New Exploratory Ways to Education

OPEN YOUR EYES TO GREATER OPPORTUNITIES

Having the privilege and opportunity to visit a variety of schools has created a larger understanding of context for me throughout Peru. We had one more school visit on our list to see and this school did not disappoint. Fe y Alegría left a lasting impression on me and has planted a tiny seed inside of me that I can hopefully translate into my own classroom someday. This school was extremely organized, clean, had free tuition, and helped students understand and be proud of their culture and language. This school created advantages and disadvantages for all students who attended. Being located higher in the mountains created more opportunities for students from all around, even miles and miles away, to have a chance at an equal education. There was no transportation provided to these students due to the rocky terrain, so students would walk up to two or three hours just so they can receive an education. Although they had such challenges to walk so far, the attendance rate was nearly perfect every day. My classmates and I had the opportunity of sitting in on some of the classrooms to get an idea of what they teach, and I was part of a language and culture class. The teacher asked the students if they were familiar with the Quechua language and many students raised their hands. When the teacher asked if anyone spoke Quechua, only one person did a half hand raise. The teacher asked them what their reason was for not speaking or learning the language. The students said that it was weird, people made fun of them, no one would be able to understand them. The teacher began her lesson on the importance of why you should not be ashamed of where you come from. She explained how even though others will not understand your background, it is your job to be proud and eventually educate people on your culture. The students were handed a piece of paper with different phrases in Quechua. They had to practice writing and speaking with their parents when they were home. From then on out, every day they would learn new things to write and speak to bring their culture to life. The Quechua language was dying because too many people have been discriminated against for their culture, and it is sad to see that this same thing is currently going on in the United States. Discrimination of people because they are not the majority is a major problem all over the world. As a teacher, it is my job to continue to learn about what goes on outside of the classroom and work it back inside the classroom. Students need to be introduced to what is surrounding them and bringing their attention to major problems, such as discrimination. The connections about bringing our own culture to the classroom is strong and can create a tighter bond with the people in our own community. It is important to always be open to growing and exploring because that is what will open your eyes to greater opportunities.

STRIVING FOR GREATNESS

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