My work in Rwanda and Mexico gave me many precious gifts, none more important than teaching me the value of cooperation and mutual respect. I think what made this work so remarkable in my heart and mind, was working as a member of an integrated team. We would often all be there, but, on occasion, not. Our students watched how we interacted and recognized how we shared duties. When one of us was not there, surely a student would ask of the absent member. We relied on each other greatly and used our complementary expertise to create an environment of joyful education. We all wore different hats. A lead teacher one day, a translator the next, a support person the next. The students enjoyed an educational environment that stressed inter-dependence and an interactive curriculum.

Our curriculum ties together many subjects. In Rwanda, education is delivered in English, followed by Kinyarwandan, the country’s Bantu-based language. In Mexico, we also taught in English followed by Spanish. We incorporated a Word Wall to help build key vocabulary which added a layer of language mastery.

As part of our teacher training initiative, we asked that the children’s teacher join us for observation and assistance.

I would be happy to help you with the lessons we have here in a format that would work best for you. 

During our three hours with the students, we had a lot we wanted to pack in at each class session. We started with Module 1 but we included Module 4 (art skills and confidence building) lessons too. In other words, we taught Staying Healthy lessons for half the class meeting and then foundational art lessons for the second half. That is true for Modules 2 and 3, as well; always incorporating creative learning with science-based learning. 

From 2007 through 2013, our typical schedule was as follows: 200 students in Primary 5, two groups of 50 students each (Group A and B) at one school and two groups of 50 students each (Group A and B) at another school. On weekends, we oversaw our Youth Sports programming. Students range from 10 to 16 years of age. We offered a year-long course. Each group of students met with us one day per week between 8:00 am and 11:00 am. Each student received well over 100 hours of free education lessons plus related activities and events. 

Our normal work week ran as follows: