Farewell

I spent the day saying my final farewell to the Island of San Pedro, Belize. I said goodbye to the children and teachers yesterday. It was bitter sweet. It was good to know that you had made an impact but hard to know that it was not nearly as much as what you wanted to make.

We said goodbye to the interns today. They will spend another week in Belize traveling inland to the zoo and some of the ruins. In my younger days, I would have gladly accepted the challenge. Now I look forward to reflecting on all that I have learned and allowing it to impact the work that I am currently doing. I have had several take aways from this experience. One which is not new, but was reaffirmed many times over, is that leadership takes many forms. In the schools I visited, I found many teacher and student leaders. In situations where many of the children I work with might have been overwhelmed, I found capable and eager children. In my future work, my perspective will forever be broadened by this experience. I will view my own leadership and the leadership of others very differently. Thank you for being apart of my journey.

Journey's End

The journey is coming to an end. Today we walked to RC. We were to assist with the Easter Egg Hunt. We walked along the beach to catch the cool breeze and take in the view. Once we arrived we quickly found out that plans had changed. During my time in Belize I have truly learned the definition of "flexibility". There was not to be a school wide hunt as we thought. Individual classrooms were planning their own activities. Also I found out that Issac was not in school either. I looked for him yesterday and he was absent and founding out that he was again absent today made me sad. I never was able to say goodbye. I know that I will never be able to find him and the I will always regret not saying goodbye.

Later during the day, we were invited to a celebration at one of the schools. The staff wanted to celebrate the interns. It was a wonderful celebration. Music from the 70's was played in the background. No one sang or dance but the mood was festive and the food was good. It was a great time to interact with both the teaching staff, administration and interns. Despite being in Belize a short amount of time, I have been able to watch the interns grow and reflect on their experiences. Their eyes light up when they talk about "their students" and the generosity of the families and teachers is incredible. Cards that have been written are posted for all to see and there are many smiles and pictures.

Making a Difference

Today I was able to be a part of a team that presented professional development to a group of teachers. I presented information regarding Formative Assessment. I developed a very formal presentation not knowing my audience but once, I had the opportunity to meet them and get to know what they desired in the form of PD, I quickly modified my presentation. That is not to say that I removed the content it is only to say that my audience had a much greater based of knowledge. I focused on making connections and ensuring that what I shared was relevant, practical and transferable. Several times it has been shared that "they have so little". What I found today is that they have a "great deal". Absent are the mimeos and projectors but present is the passion, desire, focus and commitment to teaching. I have learned a great deal from the people that I have meant and that contributions come in many shapes and sizes.

Ministry of Education

Today we traveled to Belize City by water taxi to visit with individuals from the Ministry of Education. No one can deny the beauty of Belize. To be in Belize is to know and understand what is meant by the phrase "tropical paradise". Belize however just like any other country also has a "dark" side. One that if filled with poverty, great human needs, loss and despair. Meeting with the officials from the Ministry of Education there was an acknowledgement of disparities, a need for continued improvement and also a recognition that progress had been made. Today we were told that even our short visit to Belize had the potential to "make a difference" and were strongly encouraged to continue our relationships. I hope to be able to do so. It will help

High School Visit

Today we were able to visit and shadow the teacher interns in the high school. The day began with us looking for breakfast we settled on flatjacks and instant coffee. We were glad to have the walk to school to help with digestion of our new found Belzian cuisine. We walked about a mile and a half but took path along the beach. It was cooler, safer and more scenic. The school day began with an assembly. The children were dressed in either white dresses for the girls and white tops and bottoms for the boys. I was amazed at how "spotless" they all were despite the sand and dust. The principal recognized national track winners from the student body. Students from the school had recently competed nationally. Students being recognized stood shyly on the stage and were applauded by their classmates. Following the assembly students reported to class. We observed in a math class. Unfortunately, when asked if they had the needed materials for the lesson only one student had what was needed. The teacher decided to go with plan "B" which involved a review of geometry terms. It was obvious that she enjoyed teaching, had a good rapport with her students and knew her content area. Students responded well to her although only those in the front of the class seemed actively involved. Others simply copied notes or observed. Do the students understand the importance of receiving an education? I could not help but take note of the number of students in the morning's assembly. At this is the only high school on the island and only those students who have passed the "test" can attend, what happens to the others. RC had more than 800 students and there are several other elementary schools and with so few high school students, where do they all end up if not in high school. What is the stigma of not attending high school? What does it mean for y0ur future? Do some want to attend but are unable? Today left me with many more questions than answers. Tomorrow we meet with someone from the ministry of education. I hope to be able to find answers there.

RC

RC stands for Roman Catholic. Today, I shadowed one of the undergraduates at the public school today. The day began at 7am with a walk through the streets of San Pedro, a stop by the laundry and a bowl of fresh fruit. Students waited patiently for the gates to open. They never did so we walked around. In the yard were several hundred children running and playing. They seemed very happy to be at school. All were dressed in white tops and blue bottoms. No matter how rough they seemed to play no one was hurt and everyone seemed happy. I entered the room and was introduced to the teacher. He was a tall man with a very kind sounding voice. He seemed somewhat apologetic for the surroundings but quickly asked for my assistance for Issac once finding that I had expertise in the area of special education.

The bell sounds and the children enter and exit the room. They line up outside the room, enter and begin their morning routine. I spent my day working with Issac. At first he seemed very eager to learn but once he found that he was receiving my undivided attention he quickly seemed to lose interest and began to show resistance. It was obvious that he had spent many hours perfecting his ability to avoid any academic task put before him. Did I make a difference in Issac's life today? I would have to say if I did just a small one. I may be a memory that he holds on to for a day, a week and if lucky a year. The lady that cared. The one who came to help me and left, the one who told me and showed me that I was not "stupid". The one who let me use her computer and took my picture. The one who asked me about what I liked and about my mother. The one who wanted to know that I had friends and had something to eat at lunch. The one who tried to teach me to read.

Fast Food

Today I was on my own. Most of the group went sailing but I chose to stay behind. I spent the day reading and getting more acquainted with my surroundings. One things that I have noticed is that Belize especially the food is quite a bit like "home". This morning I had pancakes and fresh fruit. The Hungry Jack syrup was undeniable. I could not have gotten a better stack in any local Wilmington breakfast shop. Dinner tonight was "fast food" or Chinese Food. Again could not have done any better in Wilmington. The price also could not be beat. The three of use ate for $8 American $16 Belize. On the walk home, I reflected that San Pedro seemed to be the place that everyone traveling to South America and did not make just decided to resign. There are so many different "faces". I hope to learn and understand this phenomenon better before I have to leave.

Walk Through San Pedro

Today we had the opportunity to walk through the city of San Pedro. We began with breakfast at a local shop. There I enjoyed a dish of fresh fruit and enjoyed the company of a "very interesting" transplanted local. He offered more information than requested about one of his "future ventures". Later in the day we walked to one of the schools. There was a fundraiser for the principal's father and students from the school along with interns from UNCW painting a mural on an outside wall. The event seemed successful and everyone enjoyed the food and music. I was struck with easy shown by the children around strangers. They seemed extremely comfortable and not inquisitive in the least. Not sure if they just make assumptions about who we were or if they were just so used to new faces that seeing more was not a huge event.

Walking through the streets we noticed that the main methods of transportation is the use of golf carts, followed by bikes and then walking. Small children ride very bravely on the handle and middle bars of the bikes. I have seen children as young as 2 years old riding this way with very little support from the adult or older child pedaling the bike. As a mother, I think in terms of my own children's skills and level of independence. There is no comparison. It seems the children of Belize much more brave and innovative when it comes to getting from point A to point B then my own. I am having to adjust my understanding of the "norm". It has been a very interesting and challenging experience.

Pedro's Inn

Friday was filled with trying to get to right place. After getting off the plane, we had a very adventurous taxi ride (rules of the road optional). However, it did allow us to arrive at the water taxi by 12:00 pm and we were able to avoid a two hour wait. A little more than an hour later with sore backs and bottoms (rough water/rough ride) we arrivee at San Pedro.

We have accomodations at the San Pedro Inn. To say the least it is a very colorful location. Along with 7 graduate students there are 17 undergraduates students who have been here for about 4 weeks. They are completing internships in the local schools. Some are working in the islands only high school while others are working in a private elementary school and others in a public elementary school. I will have the opportunity to shadow one of the interns on Monday. I am keeping a very open mind as to what my experience will be. We have been asked to prepare and deliver professional development for the teachers and administrators but not knowing the needs it was extremely hard to plan. I hope to share ideas on change leadership and formative assessment. My presentation is designed in such a way that it can be as informal as needed. My goal is gain as much as I share.

Let the Journey Begin!

We left Wilmington @ 7:08. I am not a fan of flying and was glad the take offs and landings were fairly smooth. We arrived in Belize @ 11:00am. We are on a 2 hour delay.

Going through customs was not what I expected. The process was very informal and each of us had a very different experience.

Welcome

Click on the triangle for an introduction.

Thank you for choosing to follow my blog. I am traveling to Belize as a part of my international internship. I will have the opportunity to visit schools work with educators and present and participate with professional development for both administrators and teachers. I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to sharing what I have learned with you.