Dissecting the Pueblo Classroom

Monday marked the first day of school for many students all along the Caribbean coast of Colombia. After two months of vacation, it was time to come back to the daily grind of Colombian education. Two weeks of teacher meetings established new rules and procedures that hopefully will help make the school flow and progress in a more organized way. Despite all of these changes, there is one thing that remains the same: the classrooms.

This composite of various classrooms from the school I am currently serving at, I.E. John F. Kennedy, shows some of the conditions that teachers have to teach in and students have to learn in. It's easy to see the mostly bare walls, lack of a ceiling, and numerous seats. However, there are many other aspects to each room that make teaching even that more of a challenge.

6-01: Lack of Desks

One of the unfortunate things that occurs in many schools all over Colombia is overpopulation of classrooms. It is very common to see anywhere between 30-38 students in a normal Colombian classroom. Not only is teaching to a large number of students difficult, but many times basic necessities, like desks, are in short supply. That is the case with this classroom. With close to 32 sixth grade students using this classroom at one time, at least 4-5 are left without a desk. Sometimes, even chairs are in short supply and students are forced to sit on the floor. It's hard enough to concentrate on math when your desk wobbles - imagine having to do that while sitting on the floor.

7-01: Open, Dead Space

The openness of Colombian classrooms is necessary. The constant heat and humidity make closed classrooms impossible. However, this necessity is also a hindrance. Since every single classroom in the school is constructed in this same way, the happenings of other classrooms are constantly incorporated into daily lessons. It becomes hard to hold student's attention for long periods of time. Conducting quiet, focused activities are almost out of the question. Learning how to adapt and use these conditions to your advantage has been something that requires an ample amount of time to do.

7-02: "Cooling" System

In the above photo, there are two fans on the far wall of the classroom. The extreme heat and humidity and overall lack of a breeze make the classrooms stifling. Lack of air movement leads to a profuse amount of sweating and easy irritation. The fans in the rooms are meant to help counteract this reality. However, the fans only really reach the first row of desks placed directly below them. The air current created by the fans does not reach the front of the room or the other side of the classroom. Students are constantly battling for those prime seats, which leads to unnecessary quarrels and disagreements.

8-01: Teacher's Desk

One of the luxuries of teaching in the United States is having your own classroom. The students come to the teacher, who is able to store all of their items in a secure location. Here in Colombia, the opposite is true. The students stay in the same classroom throughout the entire day with the teachers rotating to them. This means that the only "space" that becomes the teachers is the desk. In this photo, the teacher's desk is in the opposite corner under the colored squares of paper. The only main issue is that many, if not all of these desks, are broken. Some days just looking at the desk wrong causes it to collapse in on itself. As a teacher, it is very difficult not having a secure place to unpack your things during the day. The constant shuffling and packing up of things after each 50-minute classroom adds additional stress to each day.

8-02: Mucked Up Whiteboard

The whiteboard is the central tool of any Colombian teacher. With reliable technology not really available, the whiteboard becomes the main source of communication information from the teacher to the students. This importance isn't always obvious to everyone at the school. The top 1/3 of this whiteboard is pretty much unusable due to an unfortunate glue incident. A couple of months before the end of last year, students were decorating for Teacher's Day and decided to glue letters onto the whiteboard as a part of their decorations. In doing this, they failed to consider what would happen when they tried to take the decorations down. The result is a whiteboard that is only 2/3 usable.

9-01: Weak WiFi Connection

One of the biggest surprises that I received during my first day at IE John F. Kennedy was the fact that the school has 4 separate Internet networks, over 50 laptops, and close to 150 tablets for the students to use in the classroom. This obviously made me extremely excited and happy, as being able to incorporate technology into the classroom is something that I love doing. Just one major problem. Despite all of the available possibilities, there are many outside factors that get in the way. For example, this particular room does not receive a WiFi signal of any kind. Attempting to use applications on the tables is nearly impossible due to the lack of a strong, stable signal. Being a school that supposedly specializes in the use of technology in the classroom, these little bumps make that reality a difficult one to attain.

10-01: Not so SMART Boards

On the right hand side of this picture you can see a projector sticking out of the wall. This projector is part of a SMART Board in the classroom. This is another amazing technological tool that is unfortunately not being used to its full potential. In this case, there is no way to plug in the board since the power cable was severed by some students last year. The lack of a power source renders the SMART Board moot. Outside of that, students have decided to use the boards as a graffiti practice wall. It's really disappointing and sad that this overall lack of respect for some very useful and interactive tools adds to the difficulties teachers face in the classroom.

10-02: Street Noise

As I mentioned earlier, the openness of the classrooms is both a necessity and a hindrance. Here is another example of how this openness becomes a hindrance. This classroom faces a road that passes along the school. During the day, there is a fair amount of traffic (motos, motocoches, cars, etc.) that pass by the school. Every now and then, larger vehicles make their presence known with various honks and shifting gears. There was even a period of time last year in which construction on the street battled instruction within the classroom. Having to deal with this extra outside noise, in addition to that of the students both inside the classroom and the other classrooms, creates an almost unbearable environment in which concentration and learning are next to impossible.

Spending between 5-6 hours daily in these classrooms has made me appreciate the luxuries that are taken for granted in the United States. Things like air conditioning, closed classrooms, assigned classrooms, and solid doors, among others, makes the teaching environment one that is more conducive to learning. Here in Colombia, however, that isn't always the case. Instead of letting these presumed difficulties bog me down, I have attempted to find different ways to use these elements to help motivate my students.

So far, the second school year is off to a positive start. I feel more comfortable with not only the teachers and students, but also the conditions of the school. I am very excited to see what type of results my students can produce with the help of my improved understanding and realities of these classroom conditions. 

That Fishbowl Feeling

...Gazing through the glass, I can see people moving about. There's a farmer on a donkey making his way to the finca. Children with backpacks make their way through the streets towards school. The neighbor  out sweeping the sidewalk. The pack of dogs running wild, barking and yelping at any one passing by. On this side of the glass, I am safe. No one is able to harm me. I am alone with my thoughts and my ideas. It is when I move beyond this safety net that lives are turned upside down and dreams are dashed...

The idea of a "fish bowl" is not a new one to me. Having grown up in a small, rural town in Iowa has acquainted me with the sometimes tumultuous living conditions that close-knit towns bring with them. Or so I thought.


There are days when I feel like my life here in Repelón is under a microscope. Every minute movement that I make is scrutinized, analyzed, and recorded by the town as a whole. It definitely doesn't help that I am the only gringo (white person) living here. There's a natural curiosity to know what the foreigner is up to. I mean, someone who looks different MUST live differently as well. Two separate experiences have demonstrated just how much of a fish bowl my pueblo really is...


Instance #1:


I am beyond lucky to have another Peace Corps volunteer less than 10 minutes away from me. Luckily, she is also one of my best and closest friends here in Colombia. This immediately proved to be both a blessing and curse. On one hand, it has been awesome having another English speaker close enough that I can escape when a break from surrounding world of Spanish and a loud host nephew is needed. However, it also immediately made me the target of some unwanted and undesired pueblo gossip...

I returned home one afternoon from a few drinks at a tienda in the plaza to what seemed like an endless litany of questions from my host mom regarding my new girlfriend. A look of complete befuddlement and confusion contorted my face as I attempted to process what she had just asked me. Girlfriend? The last time that I checked I was single and unaware of any new commitments I had made in the companionship department. My host mom proceeded to describe the girl that I was just with in the plaza: white, blonde hair, freckles, and very pretty. I quickly realized that she was talking about Jessi and dismissed the girlfriend talk with a tense laugh and the "she's just a friend" explanation. Problem solved, right? Not quite...

The next day, I was approached by my counterpart as soon as I got to school. The first question out of her mouth, even before the usual morning salutations, was "So I hear that you have a girlfriend!" Keep in mind that my counterpart lives in Barranquilla, a city that is 2 HOURS AWAY from my pueblo. 2. HOURS. It became apparent to me that word travels fast in Colombia, especially when juicy gossip is concerned. Once again, a flabbergasted glaze took hold of my face as I once again explained that this was not the case. I spent the rest of the morning fending off requests for more information regarding how we met, when we started dating, blah, blah, blah. Finally, after what felt like the 100th inquiry into my new, non-existent relationship, I made an announcement clearing the air that Jessi and I were just friends and that people would be seeing us together A LOT over the next two years.

Moral of the Experience: Expect to be bombarded by numerous, unrelenting questions when spotted with a member of the opposite sex in a pueblo.

Instance #2: 

Coming into this school year, I knew that I wanted to do something that enabled me to work with a vast majority of the teachers here in Repelón. The school system here is a bit different than in other pueblos of the same size. Most pueblos have one school with separate buildings for primary students (PK-5) and secondary students (6-11). Here, we have three separate schools - IE Jose David Montezuma Recuero, IE Maria Inmaculada, and IE John F. Kennedy. Last year, I solely worked with the teachers and students at IE John F. Kennedy. However, when I would walk around town, I was constantly bombarded with requests and questions from teachers at the other two school asking me why I wasn't working with them and when they were going to get a volunteer.

I decided that in order to try and rectify this issue, I would offer English classes for the teachers of Repelón. While the classes are going to be open to anyone who teaches in town, the focus is going to be on primary teachers. Many primary teachers are not trained and properly equipped to teach English to their students. The idea of the classes are to give these teachers ready made lessons that they can use in their classes with their students. When I ran this idea by my counterpart at the end of last year, she was thrilled with this idea. So, you may be asking, how is it that this idea can backfire on me?

Before pitching this idea to the other schools, I wanted to set up meetings with each of the principals to explain to them what I wanted to do and get them on board. Using my American logic, I figured that this would be a great first step. However, I only have ever had contact with the principal at my school, since I was there all of last year. Luckily, I knew one teacher at each of the other schools. I sent them a message seeing if they could help me set up a time to come and talk with the teachers at their schools. 

A couple days after sending these seemingly harmless messages, I was at school when my counterpart approached me. She mentioned that she had heard that I was offering English classes for all of the teachers in Repelón, which I didn't deny because it was true. While she was still fully behind the idea, she calmly pointed out that I hadn't said anything to any of the teachers at my school yet. Truth was, I was waiting to talk to the principal to set up a time to talk to the teachers. However, because I had been in contact with teachers from other schools, it appeared that I was putting more worth and time into things happening outside of the school and focusing on my work at the school. This was actually a pretty contentious point throughout the end of last year, and something that I did not want to repeat this year. 

I quickly corrected my line of thinking and announced the classes to the teachers at my school before approaching the other schools. There's a real sense of loyalty here and many at my school have a great source of pride that I'm working at Kennedy and not one of the other schools in town. Granted, I had no say in where I was placed, but it's something that I have to constantly keep in mind. Some days it feels like I'm checking every action that I do or word that I say just to make sure that I'm not doing something that could be offensive to the teachers at my school. It becomes quite tiring and a bit of a burden. Instead of taking this experience as a negative setback, I'm using it as a way to open up lines of communication that were shut off last year due to many misunderstandings.

Moral of the Experience #1: Colombians are very prideful and enjoy showcasing that pride whenever they get a chance. It has become apparent that my presence at the school is very important to the teachers as a whole, even those that I don't directly work with.

Moral of the Experience #2: Repelón itself is a fish bowl, but the teaching community here is a microcosm of that fish bowl. Teachers are in constant communication with each other and sometimes, even a great idea with pure intentions, can be contorted and misinterpreted. 

Both of these experiences have served as amazing learning experiences for myself. I wouldn't say that I'm constantly watching my back to make sure that I'm not becoming the next topic of pueblo gossip. Instead, I feel better equipped to deal with these instances when they do occur, because let's face it, it's going to happen again before my service is complete. It's all just part of the experience of living in a small, rural, Colombian pueblo...

Familial Adventures

One of the greatest things for me in regards to traveling is when friends and/or family come to visit me. Not only is it always great to have familiar faces and smiles around, but I also love showing off where I have been living/staying for an extended period of time. Also, as my mom puts it, my love with all  things abroad give my parents an excuse to continue traveling and experiencing new places as well.

At the beginning of December, my parents did just did. The 10 days that we spent together were amazing! Not only was I able to show them around beautiful Colombia, we were able to explore a new country for all of together - Panama! Here's the recap...

Repelón

My parents arrived in the late hours of the night following five different airports and four flights. Seeing them walk through the security gates was an amazing feeling. It had been a little over 15 months since the last time I had seen them. After a quick cab ride back to our hotel in Barranquilla, we called it a night and got ready for our adventure to begin the next day.

The next morning, we endured an entertaining cab ride through the city to where I catch my bus to my pueblo. This isn't the nicest place in town, but that's just how life goes sometimes! We caught the bus to Repelón and after the lovely two hour journey, arrived in the pueblo. I finally found someone else who doesn't fit well on these buses - my dad!

Once in town, we made our way to my house, where my host family greeted my parents with open arms. The days that my parents were in the pueblo (December 7th and 8th) was also a holiday here in Colombia. Known as "Dia de las Velitas" (Day of the Candles), this holiday marks the happening of the Immaculate Conception. On the coast, the tradition is to light a plethora of candles in the wee hours of the morning on the 8th and eat sancocho following this. It really is a unique holiday that I am hoping to continue when I get back to the United States.

After spending the afternoon resting in front of the all important fan (true to form, the heat was incredibly on point as always), I showed my parents around town. This really seemed to be an eye opening experience for them. It's sometimes hard to accurately capture the look and feel of a place through words alone. It really take an all sensory experience to fully appreciate your surroundings.

Following the walk around, we headed to the police station. Mel, the police chief, had invited us over for dinner and a chance for him to practice his English. For my parents, this was probably one of the real highlights of their trip. Not only were they able to meet one of my closest friends in the pueblo, they were also able to participate in Dia de las Velitas. Knowing full well that we would not be making it until the early hours of the morning to light candles with my host family, Mel went out and bought candles for my parents and I to light, along with some of the the other cops. Seeing  my parents interact with some of the more important people of my service here in Colombia was a real treat for me to witness and be apart of.

Cartagena

We continued our trip to the coastal city of Cartagena. This is a popular tourist stop and a former port city where many of the slaves entered the country back in the 14th and 15th centuries. Because of this, there is a a strong African-Colombian presence throughout the city. This leg of the trip was highlighted by a walk along the old city wall, enjoying some traditional Colombian dances (cumbia and mapale) in the park, and enjoying the architecture of the walled city.

Bogotá


Our next stop was the capital city of Colombia, Bogotá. With cooler temperatures, breathtaking scenery, and a beautiful old city center, this city has a lot to offer. The climate definitely agreed with my parents, as they were able to trade in their sweat rags for sweatshirts and turtlenecks. We made our way to top of Monserrate, a mountain that dominates Bogotá and provides amazing views of the entire city. This mountain is a popular pilgrim destination, as many people make the trek up to visit the church and stations of the cross located at the summit.

After taking in the views of the city, we made our way to the old part of the city, Candelaria. This neighborhood offers some of the beautiful old architecture of the early days of Bogotá, along with the Plaza Bolivar. Located here are the national cathedral, President's mansion, and other important governmental buildings. We concluded our stay in Bogotá by enjoying some delicious ajiaco, the traditional thick, creamy chicken soup from this region.

Panama City

The last leg of our trip took us out of Colombia and next door to Panama. We spent a glorious four days exploring Panama's capital city, Panama City. Highlights from this part included:

- a tour of the city by bus
- a visit to the famous Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal
- a thorough exploration of Central America's largest mall, complete with 700+ shops and 100+ restaurants
- a casual stroll around Flamenco Island and its marina
- an enjoyable jaunt through the old part of Panama, complete with street salesman and beautiful architecture
- a 3-hour cab journey to a rain forest discovery center that wasn't actually there
- a complete view of the city from the top of Ancón Hill, the highest point in Panama City
- a great stay at the perfect apartment

All in all, it was a great way to end a perfect get away. It's always great to see my parents and be able to show them my new place of residence. I can now say that I feel revitalized and ready to take on 2016 with a new sense of vigor and steam!

Sounds of Repelón

Having spent most of my life living a small, rural town in southeastern Iowa really helped prepare me for my time so far here in Colombia. I am accustomed to having to travel outside of town to get groceries, find entertainment options, and to encounter good restaurants. I'm used to having everyone know your business and in turn, knowing the rest of the town's as well. One thing that I definitely grew used to as well was the peace and quiet. The level of tranquility was off the charts, especially since we live outside of town. The most noise that we ever really hear is every Saturday night during the summer when the sounds of the local stock car races would drift our way from the fair grounds.

Life here in Colombia is pretty much the same, for the most part. Rural living has offered the same small town feel, just with different conditions and surroundings. The people are just as friendly, if not friendlier (didn't think this was possible until coming here). Conversations, normally centering around the unbearable heat, flow freely on the streets and in front of local tiendas. Children run around kicking soccer balls. But there is one thing that I've noticed recently that helps to distinguish this home from my one in Iowa: the sounds.

On any given day, you are bound to hear a mixture of any of the following:

- The animal orchestra, consisting of (but not limited to...)
        * braying of the donkeys as they wonder aimlessly through the streets
        * squealing of the pigs as they are lead through town on leashes
        * baaing of the local goat gang as they patrol the dirt roads and alleyways
        * crowing of the rooster as it daily confuses sunrise with 2 am
        * clucking of the chickens making their way from house to house looking for scraps of food
        * howling of the dogs as they attempt to draw territorial lines
        * mooing of the cows as they meander from finca to finca without a care in the world

- The blaring of the bus horn as it makes its way through town, informing the citizens of its next departure

- The incessant honking and beeping of passing motos, looking for passengers

- The screams of joy of the local children as they run through the streets during rainstorms

- The humming of my elderly neighbor as she sits on her front porch knitting

- The whir of my fan as it works to keep me "cool" and "comfortable"

- The silence of the appliances when the power goes out (which lately has been happening at least once a day)

- The nasally hollers of "aguacate" (avocado) and "bollo de yuca" from the local vendors as they parade up and down the streets trying to make a sale

- The sloshing of the washing machine as it completes its cycle on laundry day

- The chatter of the customers in the cabana enjoying a delicious lunch prepared by my host mom

- The laughter of the neighbor children as they jump through and on a piece of rope tied to the gate of the front patio

- The slamming of dominoes on a plastic table by the random groups of men playing this favorite past time throughout the pubelo

- The siren of the police truck delivering me home after another night of English class

- The raspy breathing of the police chief and myself as we complete our 5 at 5 (5K at 5 am) run

- The pattering of the rain as it cascades from the sky for all of 10 minutes

- The distant roll of thunder, signaling an approaching storm that may or may not actually come

- The cheers and moans of locals while adamantly cheering on the Colombian and other local soccer teams

- The clink of beer bottles as a new round is started on a lazy Saturday afternoon down in the plaza

- The blaring of the picos (large speakers) every Saturday and Sunday night, supplying the pueblo with ample amounts of champeta, vallenato, and salsa music

These sounds have helped shape my experience here in Colombia. They are a part of my daily life and have really become second nature to me. I've found a strange sort of comfort in these sounds. Adjusting back to the peace and quiet of small town Iowa is going to be a challenge...