Work Continues

After a wonderful breakfast together, we all went our separate ways.

Emily and Flo introduced a new system of learning at the primary school, grouping children by identifying similar strengths and needs. Working with groups had their challenges but with some tweaking this new format of teaching seems to build positively on the one-on-one format.

Don and Margaret continued to work on ironing out the details of the next earth box shipment and also on more long-term planning such as partnerships and cost-cutting strategies. They also worked with the Health Center on records and documents in hopes of developing some stats on island nutrition.

Carita had her hands full at the preschool (Kid Step), making materials to help her teach and get through to the kids. After some discussion, her recommendations seem to make a difference!

Katie and Tracey continued with the Rover Caregiver Program (RCP), following a different rover than the day before. Today going into homes proved challenging, seeing some uncomfortable differences in various aspects of life. The rovers themselves are very inspiring, opening up and sharing stories and ambitions.

We then came back to JJ’s Paradise for my first taste of octopus! Quite delicious, with great company and of course a Piton or two. Looking forward to tomorrow!

A New Week; a New Volunteer Team

Flo with students at Primary School assembly.

After a wonderful breakfast together, we began our first day of service in Anse La Raye. We were dropped of and driven to our various destinations.

Firstly, 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 read. A community leader, Marie-Louise Reid offered a very inspiring opening ceremony beginning with 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. It was pointed out they need to read before they can become most of the professionals they named. She showed them a big bag and used audience participation to illustrate how they need to unlock their minds and use their potential – that being the key to reading. It was all in all, very moving. 

Emily and Flo were each assigned a student to tutor, and both students seemed happy, and responded well. But it was obvious that they need help to recognize sounds and words. Gabby, a newly installed Peace Corps worker at the school introduced herself, and suggested specific lesson plans for the next day.   It was a good day.
- Flo

12th Team in St. Lucia - May 2013 on The St. Lucia Project

Volunteers from across the USA and from Toronto, Canada converged in St. Lucia to lend a hand for two weeks in  Anse la Raye.  Assisting on projects to improve nutrition, health and literacy - the team has spread out through the community to work with local people and build on the momentum of 11 teams preceding them.  Some team members brought donations to re-stock our resources for tutoring in the primary school - others brought medical supplies and children's clothing.  One Minnesota supporter donated 7 bags of size 2-5 dresses, tops and pants and shoes, shoes, shoes which were delivered to a VERY grateful Kids' Step Preschool.  Thanks, Jen for your generosity!  The children were very excited to know how much people care about them.

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.

Cinco de Mayo in St. Lucia

Carita is interviewed about choosing Global Volunteers by Jason Davis.

All team members arrived as expected yesterday.  No unhappy surprises there!  We were greeted in the customary way at the airport by Country Manager Warren and driver, Ian.

Today, we were introduced to David Peterson and Jason Davis  from KSTP TV in Minnesota who are here to shoot a story on the St. Lucia Project.  We were told to introduce ourselves and offer a few words about why we joined Global Volunteers.  We commenced our team orientation, and then Michele Gran told  us about how Global Volunteers came to be in it’s early days.

After breakfast, we attended Sunday service at Anse-la-Raye's Nativity Catholic Church.  Most of the islanders are Catholic, and the church holds a strong influence on the culture. It was a nice service.  Father Amal Raj asked for any birthdays this week, so Margaret went to the front of the church for a birthday card and a blessing with holy water.  The congregation clapped and sang as the Global Volunteers and birthday celebrants were recognized for a special song of friendship.

We returned to JJ’s Paradise Resort and completed orientation -- Philosophy of service, policies and guidelines, Health and safety, food, money, environment.  Team goals, team characters, twelve essential services.  How we got to Anse la Raye.

Carita will serve at Kids' Step Preschool,  Flo and Emile will teach at the Primary School, Traci and Kati will work with the roving caregivers.  Dawn will be in charge Earth Boxes with Margaret.

A wonderful start to a wonderful adventure!

Thought for the day:  When we face our maker we will not be asked “How many positions did you hold, but rather “ How many people did you help?

Cinco de Mayo

 

Thought for the day:  When we face our maker we will not be asked “How many positions did you hold”, but rather “ How many people did you help”?

 

We were introduced to David and Jason from the TV program, “On the Road” by  KSTP-5 TV from Minnesota.  We were told to introduce our self and say a few words about why we here for Global Volunteers.  Michele Gran shared with us how Global Volunteers developed.

 

We had breakfast and went to Sunday service at the Cahtolic Church in Anse la Raye, led by Father Rajh. It was a nice service.  Father asked for any birthdays this week, so Margaret went to the front of the church for a birthday card and blessing with holy water.  The congregation clapped and sang to the Global Volunteers with a special welcome song.

 

We returned to JJ’s Paradise resort and had an orientation, which covered the Global Volunteers  Philosophy of Service, Policies and Guidelines, Health and Safety, Food, Money, Team Goals & Characteristics, The 12 Essential Services, and how the project in St. Lucia developed. 

The team site assignments include: Carita at Kids Step Pre-School, Flo and Emily to tutor at the  Primary School, Traci and Katie to work with the Roving Caregivers, and Dawn and Margaret, EarthBox project.

Arriving in St. Lucia

All seven Global Volunteers arrived safely:  Carita: Minnesota, Tracy: Colorado, Flo: St. Paul MN, Emily and Katie: Ontario, Dawn: Pennsylvania, and Margaret from Ohio. We were assigned rooms and enjoyed a nice dinner at JD’s restaurant on the bay. This was Margaret’s birthday.