Each day I can’t help but to continually question myself as to what I can do, how I can help, and what I might be able to achieve here in Chile. I keep searching for what might help the most – small steps that are achievable in what I can see is going to be all too brief a time – and it’s incredible to think that already I have only five weeks to go here.
The more time I spend in the schools, the more I learn of myself, of the students, and of school-life in general (yeah it’s been a while!). In one of the schools I work at, normal classes are only just now about to resume after months of half-days following the earthquake. With over half the school severely damaged and unable to be used, lessons have required some creativity. Classrooms are no longer confined to four walls but take place in foyers, the lunchroom, and even outside on the concrete, all to the not so melodic tune of reconstruction. I heard a rumor the other week that up to 1/3rd of the students had left because of fears that there might be more damage but I equally have no way of knowing if that’s true; and if that really is the case, what happens and where do the students go – do they end up lost somewhere outside of the school system?
For the most part school-life is a kind of semi-organized chaos with so many things to both delight in and adapt with. There’s a level of familiarity between teachers and students not common elsewhere (though not improper either) and I wonder if it is perhaps a reflection of the more family role public schools often seem to take on here. Every day brings something different especially with regards to technology. Compatibility with Word versions and sourcing equipment (particularly equipment that works) is difficult; viruses are commonplace so unless you want to take one home with you, it’s best not to use your pen drive here.
I’ve been told that violence is a big problem in the schools and have now too observed it. I guess that’s why classroom doors are padlocked during break times and why there seems to be a form of security guard that regularly appears. School gates are locked during the day keeping those who should be there in, and others out. Classes seem to be frequently canceled and it’s not uncommon to be forgotten about by other staff or to have things change without being told about it. However, I still wouldn’t change a moment of it.
Every day brings laughter and hilarity, although I’m sure I’m often the subject of it. Everyone wants to say hello and to try out their English, to laugh with you, to joke with you, and to, of course, quiz you on everything about you – no topic spared! For the most part, I think I’m the one who’s the student, learning about life from them.
Amanda Patterson is currently teaching English and public speaking as a volunteer with Corporation for the Development of Learning (CDA) in Santiago, Chile. For more on the Chilean earthquake, check out this post by Lauren Foukes and this one by Meridith Price.
Latest posts by manzlpatt
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