Exactly what we have learned. Parents in Jamao (not Sosua) come to register their children, but they cannot read or write to complete the forms. The child must complete the forms.
I don't like to make comparisons or generalizations, but in Sosua, the parents (whose work may be in illicit activities) do not become involved or appreciate the education we offer at no cost (art, ballet, karate, English, board games, countries of the world, outdoor recreation, learning on iPads, guitar, the children's library and story hour, etc.) Most parents I don't know, even though in January we had 90 children enrolled and attending classes.
In Jamao, where there are no jobs, where many of the parents can barely read and write, they ARE involved. They come to meetings. They write messages of thanks for the opportunity for their child to attend the class. They come asking for me to give classes for adults. Their children follow the rules, arriving on time, following directions, showing respect. If they cannot come, I receive an excuse message from a parent......not the case in Sosua.
It is as if we are operating in two different cultures.
What does this say for Sosua and its future? If it falls on the parents of Sosua's children, I would say there is not much hope. At some point, someone must lift up the bottom to improve the whole.
And that speaks for the entire country. To improve education, we need committed government representative, trained teachers, sufficient resources, involved parents, and a concerted effort to change the values to appreciate the opportunities that education provides. It is a worn out cliche, but it takes a village.
Just my opinion.
Lindsey
