Though there may be many differences between the United States and Paraguay, it has become apparent to me that there is a level of similarity as well between our countries. I have found that no matter what language you speak or how you speak it, and even if you live in poverty or wealth, there is always an amount of understanding between all human beings. However, the most striking difference between here and the U.S. is the quality of education. For example, at home it is well known by all that with exceptional education comes better opportunity, but here in Paraguay, for most students, education is a mere stepping stone towards the real world where most end up working jobs they do not like just to make ends meet. For the few who can afford it, high school can also be a doorknob connected to a doorway of better jobs and a better possibility of making more money after college.
It is not their fault that most do not take their schooling seriously, but the fault of the community in which they live by sending them messages through the resources given—by giving them small schools in which some have to take turns to learn in the morning from seven to twelve, or at night from two or three until almost eight because their school is so small that all of the students cannot learn at the same time. Also by teaching them out of torn books in tattered classrooms on graffitied desks, the school and the community send a message to their youth that in a way makes it easier for them to drop out or get into trouble. The most surprising thing of all is the school’s curriculum. I was devastated when I visited the history class of my host sister who is almost eighteen and in her last year of high school. Despite her age, she and her classmates were learning about human rights, a unit that is covered (in public schools at least) at the level of an eighth grader. In a way, I feel guilty for going to such a good school in which I am privileged to be given what I know now to be one of the best educations in the world.
by Asha, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
So far this trip has been a complete eye opener. Everything from the language to the food to the traditions are so different. When I first arrived in Carapegua, I was nervous because I have been made very aware that my Spanish is “no bueno”. But after meeting my host family, my anxieties have subsided. As soon as I arrived, the younger sister wanted to help me. She even made me a bracelet—at this point I had only just been introduced to her ten minutes before. The mother and father of the family came in and made sure everything was okay, and that their daughters had done their homework. Then we all watched TV. At that moment I realized maybe we aren’t so different. In fact, besides a few cultural differences, we are more similar than different.
Then today when we started our first project at the school, I realized that this experience is extremely important to the people of Paraguay. As we painted the mural along the school’s outside wall, little kids, bigger kids, and teachers crowded around us and complimented the work we were doing. Everyone was so grateful for our help and everyone was so curious about The United States. Throughout the past six days I have realized that this trip is not only a huge eye opener for me but it is also extremely important for the people of Paraguay.
by Grace, Wilson Senior High School
Every year, we as the leaders work with our group beforehand to get them ready for a terrific but humbling experience. And every year we both astounded by the warmth of the Paraguayans and the openness of the LearnServe Team. This year is no exception. We have to recognize how great the LSP team is—
how tolerant they are of the cold we are in, their ability to be put into new host families and share openly with them, their willingness to try new foods without complaining and their spirit to get up everyday and extend their own boundaries and learn new things. The pictures will tell only half of the story. We have been welcomed by the Paraguayans and in turn, we have welcomed them forever into our hearts and minds! We will surely have wonderful stories for our families upon return!
Jill and Margie, LSP ‘08 Co-leaders
Our afternoon activity was flying kites in a nearby field. The older kids were very good at flying the kites as high as they could go. Many of the neighborhood children would come and watch as we flew our kites. The school children were in groups of threes, and one would hold the string while the others held up the kite to catch the wind. There is something beautiful about watching these kids fly a kite all the way to heaven. It is a though once, for them, the sky is the limit.
After we finished teaching our classes today at Chikumbuso, we split into groups to receive tours of the community outside the school. Our guide was Mary, who was the tailoring instructor at Chikumbuso and also a HIV counselor. She took us to the local health clinic, Ngombe (which means cow) to see how they take care of those who are HIV positive. The clinic gives free HIV testing and treatment to the community as well as giving an open clinic. Mary, who herself is HIV positive, is in support group for people who have HIV/AIDS.
Mary told us about the stigma that exists for those who are HIV positive and how the group tries to change the public opinion through education. We were welcomed warmly with a song and thanks for our work in Zambia. The men and women in the support group wanted to emphasize how they were actively fighting HIV. They also wanted to meet Americans who were going through the same thing. Despite having this horrendous disease or living in poverty, these people choose to continue making the most of the life they have, which is something we all can learn from.
By Margaret, student at the Holton-Arms School
Editor’s note: Do you know about the LSZ ‘08 photo gallery? It contains more pictures than can be included in the blog posts. Now that technical issues have been worked out, we can expect more photos in the days to come.
On the first day of my visit at Chikumbuso I loved it. The kids are great and respectful to their classmates and new visitors. Yesterday Ms. Elizabeth assigned groups of kids for the first group. On the way there a kid asked me if he could carry my bag and I said sure. So we all walked to a big wide open dust storm soccer field which was great for kick ball but not for wiffle ball because the wind was too strong and dry.
During this session I told the kids how to play kick ball. The first step, Kelvin and I split up into two groups instead of one. Next, I taught the kids how to play kick ball. Lastly, we put one group of kids at home plate and the other group of kids in the field. Then we say play ball! Some kids were very excited when they saw us set up. So the pitcher rolled the ball and the kicker kicked it while we were setting up the game. After we told the kids not to do that anymore I stood in front of the pitcher so the kicker wouldn’t kick the ball. It was hard for the kids to understand what I was trying to say because we were using a translator. While we were playing the kids were having fun and laughing. To me that is the most important thing in life. Yesterday we had one more group left which was very tiring but I loved it.
The second day at Chikumbuso was the best. We had two sessions in the morning then we ate lunch and David and I played/taught Dodgeball. Then we had two more sessions of kick ball. At the end of the day there was dancing and singing which the LearnServe group joined in. They dance and sang because they were thankful for us being there and for the plastic bag donations that we brought. I recorded a lot of dancing and singing for my slide show presentation. We also had a tour of Chikumbuso. I am telling you this day had a lot of walking.
Hi Mom and Dad thank you for letting me go to Zambia. I know it was rough letting me go but just to let you know I am fine, and I did not get sick and don’t have bug bites yet. The plane ride was okay. The first trip to London was a lot better when I had to take another plane ride. For some reason I did not go to sleep on the second plane and that plane ride was 12 hours long. I have been keeping track of my days in my journal just for your information, because I remember that you told me that I would forget. Thank you for all your help I am enjoying myself a lot.
by Courtland, student at the Kingsbury Day School
Being back here in Paraguay is such an amazing feeling. I love both the old memories and the new experiences. So far, my favorite experience has definitely been the Horse Parade in Carapegua. We all met at the town plaza at 9 am, where we were told that we would be watching horses from all over the area come and perform. This definitely did not prepare me for the extravagant sight I’d be seeing.
After a couple of hours of standing around and waiting, we heard many clicks approaching. Hundreds and hundreds (maybe even thousands) of horses filled the streets of the small town known as San Juan.
The riders brought in their best and strongest horses, which were all lined up perfectly, dressed in lavish costumes and some performing little dances.
After about an hour of watching the horses and their riders walk by, there was a rush to the stadium. Walking into that stadium, I had never seen so many horses in my entire life! People gathered in like mad men to see the event of the year. The horses stood in the middle of the field, performing acts and dances. Around the perimeter of the field were countless riders, riding their horses around the field. People were filled with excitement and energy as they watched the horses perform. It was so incredible being there and seeing so many people and so many horses.
It’s so great to see because it’s so different than anything I’ve ever seen in the United States. People that didn’t even know each other were so helpful and friendly to each other. They were constantly watching out for inexperienced riders, and helping those who had trouble controlling their horses. I even got to ride one of the horses, and trust me, it is so much harder than it looks. This definitely was something I’ll never forget, it was such an amazing experience.
Maddy, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
This morning was our first morning in Carapegua. We arrived yesterday afternoon to be received with a huge reception at the local school. We sang both national anthems and the principal of the school welcomed us with a lot of warmth. From the local school, we visited the Plaza in Carapegua where our entire group touched base. We all get along really well which is great!!!
The teachers went to the homes of Paraguyan teachers and the students went to the students’ homes to spend the night. This morning we all met up at the local school and separated into groups. The students gave the kids at the school basic computer training while the teachers talked about their teaching methods in the USA and exchanged ideas. Tomorrow the kids will be doing various projects with the local kids at their schools. Most of us are painting the local schools. For the most part, the food is great and everybody really gets along with one another.
Ithi, Chantilly High School
(Note: due to technical difficulties, we have been unable to post photos from LSP ‘08. We hope to have this sorted out soon!)
Our second day at David Kaunda National Technical High School was highly influential for my fellow peers as well as myself. This day left a new perception of individuals my age from another country, which consisted of the fact that these students were no different from students at my school (Wilson High School) and me.
Similarities were discovered right and left as we all spent more time together discussing questions we had for each other. At one point after I walked into one of the classrooms, exchanged names, and started to interact with the students it felt as if I were back at home in one of my own classrooms but, of course with new people. When we first entered the campus grounds I looked around and observed others as their facial expressions indicated that some were nervous, some didn’t know what expect but, myself, as we entered the open gates I did the same with a open mind (as I do with all new experiences).
Phenomenal could describe this day. These students left such of a strong impression simply by demonstrating their talents and ability to be so welcoming/friendly. I’m strongly encouraged to participate in many extracurricular activities, such as the drama club, and to demonstrate, myself, how welcoming I can be. Also, come fall I will become an entirely different student. Seeing and observing how focused and serious these students are about how I strive to be as a student encourages to become better because to them education is a privilege.
by Luria, student at Wilson Senior High School
Wow, the very first word that comes to my mind when I think about the students from David Kaunda Technical High School. The students along with the teachers gave the LearnServe Zambia participants a tour of the campus that houses 10-12th grade students from Zambia. The students that we met today are without a doubt impressive, hungry for knowledge, and respect the art of education. For example, Gideon is approaching his year of completion at David Kaunda (DK) hopes to pursue a career as a Zambian lawyer. During my conversation with this extremely mature young man I never would have thought that he was just 18 years old. Gideon holds the title as Head Boy for the school and is a member of the drama club.
After we all arrived back to the conference room from our tour the drama club put on a performance about HIV, recited a poem, rapped, and sent us off with a dance. The performance about HIV was brief but powerful. The students proved that with little to no props, words partnered with emotion and conviction can grab the attention of an audience one or many.
After the performances we were given the opportunity to ask the drama club members’ questions. One of the LearnServe participants asked the students if they went to different locations to spread their HIV awareness message. Before the students responded to the question the majority of them put their head down. I am not sure why they put their head down, but their responses were as such, “If we had the opportunity, we would,” said the young man who played the drum during the rap. The female student who displayed one of her many talents through rap said, “If we were given the chance.” These two short responses struck a core in me that sent all kinds of emotions. I wanted to ask right then and there, “What can we do to create the opportunity? What do you need?” Rather than ask the questions to the entire drama club I patiently waited to ask the Head Boy, Gideon. When Gideon was sitting by himself I simply asked him the two questions mentioned above. He told me that they needed transportation, finances, and something to leave the people in the community after they inform them about HIV. We always hear that it takes a village to raise a child, but the child that is raised can change the community or the world. Maybe we can implement a plan of action to help support the students at David Kaunda reach their community and spread their HIV awareness message.
By Carmen Brown, Life Skills Counselor at The SEED Public Charter School
During our group reflection, I was asked what stood out most to me at David Kaunda. I thought about the simple things like the way the school looked or how the school day was structured. But then I looked a bit deeper into my day there, and I realized dedicated the other students were. They were insanely smart and movitaved. My partner was a 12th grade boy who wants to be neurosurgeon, and with his dedicaton I do not doubt that he will accomplish his dreams. Also many of the other students that I spoke with wanted to be doctors or engineers. All the kids in my grade want to be fashion designers, interior designers, or pursue a career in a field where they will simply make a lot of money, but these kids had real solid goals. They all want to be something important or do something to change the world. I think this is very admirable. Many of them are also so aware about the HIV/AIDS crisis, and they are dedicated to find a cure. Everyone there was so kind, compassionate, opened there arms to us and fully embraced us. It makes everything we do worthwhile.
By Ellie
