Week two began with a meeting. We were informed by our partner organization that we would begin a new session of classes on top of the work we were already doing. It sounded to us like a challenge, so of course we were up for it!
On Monday, we began our work once again at the place we have all affectionately dubbed "the Fat House". The volunteers broke the students into groups for learning while Bao constructed a tree swing made from bamboo and twine for the kids to swing on. After an exciting soccer match, the group headed home for our afternoon trip to a large orphanage in Bien Hoa city for mentally and physically disabled orphans. As we visited with the children, each room we encountered contained progressively worse cases. By the end, the room we were in was filled with children unable to get out of bed, to feed themselves, or in some cases, even to move. These children were abandoned by their parents, discarded in hospitals or even in trash cans. Despite our sadness, we knew what we were there to do. We hoped that by just being there, holding their hands and speaking softly to them, that they would realize that these new faces they could see (or if they couldn't see, new hands they could touch) were faces of people who cared about them. Hopefully, and it is my sincere hope, that on that day the children, at least for a second, received our positive wishes and feelings.
On Tuesday, we began our work with the new students at a middle school about 4 km from our hotel. This new group of about 75 kids was enthusiastic and ready to learn. On the first day with them, we played some icebreaker games and settled into each of the 4 classes. The theme of the day was "food", which of course made both the students and the teachers extra hungry for lunch! After saying goodbye to the students there, we caught the bus back home to prepare for our second week of the night classes. By the time 6 PM arrived, it was obvious to us that we had even more students than we had anticipated. The night class schedule had now grown from 4 classes on the first day to 7 classes by the start of the second week. After splitting the classes up, we went to work. The "A" classes learned parts of the body and colors, the "B" classes learned a variety of different topics, and the "C" classes read and wrote their own poetry! Although the sessions are only 2 hours long, the 2 hours are being filled with so many activities it is impossible not to have fun.
On Wednesday we returned to the middle school. The theme of the day was "a trip to the zoo", so all of the students learned a ton of new vocabulary, including many many different animals and zoo terms. At the end of the instruction period, we brought the kids outside to test their knowledge in a game of "speed zoo charades". Each class sat in a circle, and one student had to act out an animal at a time. When his or her classmates gave the correct response (in English, of course!), the next student would go. The first class to have everyone act out an animal and guess it was the winner! It was a lot of fun and a lot of new knowledge was gained. In the afternoon, we revisited the orphanage we traveled to on Monday, and of course many of the kids remembered us! It was so great to see them again, and we can't wait to return next week.
On Thursday, the theme at the middle school was "Music". The classes formed two groups, one learning K'Naan's "Waving Flag" and the other learning Taylor Swift's "Love Story". At the end, the classes performed for each other and it was a lot of fun! The students did a really good job and were excited to learn as well. In the evening, the classes in the evening were even bigger than before. The students studied diligently and have definitely improved since we have arrived! The volunteers now know their set classes, and their lesson plans are now customized to meet the specific needs of their students.
On Friday, we ventured back to the "Fat House" where the students learned about different animals and learned the song "Old McDonald" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". They had so much fun making the animal sounds! And of course, the Friday night class was a blast as well, since Friday is music day!! The "C" students even learned a rap! It was amazing.
Over the weekend, many of the volunteers traveled to visit family or just stayed home to relax and prepare for an exciting new week. The trip has been one of constant adjustment, but overall so far it is a huge success here in Bien Hoa. Keep checking back for weeks 3 and 4 updates!
Say Hello to the World!
Victor - ETA4 Bien Hoa
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