Salento is a traditional town with amazing landscapes that is nestled in Cocora Valley. I don't know if it was the shared willy jeep ride from Salento to the Valle de Cocora or the thin, towering Quindio wax palms or riding a horse through the cloud forest but today was wonderful! Cocora Valley itself is a beautiful creation by Mother Nature, a place that will take your breath away, make sigh, and even ponder over the wonders of the wild. The wax palm is the national tree of Colombia. These world's tallest palm trees look like slender giants and could be seen emerging atop green mountains. Did you know that the Quindio wax palm can grow up to height of 200 feet (60 meters)?
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This morning my fellow TGC fellows and I had to present to the student body at Normal Superior School. This group of students are enrolled in the pedagogical program and are studying to be teachers. Before I left for my international field experience, I had to create a powerpoint of who I was. Through this powerpoint I was able to share with the Colombian students my Navajo culture. Everyone in the room was not aware that America had indigenous indians and were amazed at how beautiful our culture was. I am proud of who I am, where I come from and to be able to share it with others was a wonderful feeling. As an indigenous indian traveling to a foreign country I had my share of challenges. Not being able to communicate was a huge barrier for me. I made a promise to myself that when I returned home, I would continue to study and learn Spanish. Like I mentioned, the students who attended the presentation are being educated to be elementary school teachers and they are in their 4th or 5th semester. Each of them are in the process of learning to speak English themselves and their proficiency level is very basic to intermediate level. Just like our students, the ones that are successful are the ones that dedicate themselves to their studies. Nancy, my host teacher also teaches these students and I must say each and everyone of them are lucky to have her as a teacher. Toward the end of the session, my traveling partner, Julie was able to share some songs with them and the students were able to participate. They had a great time. I wish them the best and one day in the future, they will also have their own classroom with students to teach. A thumbs up to them! Here is the link to my presentation: prezi.com/view/GuVNqu7F3kzIyt8BQjGP/ The next set of pictures are students from the post secondary school. We met another teacher, Teresa from America that was doing her fellowship as well but through another program. These are her students who completed a project-based assignment as part of their finals. The project-based assignment was creating a summer camp where students had to vote on which one they wanted to attend. Each group had to present in English and I must say they did an awesome job!
After we were done presenting, we were treated to some homemade colombian tamale. One of Nancy's coworker, Melissa opened up her house and her heart where we enjoyed the delicious tamale. Afterwards, she drove us to the famous Filandia Town where we were able to enjoy the evening strolling the quiet and quaint little town. The landscape was incredible,
Today's visit is surely why I have become an educator. Our amazing host teacher, Nancy arranged for us to visit three rural schools in "El Caimo." All three schools are located outside Armenia and more likely these children that attend these schools are children of coffee and plantain farm workers. Like the dirt roads I drive on everyday in Pinon, the dusty roads were quite familiar. All three schools are one-room houses with an enrollment of less than 15 students whom are grouped according to their grade levels. The teachers are using a model call new school where students are encourage to be independent and are a big part of planning out their daily schedule. Each grade level work as a group at their table independently as the teacher travels around the room, helping out with instruction when needed. When we arrived at the schools, the president and vice-president met us at the locked gates, welcomed us and gave us a tour. As young as they are, they were able to share with us what he/she does on a daily basis that included their lessons, their classroom jobs, and how they are involved throughout the day. Coming from a low income family and having almost nothing compared to what we have, these children were proud of their schools. The little gifts (pencils, notepads, folders, and book markers, and rubber bracelets) we gave them put smiles on their faces like it was Christmas. Not only were they very appreciative but each and everyone of them gave us hugs and wanted their pictures taken. Another awesome day!
The best part of being an educator is having the opportunity to touch the lives of young children and help them achieve their dreams no matter what it takes. For the past two days, I was able to meet some amazing teachers at this school who all have the heart and dedication to put smiles on these little faces. Uruguay is branch off the Normal Superior school and is currently piloting the English Language Immersion for K-2. Coming from a school that has many resources, equipment, curriculum and tons of books, I feel blessed but these innovative educator are at the beginning stages of creating their own curriculum and get this with no resources and text books. With the limited amount of materials they have, these students are being taught 60% English and 40% Spanish. They have an awesome program and I know it is working because the students are able to speak to me in English. Two thumbs up for them!!
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AuthorLisa Toney is an educator eager to expand the wings of Navajo students. Archives |