Keepin on keepin on

Well, we managed to create some sort of work-in-progress schedule for our After School program and we got to open again on Thursday! About 30 kids joined us for our modified schedule and it was great to see them again! However, we still have a long way before we establish an acceptable, easy-to-understand schedule for teachers and students alike. What's more, this first term is almost over, so we really only have one week of school left to work with the kids before the break; at least break will give us time to inform all of the teachers on how the new schedule will work for 2nd term and to make sure we have their support. Plus, we get 5 days a week (if not more!) with the kids!

Somedays though, I still find it difficult to find the motivation to keep fighting the good fight. We've learned quite well how to pick our battles and honestly, I find myself relenting to appease the teachers or administration more often than not-so long as it doesn't hinder progress of our program or affect the kids in a negative way. Although I might find weekly meetings tedious (by might I mean absolutely do), I've decided to suck it up and go full steam ahead into them. When teachers or admin refer to the "old way of doing things" I try so hard to bite my tongue and figure out a respectable way to suggest new ideas, if I can. Having the teachers on our side makes a HUGE difference: the difference we need right now to keep this program alive.

I had an idea thanks to my awesome mom: Last week, she sent a Rhyming Dominoes card game for the kids. It's been a big hit, but recently one of our friends came over and was trying to do it himself. He's a smart guy, graduated Secondary level and even still, was having a bit of trouble completing the game. Not because he wasn't smart enough, but the kind of listening, speaking and thinking skills required are just completely absent from this education system. And that's just rhyming! So, I decided I would bring the cards to the next teacher's meeting and ask them to play. I feel confident the teachers will enjoy themselves, but no doubt will struggle in completing it. My hope is they can begin to understand what we are doing in the Youth Center isn't just fun & games, but fun games with a purpose. With that, I hope we can begin to build the bridge we so badly need!

And in honor of today I thought I'd add, many of our conversations feel like one, big April Fools joke, but I'm almost positive that day is exclusive to the good ol USA. Have fun!

Stay tuned for more and thanks, as always, for your continued love & support.