Page 18 - OctoberSpotlight

Rosa Duarte News
Our volunteer group started the new school year with their energy and dedication. Below a message from Jake who volunteers on Thursdays.
“Every time I walk through the gates of Hogar Escuela Rosa Duarte, I’m met with high fives, hugs and kids yelling, “Professor, Professor!” There’s one little girl always asking me to bring snow from the USA. Another boy who says he’s going to catch the Megaladon shark someday and others who always beg me to come and teach for an additional day each week. Each visit is filled with pleasant uncertainty as to what will transpire, which is exactly what makes it so enjoyable.
“During recess, I always play soccer with the fifth graders and later with the older kids as well. The majority don’t understand that you can’t use your hands, which I try to explain, but it’s still just as enjoyable nonetheless. If I ever start helping my team win too much, the opposing team is quick to tell the others, “It’s not fair because you have Profi”. I then switch teams, which causes even more of an uproar, but we’re all laughing and giving each other high fives at the end.
“During the PE classes, the kids’ favorite activity is simple foot racing, from one end of the court to the other, usually involving some sort of task such as moving balls, one at a time, from one hula hoop to another. These races are always accompanied by loud supportive shouts for their fellow students and eruptive applauding when their team wins. I’ve tried to play games such as soccer, volleyball and sharks and minnows with them, but all they really want to do is race.
“Teaching these kids is always a highlight of my week and I’m grateful to the
IWC for the
opportunity to
volunteer at this school. I will cherish the memories I’ve made for many years to come.”
Jake Hancock
September 2019