Dear Friends,
Thank you for not giving up on this travel journal and me! The last week went by in such a whirl that I haven't made time to write. I also forgot to take pictures so had to wait for others to send me some to post!
So in this last week... Our pregnant teacher delivered a little boy and we're claiming him as a participant. The group wrote wonderful "thank you" letters to the University UNIVO, the US Embassy, and the Peace Corps. The letters aren't perfect, but the appreciation and gratitude come through loud and clear. A few English language students who sat in on the workshop continued to come on their own the last week, and a former participant also returned for a "refresher" on her own time.
One of the volunteers and I attended a special graduation for HS students who have been studying English on Saturdays for 3 years, or every day for 7 months. Through this event we met directors of other groups who are interested in having their teachers participate with us next year -- an unexpected outreach opportunity for the Project.
And then the festivities started! The teachers surprised the volunteers with ice cream cake, music and dancing on Thursday. Each teacher received 3 reference books and basic teaching supplies. All other materials used in the workshop were distributed through a lottery system. We said that if the few remaining items were not of interest, a teacher could "pass" his/her turn. One of the teachers reminded us that "Salvadorans never pass!!"
After a well-attended happy closing ceremony on Friday, tons of photos, and delicious empanadas, we said our emotional (and sometimes tearful) good-byes. It was such a joy to meet the children, families, directors, and friends of our very dedicated teacher participants. Our extended Salvadoran family say they will be waiting for us to return next year so they can tell us all about the new techniques they used in their classrooms.
The team is packing up to go back to San Salvador in the morning, and from there heading back to the US. My co-director and I are spending a couple of extra days making further contacts so I'll have 1 more journal entry for you.
Talk to you again shortly...
Daphne
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