work.  So, they are excited that we write only for homework, that there is no board work and that our whole two hour period is spent conversing and using correct pronunciation.

We use long flashcards like we used in our Peace Corps language classes, containing everyday phrases and I move among them, speaking, listening, and turning the card from front to back so they continually see both the English and Spanish words of what they are saying.  They seem not to get bored repeating words in parts and the whole, twenty times, watching my mouth, learning how to pronounce “where” and “what” and “when” by blowing out a candle, and pronouncing the same “f” for “fine” as the “f” in fuego.

When I see them getting restless or glazed over, we get up, dance and clap the rhythm of a sentence in sing-song fashion or get in groups of four and make up scenarios where they meet and greet someone to say hello, ask about someone’s health, ask them their name, listen to responses and respond in kind.  We are learning “How old are you?” just for fun (not for use with their adult friends!)…..and when we practiced with me, after I would answer “I’m 62,” we learned then to say,  “Really? That is SO old!” then roll the eyes, tsk tsk, smile and say “I’m so sorry.” Reeally fun and cute things happen in class.

In my discussions with them it is clear that they have a desire to plan more for their future and I feel they will be interested in attending my classes in entrepreneurship, civic leadership, civic participation, and self-esteem.  Many young people in Paraguay are leaving their pueblos (villages) for higher ground like Asuncion, Encarnacion and Cuidad del Este where they feel they can make more money.

It does seem to go against their grain to an extent though, to leave their families, because they are accustomed to living with family even after marriage, in sort of a con, com,  con com, what’s the word?  Not conclave….houses  close together…. Compound!  (My brain is so confounded by three languages going on at once, that I sometimes forget my English vocabulary!)  Some, of course, may really wish to leave home but truly their culture is very different in this regard and not many do as our young adults do in the states, and leave home for independent living.

I believe that here in Yataity, our youth can have what they want if they work for it.  If they want to stay in this incredible community, a community rich in heritage, where creativity and hard work are combined to produce beauty, they can.  They will be the ones who utilize the new systems our world is offering, to make sure this beautiful place not only remains alive but flourishes in the years to come.  I’m here to help them get a jumpstart and we’ll brainstorm together on how to best utilize their gifts to the benefit of their families and their community.