Crossing borders for language

In the first guest blog post, history student Bethany Douglas recounts her August 2011 trip to Peru to volunteer with Nexos Voluntarios (NeVo) and to participate in the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education.

During our stay in Urubamba, Peru, from August 21 and August 27, we stayed at the Nexos Voluntarios house. Our assignment was to teach basic English to a group of artisans.

Bethany Douglas, Concordia psychology student, has students draw and colour while helping them learn English.

Our sessions took place in the evenings at the local artisan market. Originally, we were to teach adults, but we had a surprise on our first night when they brought their children with them. Carrie Martin, another Concordia student, and I were moved by the children`s enthusiasm, so she and I decided to form our own workshop to focus on their needs.

The first day we taught basic words and phrases, such as, “My name is ____, what is yours?” I speak Spanish, so that was helpful when explaining things to the children. They were quick learners.

The local children take a break from the English tutorials to help paint a mural at Winayninchis School in Urubamba, Peru.

Throughout the week, we taught them words for colours, body parts, clothing, animals and time. Carrie and I used games (like Duck, Duck, Goose), songs (Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes) and colouring handouts. The children had a little extra motivation, because we offered awards like chocolate, stickers and pencils.

Working with the children turned out to be the highlight of the trip. I really enjoyed getting to know their stories and seeing their world through their eyes. I believe the best way to learn about an unfamiliar place is to experience it with those who live there — in their own language and words.

The ninth annual World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education.

The children were so eager to learn, never hesitating to try their English. In that respect, they were different from the adults. Some (not all!) adults were shy and reluctant to try.

I will be eternally grateful for this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those children, even if just for a week, because their hugs and smiles made a difference in mine.

This trip was organized by Concordia’s Centre for Native Education, and funded by a collaborative effort of the Ministère de l’éducation, du loisir, et du sport, the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach and several university departments.

Related links:
•  Concordia Centre for Native Education
•  Nexos Voluntarios
•  World Indigenous People`s Conference on Education
•  Student blog