Eliza Wall
I arrived in Cochabamba with very little Spanish and whilst I knew of the many projects that were being conducted by Proyecte Horizonte I was not sure how I would be able to help with my limited Spanish.
Since I arrived I have been working in El Maternal with the children that are 1-2 years old. The kids and the 3 other women that work in this class are fantastic. I only work the mornings as I have Spanish classes and work on other projects in the afternoons but they are appreciative of all the time I can give them.
There can be up to 18 children and therefore at times it is difficult for even 4 people to keep them all occupied. We give them basic lessons on things like animals, shapes and food, make paintings and take them out to play outside and walk in the community. About once a month we take them down by the creek for a picnic which I really enjoyed. It is always fun to point out animals and make their noises ‘ some of these even seem to be different in Spanish!
There is not a day that I work there that they do not do something that makes me keel over in laughter or pulls at the heart strings as they dance together or come and give you a big snotty-nosed hug. I will admit that I am still getting used to the potty training part of the day.
I arrived in Cochabamba with very little Spanish and whilst I knew of the many projects that were being conducted by Proyecte Horizonte I was not sure how I would be able to help with my limited Spanish.
Since I arrived I have been working in El Maternal with the children that are 1-2 years old. The kids and the 3 other women that work in this class are fantastic. I only work the mornings as I have Spanish classes and work on other projects in the afternoons but they are appreciative of all the time I can give them.
There can be up to 18 children and therefore at times it is difficult for even 4 people to keep them all occupied. We give them basic lessons on things like animals, shapes and food, make paintings and take them out to play outside and walk in the community. About once a month we take them down by the creek for a picnic which I really enjoyed. It is always fun to point out animals and make their noises ‘ some of these even seem to be different in Spanish!
There is not a day that I work there that they do not do something that makes me keel over in laughter or pulls at the heart strings as they dance together or come and give you a big snotty-nosed hug. I will admit that I am still getting used to the potty training part of the day.
As I am studying development work, I am also interested in helping out in the other projects and developing new projects that may help the community. The first 6 weeks have been getting acclimatised and gathering information about what has been completed before, what worked and what didn’t and if my ideas can be utilized. Sometimes this has been challenging mainly because of my limited Spanish and finding the right time to ask the right questions. This is all part of trying to work in a new workplace and in a developing country.
The life in the community is great. A definite highlight was the anniversary of the settlement of the community where there was a parade of all the children and some of the children dressed in traditional clothes. The there was lots of dancing and games in the streets with everyone celebrating.
The life in the community is great. A definite highlight was the anniversary of the settlement of the community where there was a parade of all the children and some of the children dressed in traditional clothes. The there was lots of dancing and games in the streets with everyone celebrating.
Overall, my first 7 weeks have been rewarding with the children as I build relationships with the children. As I find out more information on other projects I am hopeful and excited about all the possibilities that exist for other projects. So much so that I have extended my time here to hopefully see some of them up and running.
I am always happy to answer questions, please feel free to email me on eliza_wall@yahoo.com.au
I am always happy to answer questions, please feel free to email me on eliza_wall@yahoo.com.au
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