The things I want to accomplish this semester are mainly to
organize and put into action my ideas. I had an amazing experience this summer
and it’s only been a couple weeks and it already feels like the inspiration is slowly
slipping through my fingers.
I
met incredible people who do so much to help others. I was there to see these
people make sacrifices to do the best job; there were opportunities to slack
and perhaps take an afternoon nap. But these people were constantly trying to
improve the projects for the kids, filing paper work, making and preparing
materials. What I value most about their work is the fact that I can trust them
to do and choose the best for the kids.
As
we prepared to leave on the field study, our mentors and teachers emphasized
our need to do reciprocity for those who we worked with and had hosted us. I
tried to keep an eye open for anything I could do, but it wasn’t until the last
few weeks that I realized what would actually be helpful for the
organization. It took some time to
really see what would be most helpful. In the beginning I was thinking about
the generic aid strategies, money, shoes, and yes those would be helpful but
they’re a few more specific things that would help out the facilitators. They
work a lot with the kids in big fields, and use athletic equipment every
day. Orange cones are used
multiple times a day! They also need soccer balls, pumps, and paint to make
materials.
Just
in case I didn’t catch what they needed just based on my observations, I asked
the project coordinator what he thought would be a good contribution. It made
me happy when he said, “Can you just stay here forever?” Later we discussed the
possibility of starting a sponsoring program for the kids. The facilitators in
El Salvador would seek out the cases that need the most help, and I would help
to match them up with a sponsor here. We haven’t quite set up a system yet;
maybe the sponsors can each be for a specific athletic equipment for one of the
communities.
This
is where I need some planning, and organizing. How can I continue to help while
I am here? Ultimately I would love to be able to set a somewhat self-sustaining
system I can manage and advertize for.
I have thought about setting up a fundraiser, or “awareness” booth
somewhere. And would these be the best ways to help? I can’t physically be
there to help all of the time…even though I would love to.
I
think writing will be a good chance to not only explore and develop the ideas
born on this trip, but writing can also help me solidify my good intentions and
actually make something happen. I am not out to change the world, but rather
make those small changes that can make life a little easier for those who
already give and do so much. One
thing for example, would be helping one of the facilitators finish his home. He
works everyday teaching soccer to the kids; he has children of his own, and has
been saving to finish his home for a while now. He only needs $300. And I need to think of a way to let
people know how to help. And to be completely honest, I believe I need some
idea-development myself. Where there is a will there is a way!
