St. Lucia Service Trip

Today was our first day starting our service work. In the morning at 10:00 we met in our room to figure out what we were going to do for the day. I am glad we met in the morning because from last night’s meeting I was still confused about what the plan was for the week. I know we planned to do the clocks for the today. Somebody in the group suggested to do the store on Tuesday but I don’t know how that is going to work since the plan was for the students to rack up the money, throughout the week, so they can spend the money in a store we setup, so they can practice how to count money. I brought up that issue in the group meeting and we thought it would be better for us to plan one day at a time. Also since it was our first day we all were kind of nervous about how the day was going to go and when the day was over we would have better idea of what we should do throughout the week. After the meeting was over we prepared for the clock activity by separating the materials. We also decided that half of the RC boys would read while the other half was going to make clocks; afterward switch.

We arrived at the RC boys school around 1:00. When we arrived the kids surrounded us while some of the group members were taking pictures. They were so cute; they all posed for the pictures. The school kind of reminded me of school in Bangladesh villages. They conditions were so poor I wish we could something help it look more vibrant. When we were climbing the stairs I saw in the corner lots of broken desk. When we went to the classroom the teacher introduced us. The kids were so polite and adorable; soon as we went in they said “Good afternoon”. Before they started their class they said grace for the meal they just had. I thought it was incredible. We divided the class into halves. I was working on the clock project. Joe was the leader for the project. He started giving directions on how to make the clocks. It was really funny because the kids got excited and they started numbering on the plate without listening to the rest of the directions, so we had to give them new plates. They were so excited to make the clock. I helped Curn and Jean Claude make the clocks. I loved how creative they got with the clock. Jamal used different colors for each of his number and letters. In the beginning we thought the activities were going to be quick but the clocks took longer then expected. I loved how they referred to me as Ms. Shubra, I thought it was so adorable. I liked how they behaved in class and how polite they were always saying “Thank You”. They were quiet as Ms. King, their teacher spoke. After everyone in both groups was done with their activities of reading and clock making, I introduced the concept of money. We gave out fake $45 EC for following directions and behaving so well. We told them they had to hold on to their money and Ms. King explained how they should not use the fake money outside of class. As we were leaving they all said “Thank You” and “Bye”.

Afterward we went to Anse La Raye. I was really worried about the “Word Jam” because I didn’t know how I was going help them with poems and songs. I don’t have any skills to help with songs and poems. When we went there our group of IR students was divided into six groups and the Anse La Raye students divided up and joined our groups. In the beginning we just introduced ourselves and we asked everyone what they would like to do. Sharli-Ann, Maria, Diana and I were the IR students that were to help and work with the students of Anse La Raye. In the beginning we asked them if they would like to share anything but they were very shy. Amy volunteered to share a skit she wrote. It was a teenage girl who got pregnant and didn’t know how to tell her parents about it. I was so proud of her. The skit was really well written. In the end we decided as a group that we would like to do this play for our “Word Jam”. Some of the younger kids decided they were going to poems about the play and present it before we do the skit. We started working out who is going to do what role and the hour went by so fast. Soon it was time for us to leave. I can’t wait till the next day, when we get to go back to Anse La Raye and see what poems the younger kids came up with and how they plan to perform the skit. I was really proud of them and the their talents really amazed me.