Gorgon, there are many different ways to help. Now that camp is over, we return to our regular classes next week. All classes are free for local Sosua kids who are poor. Class offerings depend on volunteers available and their particular skills. Spanish helps, but it is not necessary. Currently, I have 2 volunteers who help with our board games class. They speak only a few words of Spanish, but it all works out. They have as much fun as the kids. (One woman fondly calls her table of kids "my little cheaters.") Most important is the presence of adults who become role models for these kids.
In September, we will enroll children for a new session of classes. If, for a crazy example, someone who wants to volunteer has a talent for playing the spoons, then we can offer a "Spoons" class. Or maybe someone has a hobby of photography and knows how to edit photos. We could use our 18 iPads to teach kids photography and photo editing. I have a projector. The kids love watching videos. We could hold a session where kids come to see nature videos. (That would require almost no Spanish language skills on the part of the volunteer.) ....Or, if someone wants to help out by building shelves for us, or running copies in the office. Actually, the sky is the limit.
What makes Strength for the Journey work is the people- local and otherwise- who are willing to contribute in one small way or another.
I encourage anyone and everyone to stop by to see what goes on. We are located across from the heliport in Sosua, above the latino Market. Classes currently run Mondays through Thursdays, from 8:30 - 11:30 am. In September, we will hold classes after school. Even if you are not interested in volunteering, stop by. I guarantee, it will warm your heart.
We may not have the power to make sweeping changes in Sosua. But together, we can make small improvements in the lives of local children. And in doing so, we are changing the course of their future.
That is Strength for the Journey.
Lindsey