This blog reflects my opinions and does not reflect the opinions of the US Government or the Peace Corps

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Sad School

I went to a meeting yesterday to help plan the “desfile” parade that will happen for my town fair in two weeks. I sat in a classroom for about 40 minutes waiting for others to show up and I noticed the only school rules are as follows:
NOT Permitted:
-headphones
-eating
-liquor
-bad habits
-makeup
-being without a uniform
I agree that most of these are good rules but what about respect? Or raising your hand? Or turning in assignments? There are so many things wrong and corrupt with the education system in Guatemala it breaks my heart. These kids want to learn but often it is just not possible because of lack of funding, quality teachers or they have to stay home and work.

Another sad fact for my middle school is there are currently NO teachers! I went to visit with the director on 3 different occasions a week ago and he never showed up, not even once! I was really annoyed and couldn’t understand why he kept standing me up when I was doing him a favor and teaching English classes. I found out yesterday all the teachers got better job offers in other communities so there is no one to teach now. There are 6 classes of students in three grades that are without classes. School was supposed to start the 17th but as of yet, nothing. The town men are meeting on Friday to “discuss the problem” but what can be done?!!? They need teachers ASAP but knowing how slow things move in Guatemala it may be a while before there are teachers for these eager minds.

On another note I was in Xela last week for more medical appointments. The city is the second largest and it felt like it. I am sure used to aldea life. I stayed with my friend Shannon who lives nearby and it was great to hang out with her and see her town. Nothing new to report on the medical side…things are still up in the air. It’s all very frustrating. But I push on….

3 comments:

  1. We'll come for chili anytime!!!! Just got caught up on your blog. Loved the pictures, esp Lake Azatlan & you "underwater". Hope all is well and that fence gives you a little piece of mind. HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY!!!! S & K

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  2. Hi Kelly, I wish you a wonderful day.
    I love those Pictures about Pet, they bring back lots of memories when I was a Kid, anyway.
    keep your self warm, you need it, because Santa Eulalia is always cold. I know it, is my home town, if is your first year there, I guess you need a good sleeping bag or warm blankets, because is cold and always raining.
    God bless you!
    AlexB
    ucn2002@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. From: AlexB
    Hi Kelly, I wish you a wonderful day.
    I love those Pictures about Pet, they bring back lots of good memories when I was a Kid, anyway.
    keep your self warm, you need it, because Santa Eulalia is always cold. I know it because used to be my home town, if this is your first year there, I guess you need a good sleeping bag or warm blankets, because is cold and always raining.
    God bless you!
    AlexB
    ucn2002@msn.com

    ReplyDelete