Day 5: last day on site
Today was the last day on site and despite knowing that it was
the last day with the children, we maintained our positive attitudes. Teresa graciously offered us a tour of the community and we were permitted to
experience various environments and levels of poverty. Everyone had developed
a solemn mood because even though we saw smiling faces, our eyes would still
look behind that and see the effects that impoverishment had on the families.
During the walk, we learned about eco stoves and how the old open fire stoves
were causing not only health problems but environmental problems as well. For
the past few years Teresa has been trying to replace these detrimental old
stoves with the eco-friendly new ones. We got to learn the stories of the
people we visited and Mrs.Mangat (as well as the rest of us) made a connection
with a grandma that was living alone. Meeting her definitely inspired us even
more to continue doing what we are doing.
When we got back from the walk, our
group was instructed to aid with the concrete roof. Despite the fact that not
everyone could help with the roof, they all still found a way to contribute by
practising Math with kids. After we ate lunch, the entire group got to interact
with the kids, play games, read, complete puzzles and speak with Teresa about
social problems prevalent in the country. We noticed once again while playing
the games that some of the kids were extremely bright and sharp minded.
Afterwards, we led them through some planned activities such as "Musical
Chairs", "Four Corners" and "What time is it Mr.Wolf?".
During the walk, we learned about eco stoves and how the old open fire stoves were causing not only health problems but environmental problems as well. For the past few years Teresa has been trying to replace these detrimental old stoves with the eco-friendly new ones. We got to learn the stories of the people we visited and Mrs.Mangat (as well as the rest of us) made a connection with a grandma that was living alone. Meeting her definitely inspired us even more to continue doing what we are doing.
When we got back from the walk, our group was instructed to aid with the concrete roof. Despite the fact that not everyone could help with the roof, they all still found a way to contribute by practising Math with kids. After we ate lunch, the entire group got to interact with the kids, play games, read, complete puzzles and speak with Teresa about social problems prevalent in the country. We noticed once again while playing the games that some of the kids were extremely bright and sharp minded. Afterwards, we led them through some planned activities such as "Musical Chairs", "Four Corners" and "What time is it Mr.Wolf?".
We thoroughly enjoyed the time with the
children and exchanged thank you cards with them. We got some in return and
said our goodbyes, hoping to return to the centre.
Before going back to the
hotel, Teresa kindly offered to take us into her home. It was incredibly
beautiful and she had very welcoming dogs and a parrot. We walked around and
talked with Teresa about Guatemala, Antigua and many other things. We said
goodbye to Teresa and headed over to the hotel.
After showering and changing,
we headed over to Fernando's for dinner. We had a great dinner and Fernando and
his wife joined us for a delicious desert before giving us a tour of his
chocolate and coffee factory. We got to try a kakao bean and a chocolate covered
kakao bean. We learned a lot about the quality of chocolate and coffee and
Fernando was extremely well versed in the trade. It was all in all very
informative and interesting. After saying goodbye and thanking Fernando, we
left for the hotel aiming to retire early due to the Pacaya Volcano hike the
next morning.
Mandeep
Panorama Ridge Student
DWC Volunteer
Guatemala March 2016
Before going back to the hotel, Teresa kindly offered to take us into her home. It was incredibly beautiful and she had very welcoming dogs and a parrot. We walked around and talked with Teresa about Guatemala, Antigua and many other things. We said goodbye to Teresa and headed over to the hotel.
After showering and changing, we headed over to Fernando's for dinner. We had a great dinner and Fernando and his wife joined us for a delicious desert before giving us a tour of his chocolate and coffee factory. We got to try a kakao bean and a chocolate covered kakao bean. We learned a lot about the quality of chocolate and coffee and Fernando was extremely well versed in the trade. It was all in all very informative and interesting. After saying goodbye and thanking Fernando, we left for the hotel aiming to retire early due to the Pacaya Volcano hike the next morning.
Mandeep
Panorama Ridge Student
DWC Volunteer
Guatemala March 2016
