When 19 students of the Abraham Lincoln School embarked on volunteer service at the Fundacion MIR in La Romana, little did they know that the experience would change their lives for ever.
Starting in December of last year, the 19 eleventh grade students started their mission to help teach the students of the Fundacion MIR English every Thursday afternoon.
Divided into 4 groups, the Abraham Lincoln School students each took one subject; art, dance, sports and drama to use as a basis for teaching English. There task was to teach English phrases or directions for their topic. “For example, in sports we taught directions, sport equipment and parts of the body. We planned the lessons and needed to have a plan B just in case. We would rotate their classrooms every week. This meant that your teaching had to be adjusted for the different grades and ages.” Said Guillermo Garcia Cavazos.
So how did it feel to be a volunteer? How did it feel to give back and help other people? “Phenomenal” said Katherine Calcaño. So let’s here from the volunteers about their life-changing experience at the Fundacion MIR.
“My experience at the Fundacion MIR was phenomena. It was a new experience for all of us but it changed my way of looking some things. I will carry it with me for the rest of my life.
The first day we were excited but nervous at the same time, we didn’t know what to expect. I was asking myself how would they behave? What would happen if we lose control especially with the first graders. After every lesson I was so happy to see the faces of beautiful children which were and are interested on learning new things in a fun way.
Every child possesses impressive qualities, Most of them had a big smile on their faces after the drama lessons, especially after the games. I believe that we met our challenge.
Finally, my experience in MIR was STUPENDOUS… I would do it again if they ask!”
Kathrine Calcaño
11th grade student at the Abraham Lincoln School
“It was fun. At times it was hard, but it felt good giving children the opportunity of learning a new language. The kids would remember our names and would cheer when we got to their classes. It felt amazingly good having the kids appreciate our work. The best part was receiving ‘high fives’ and hugs from them, this showed me that our cause was a good one.”
Guillermo Garcia Cavazos
11th grade student at the Abraham Lincoln School
“It was the best experience of my life, because those kids were so eager to learn and they loved us. Since the first class they all knew our names and when they saw we arrived they started jumping and shouting. It was amazing.”
Sarah Mariel Richiez
11th grade student at the Abraham Lincoln School
“It was a very rewarding experience for me. The children of Fundacion MIR made me feel a happiness I had not felt in a long time. Pure and sincere. My best wishes to them. And great job Fundacion MIR, keep it up!”
Alejandro Heredia
11th grade student at the Abraham Lincoln School
The Fundación MIR is a non-profit organization which works to provide education to the children of the greater La Romana area, who are most in need. They run 3 schools; the MIR Esperanza (boys vocational school), the Escuela Técnica Vocacional Fundación MIR (girls vocational school) and the Primaria MIR (infants school).
For more information on the Fundación MIR and to make a donation, visit their website: www.mirinternational.org
To make a donation contact the MIR office in Casa de Campo (809-523-8270) or in West Palm Beach (561-366-5095). Donations are tax deductible for US Citizens!
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