First Day of Service

After a wonderful breakfast together we began our first day of service in Anse La Raye. We were driven to our various destinations. First, we arrived at the primary school where there was a special assembly held for all the students. The principal informed all in attendance that this school is a literary center whose main goal is to teach all students to be able to read. A community leader, Marie-Louise Reid had a very inspiring opening ceremony with saying the Lord’s Prayer followed by an enthusiastic school song. This included the reciting of the school slogan, “The difficulties in my path will not defeat my ambition”.

They stressed the importance of being able to read fully in their education and Global Volunteers Emily and Flo were presented at the assembly to help them achieve better reading skills. The students were then asked what they want to become in life and they need to read before they can become most of these jobs. She showed them a big key and used audience participation to unlock their mind and use their potential – that being the key to reading. It was all in all, very moving. Emily and Flo each got a student each to teach and they seemed happy and responded well but it was obvious that they need help to recognize sounds and words. They also met a Peace Corps volunteer, named Gabby who worked with them on a more need specific lesson plan for the next day.