Life in Belize

Still teaching

2012-02-09T15:13:00.000-06:00

I so admire the teachers here in Belize. How do they do it? Noise, not enough supplies, children who are late to class or miss school because of too much rain. Teachers without enough teacher training, yet they teach on. I went to school on Monday, and one of our classrooms couldn't be used. Something had died (chicken, turkey, ???) at the house next door, and the stench was unbearable. Now four days later the room is locked. You see, the windows and doors must stay open. There's no A.C.; some rooms do have ceiling fans.

I've named our resident rooster Ralph. Not sure where he lives, but he's decided that he likes school. In fact, he likes it so much that at times he comes to the door of a class and makes a comment, very loudly. The other day I was teaching in the screened-in eating area. I noticed that several of the kids were looking up at the corner. Finally, I looked up too and saw 2 gekos. One was eating a butterfly. So, I made up a mini-story about that, and we continued to do Writing Workshop. Everything is a teaching moment.

I've just finished teaching Writing Workshop in Standard 6 (8th grade) and will begin Standard 5 (7th grade) on Monday. At 1 school there are 4 sections, so again I will be teaching all day: 2 in the morning and 2 after lunch every Monday and Tuesday for 4 weeks.

At the end of each month, I meet with the director of the Literacy Unit and also do a short workshop with Writing Institute Group, a group of teachers in Belize City.

Writing Workshop is going to prove to be a valuable tool in the schools of Belize, I believe. The joy is working with the teachers and students. They're all so eager to learn.

First week back

2012-01-18T19:20:00.000-06:00

Well, the first day back was an exercise in flexibility. At one of the schools, one teacher does all the language arts for all 4 sections of Standard 6(8th grade). So, he goes from class to class. Well, Monday one of the other Standard 6 teachers was absent. They don't have a substitute list, so his class was divided among the others, which meant the language arts teacher had to stay with the same class all day. So, I started Writing Workshop in his class only. Then Tuesday I got to do all of them.

Today I worked at the other school and one of the teachers has 39 8th graders. Now, that's just too many of any age in one small room. But, I got Writing Workshop started. Tomorrow will be the day for the students to begin the writing activities.

On another note. I met, by email, a lady who is a storyteller. She does creative workshops all over Belize and has been doing this for several years. Using folktales/legends from the different cultures, she encourages creative writing and does workshops for the teachers, as well as story time for students, followed by them doing creative writing. We've talked some and are going to try to collaborate on some things. She's a dynamic person who really cares about education in Belize.

That's one of the fun things about living here. I'm meeting fascinating people from all over the world: England, Canada, Aruba, Bermuda, Spain, Germany, Australia, France, Uruguay, Mexico, Iran, Pennsylvania, and even Texas, to name a few places.

Back to work

2012-01-07T16:01:00.000-06:00

Well, the holidays were wonderful, but it's time to get back to work. I think I managed to eat everything I've missed in Belize, and then some. Got to start walking to get rid of the few extra pounds.

I will be returning to check with teachers that I've already worked with to see if they need any extra help. Then I will start working with teachers in grades 5 & 6 to teach Writing Workshop. Also, I will be completing the teachers's writing handbook by the end of January. We will then give it to a group of teachers, so they can see if it is "teacher friendly". I'm sure some rewriting will still need to be done when it's returned. We will then have a final draft done by the first of April and will present it to the Ministry of Education. Hopefully, they will agree to print it and provide it to all the elementary school teachers. Other plans: do some more puppet shows in schools, continue to do teacher workshops and work with librarians on how to use puppets to promote reading.

Also, I will continue to work with Children of Hope Foundation, directed by my friend, Tuty Kalisek. We're all excited about Heart House, our facility for tutoring and reading. A couple of Canadians are here right now and will be helping us in some repairs. We've received a nice donation that is allowing us to put in a septic system (no city septic) and hook up the electricity. A fence is needed also to secure the house and property. Someone has volunteered to bring a tractor and do some leveling of the yard, which is full of stumps and rocks. So, it's all coming together. We plan to start tutoring and story time as soon as the inside is renovated, which should be in a couple of weeks. I will be helping with the tutoring and story time.

On a social note: I will be participating in the International Women's Group variety show and be available in the community to help with other projects. And, I'm making friends here that will be lasting. What a blessed time I'm having.

Catching Up

2011-11-25T10:15:00.001-06:00

Can't believe I've let a more than a month go by without an update. So much going on that I just forgot.

Let's see. I've continued to work in the schools, of course, 4 days a week. Also, I've been working a lot on the Literary Unit Writing Handbook for Teachers, which I'm writing with one of their staff members, Juanita Batun. Teaching the Writing Workshop is going well. I've taught it in grades 2 and 3 and am now working with grade 4. Of course, there's continuous follow-up and support to do. We don't expect drastic improvement in the students' writing at the end of this year, because this year is to introduce the writing method and get the kids and teachers used to using it. Next year should show improvement, however. What a joy it is to work with these teachers and children who so want to learn.

I'll be finishing grade 4 this next week and then will go back and observe some classes and do workshops with the teachers. It's winding down to the Christmas holidays now, and I'll be going home to Texas for 3 weeks. Very excited to see family & friends.

A Child's Day at School

2011-10-06T09:48:00.000-05:00

A child's day at school in Belize isn't anything like in the U.S. Getting there is the first problem, although they don't see it as a problem. Transportation is mostly feet - walking, rain or shine. Then there are the fortunate who have bicycles. A few might ride in a car, Dad's taxi, or even a motorcycle, as you see in the photo. But, most walk - some a long way. High school students in the villages out of town catch buses and have to be there by 6 or 6:30 a.m. to be able to get a seat. They don't allow standing on the buses, so if it's full, it passes by. A child in a village far out might begin the walk at 3:30 a.m. to the bus stop.

Primary school - grades k-7 - children take their lunch, buy from a vendor (if one's available), or go home. Home may be a long walk, so many just stay at school, without lunch. Or, they may go home and just not bother to return. High school students have to stay there, and most have some sort of lunch room where they can buy food, if they have money. Some take their lunches. But, again, some just don't eat.The money they have has to be used for bus fare.

I'm working at primary schools, so I am experiencing the environment first-hand. Wooden or concrete buildings, with concrete floors, open windows & doors without screens, worn-out blackboards, crumbling chalk. This is the typical classroom. Yet the teachers somehow make them colorful and inviting. Some of the rooms are so small that there's only about 2 feet between the front desks and the blackboard. Outside noise is constant, from the voices from other classes to weed eaters. Some have fans; many don't.

Teachers buy their own materials. There's no budget for that. The government furnishes the books for primary, but high school students have to buy theirs.

Everyone wears a uniform. Each school has their own colors and patterns that are used. And, they have a school patch that has to be pinned or sewn on. Girls wear skirts or dresses, and boys wear pants. Even though it's very hot here most of the time, no one is allowed to wear shorts to school. Teachers and principals wear uniforms also.

Language seems to be one of the biggest issues here. English is the 2nd language for many children and teachers. Especially the youngest - K through 2nd grades - usually speak Spanish, Kriol, or a Mayan dialect and very little English. However, English is the official language of the country, because it used to be British Honduras. So, all is supposed to be taught in English. Their writing scores are suffering because of this. So, that's why I'm here teaching how to teach writing with the writing workshop approach.

Even though there are a lot of issues and problems, I find most principals and teachers to be very receptive to learning and eager to do anything to help the children.

The children are eager to learn. Their faces light up; they love to give hugs. They love attention, as children everywhere. Now, they know me, not just as Puppet Lady, but as teacher. There's no nurse, or place to go when sick, so a child usually just stays and puts the head down on the desk. When I go to school, I'm greeted with, "Good morning, Miss Charlotte." or "Tooty Ta", which is a song I do with the kids in the puppet show.

Ah, the love I feel from these children. How blessed I am to be able to work with them.

The Woodcarver

2011-09-26T22:49:00.000-05:00

His name is Eduardo. He's a carver.He carves everything from small objects for necklaces to large animals and Mayan figures. The smaller objects - crosses, birds, animals, trivets, coasters - are made of slate. The larger ones are from wood. He started out using a machete, then added a chain saw, then a chisel and hammer. Also, he uses some tools he's created himself. He sees the figure in the wood, then carves it out.

About 15 years ago, he became a follower of Jesus. At that time he said that he began to pray to be able to carve, because that's a desire he'd had for some time. It was slow, but he began to develop a skill for carving the slate and wood. A chunk of wood becomes an eagle or jaguar. Another piece is a toucan or parrot. A larger piece might be a crocodile or Mayan figure. The pieces of slate have animals, birds, and intricate patterns carved into them. God gave him his heart's desire. What a gift.

He's a simple man and lives with his family in a wooden house on stilts. His possessions are few. He has no fancy tools, yet the beauty he creates comes from his love of God. Maybe we could learn from Eduardo that simplicity has its own beauty - that God's gifts have nothing to do with what we have but with our heart's desires. Eduardo gives back to God in the beauty he creates out of the natural materials God placed on earth. He's truly blooming where he was planted. Shouldn't we all do the same?

State Funeral & Independence Day

2011-09-26T10:27:00.000-05:00

I am watching on T.V. the state funeral of George Price, first Prime Minister of Belize. He was instrumental in gaining independence for Belize and is like George Washington in the U.S. - the father of the country. There are a few heads of state in attendance. It's a very formal ceremony, with honor guard, etc. All the men are wearing white shirts and black pants, with the women in black, white. Not sure if this is a Catholic service, but there are several ministers from different churches in attendance.

He was brought to Belmopan, because it's the capital city. He will be buried in Belize City, and school children will line the streets when the procession leaves. There will be a national holiday in honor of him.

Last Wednesday was Independence Day, and I got to ride on the Education Centre float in the parade. I took my bird puppet along, and he waved to the crowd. Lots of fun. There were fireworks at midnight Tuesday night. Concerts, speakers, parades, food vendors - lots of celebration. There were several events during September, so it is a month of celebrating.

Now, since all the celebrating is over, I should be able to really get to work with the writing project. Also, I am now working with Mrs. Batun, staff member of the Literacy Unit, on creating a writing handbook for the Primary school teachers to use. This is very exciting, because teachers all over Belize will have something to use to help them teach writing. This is being done by the Ministry of Education. How exciting to be part of this.

How the schools work

2011-09-20T12:32:00.000-05:00

Ah, the sun is shining today for the first time in about a week. We've had a lot of rain. The good part is that it's been quite cool and pleasant in the evening.

Yesterday I taught the writing workshop in 3 classes at St. Martin Gov't Primary School. It was such fun, and the children were very responsive. Of course, many more lessons will be needed before they and the teachers really grasp how this works. But, it will work, and I'm excited about their coming improvement.

Here's an explanation of the school system here:
Preschool - 3&4 years old
Infant 1 = kindergarten; children may start at 4, if birthday's a certain month
Infant 2 = 1st grade
Standard 1 = 2nd grade
" 2 = 3rd grade
" 3 = 4th grade
" 4 = 5th grade
" 5 = 6th grade
" 6 = 7th grade
High School
Form 1 - 8th grade
Form 2 = 9th grade
Form 3 = 10th grade
Form 4 = 11th grade & graduation
So, actually they go to school 12 years, where in the States it's 13.

Some schools start at 8:30, some at 9. Each Monday there's an assembly first with a devotional and prayer. Some have an hour for lunch; others have an hour and a half. Some of the schools have a snack shack and maybe a couple of women who cook rice & beans. There is no school-run cafeteria. A few of them have a screened room with picnic tables, but most have nothing like that, and the kids eat outside, sitting wherever. Kids who are close enough go home for lunch. The high schools are closed campus and have a place to buy food but not a cafeteria like in the States. Many children just don't eat, because they don't have any money, and there's nothing even if they go home. Or, it may be too far to walk home and back during lunch.

The windows and doors are open to allow for the breeze, when there is one, but then there's also outside noise to contend with. Considering the conditions, these teachers do a great job. Most are very eager and excited about the writing project.

Next week will be the first week that I'll be able to get in a full week's work at the schools. September 21st is Independence Day, and there are all kinds of activities during the whole month.

What a blessing to be working with these children and teachers.

Sounds of Belize

2011-09-10T11:15:00.000-05:00

I grew up in the 40's & 50's. No AC, so the windows were open. No technology, except T.V. and house phone, so we played outside. We have no AC, so my windows are always open. As I'm here, day after day, I'm reminded of that time. Birds chattering and singing wake me. That's nice. Then the weed eaters begin. Whole lawns, which are small, are cut with weed eaters and machetes. Radios and T.V.'s are turned on. People talk and sing. Little children squeal, laugh, and talk. An occasional car goes by. Hammering starts at a house construction nearby. Dogs back. Oh, how they bark, at anything that moves outside. And then, just for grins, a couple of big ones fight for a few minutes through the fence. I guess they do it to see who will back down first. The little dogs next door then start up, yapping, joining in as best they can. It's a cacophony of sound that takes me back in time. And, it really doesn't bother me, except when the family behind us decides to play their music really loud. So, I just close the windows, turn on the fan, and tune it out.

The whole of September is one big celebration, because the 21st is Independence Day. There are parades, presentations, athletic competitions, plays, and jump ups. Now, a jump up is something very unique and lasts as long as the participants can hold out. A truck has music playing. People follow it, jumping up and dancing to the music. In other words, it's a moving party. The schools have Literacy Day in which reading is promoted. Grades 1-5 have programs and story time at school. Grades 6-8 do a parade through town and have a program also.

So, I've not yet begun the writing project, because this past week was the first week of school, and that's always a busy time. This week I will begin to work with the teachers and will be in their classes.

My friend, Ross, is here for a few days. He came to check on the little girl that he helped get medication for a huge bump on her head. Thankfully, the meds are working, and she's doing great. He does so much for kids here in getting medical help for them. What a heart. www.chacusabelize.org

Children of Hope Foundation, which my friend Tuty directs, has sponsors for 178 kids this year. They've all received their backpacks and supplies. What fun it is to work with her and be out and about visiting with the kids. She has plans for a tutoring/reading center in one of the villages. Much needed. More on that later.

I'll write more next week to let you know how the writing project is doing.

An Evening with Friends

2011-09-01T22:07:00.004-05:00

Ah, a relaxing evening with friends. What could be better. We met at Corker's Restaurant, fast becoming my favorite place in Belmopan. Such a nice setting outdoors, fans blowing, sun setting. It's on the 2nd floor so great view of the sunset, if you sit facing west, of course. The 3 of us had an appetizer of several things, just as our conversation was a carousel of topics.

We finished handing out backpacks/school supplies today. This is my friend's school sponsorship program, Children of Hope Foundation. Beautiful children. Nothing makes my heart laugh like helping a child go to school. I'll begin my work at the schools Monday. Plans are to be at 1 school Mondays & Tuesdays and the other Wednesdays & Thursdays. I will be in the classrooms, modeling how to do the writing workshop. Quite a challenge ahead. Also, I'll continue to work with the Literacy Unit of the Ministry of Education, Belize, to add to the writing project in order to have a finished product that will work in all the schools.

Just living in another culture is a challenge in itself, but I love it. A slower way of life that definitely teaches patience & tolerance. You know, that's a lesson for living anywhere.

Getting Ready for School

2011-08-28T20:56:00.000-05:00

This is the last week before school starts Sept. 5th here for grades 1-8. High school starts tomorrow. I've been out & about with Tuty, who directs a school sponsorship program (www.childrenofhopebelize.org) as she delivered backpacks, books, & school supplies to high school kids and talked with the students and parents about the coming year. She received 11 shipping barrels from the U.S., and they just arrived last Friday. So she had to deliver to 54 kids. It takes a while, since all the roads are not paved, and some live far out. I love doing this, because I get to see a lot of kids and where they live. This week we will get backpacks, etc. ready for the other kids, all 131 of them. They will come to a nearby school to pick up theirs. Go to her website and check out what this lady does. Incredible.

What a pleasant day today - cooler than usual, which is a nice change. Lots of lightning and thunder for the past 2 days but no rain. For us, that's good news. I have one teacher workshop to do this week at a school. The rest of the time will be preparation for next week and helping Tuty get the backpacks packed.

Went to church today at Abundant Life - Pastor Mario, whom I met several years ago. I love their lively music - has that Belizean beat.

Usually, I carry a small puppet everywhere I go. But, yesterday, I forgot. Well, we got to this house where several small kids came running out. I always ask them if they remember me, because I've done a puppet show in almost all the schools around here. Sometimes they look puzzled. Then I tell them I'm the Puppet Lady. That brings grins. So, no puppet. I put my finger tips together and began to talk in a funny voice. Then they did too. So much fun being with these kids. Of course, the challenge will be going in the classes to do this writing workshop. So far, the teachers & principals at both schools seem very eager to do this.

Well, I'm settling into life in Belize, with a few bumps along the way, but it's all working out.

Busy Day

2011-08-19T15:10:00.000-05:00

A busy day today. Tuty, director of Children of Hope school sponsorship program, has to talk with all her high school kids & parents today & tomorrow. They sign a contract and pick up their books, and she talks to them about grades,etc. Usually they get backpacks too, but they're still in the U.S. Shipment delayed. I'm living with her while here and also work with her program some.

They say that tropical storm Harvey is headed this way with lots of rain. Not a good thing here, as there's not much drainage. At least it's not increasing to hurricane strength. So, probably will stay in all weekend. The electricity will most likely go off. It doesn't take much anyhow for that to happen.

Some cultural facts about Belize:
Driving here is a total exercise in defensiveness for us foreigners. There are few posted speed limit signs, passing is done anywhere - on hills, curves, with cars coming. And obstacles? Oh, yea, everywhere you'll find speed bumps and big pedestrian crossing bumps. Most of them have a warning sign right before it, but, occasionally, there will be one that's a total surprise. You hope those have yellow stripes painted across, because, if you hit one at any speed, you will be airborne, and the car might not have anything left underneath. Hum, we need some of those in Texas. There are 4 major highways, but most villages have dirt roads.
Grocery shopping takes a while, because 1 store usually doesn't carry the brands or items you might want. Tuesdays & Fridays are the days to buy fresh veggies & fruits at the open market. You'll also find everything there from DVD's to fresh fish to clothes.
Mail isn't delivered to houses. You have to have a post office box, which isn't always easy to come by.
There is no entertainment as we know it in the States, such as: movies, bowling, putt putt golf, etc. There is cable TV for those who can afford it, and it has many of the U.S. stations. Electronics are expensive. There are only 2 cell phone companies, and you don't buy plans. You just buy minutes.
The money is called dollars and is 2 to 1 to the U.S. dollar. ATM's are available in all the cities.
What I can't find here: anything sugar-free, frozen yogurt, herbal tea, Romaine lettuce, humuus, cream cheese, almond milk. So, I make do with everything. Some of it I can find in Belize City at a big Wal-Mart-like store. But going there is a trip, so it will be infrequent. Gas is $5.93 a gallon, so you don't want to make a lot of trips anyhow.
There are no fast food restaurants. No McDonald's or Burger King. The closest thing to fast food would be neighborhood places that have tostados, etc. But even those aren't fast.
A slower way of life, which I'm enjoying. Probably will be eating very healthy. I will be reading and writing a lot. May even take up drawing and painting again. Of course, when teacher workshops start next week, I'll be very busy.
Hope you've enjoyed a "little taste of Belize".

Children of Hope Foundation

2011-08-17T11:08:00.000-05:00

Children of Hope Foundation is a school sponsorship program that I've been involved with for 3 years. While here, I'm renting a room from my friend, Tuty Kalisek, director of this organization. Being here with her gives me a great opportunity to meet many of the sponsored children and be involved in the day to day activities.

Right now COHF has a great need for a facility in which to operate their school supply distribution center and provide tutoring for the children in the village. A small house was found and rented for 2 months, with plans being made to set it up for tutoring and story time. Now the man has decided to sell it instead. It's in a perfect location close to the school, and there are no other such houses there for rent or sale.

So, COHF would like to buy the house but has no funds presently for this purchase.If you would like to help with this situation, please contact Tuty Kalisek, director, email: Jer2911cohf@gmail.com or Charlotte Hansen email:hansenhi5@sbcglobal.net

Please share this need with your friends, family, and church. We know that God has the money out there to provide this need for the children in this village of Belmopan, Belize. The way to improve a country is through the education of its children.

Cultural Experiences

2011-08-14T23:49:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, I had a couple of interesting experiences. First, I was going to dinner with some friends and had a pair of crop pants that I wanted to wear. However, not having access to an iron right now, I had a problem. The pants were very wrinkled.(no dryer - just hang them on the line) But, there was a solution. You see, it's hot here and very humid. So, I put the pants on, sweated a bit, sat in them, and behold, steam ironed pants, without the iron. O.K., they didn't have a nice crease, but they were decent to go out in. It's called ingenuity - you do what you gotta do.

Then when I got home, I turned on the T.V. for a little relaxation. It began to rain, and I got up to go out on the porch to check it out. (I live upstairs right now.)When I opened the screen door, I felt something hit my foot and jumped back in. There went a green frog. I mean he was stretched out and moving. I pushed the door back open and ran and got the broom. Have you ever tried to sweep a frog? That little, green rascal was stretching it out every time he jumped. I scooted the couch over looking for him. Then there he was under the chair. I took a swipe. He jumped again. Ah, I missed. Then another swipe sent him toward the door. Just as he poised for another jump, I swiped - a sweeping stroke that sent him right out the door. I followed, broom cocked for another swing, but he was already headed down the bannister. Not sure who was more surprised at this encounter - me or the frog. I'm used to seeing geikos running around but had not expected a long, green frog. Then the phone rang. My friend downstairs wanted to know if everything was O.K. up here, because she had heard some awful racket. Just told her a frog and I were playing a little house soccer.

It's not just the big stuff that adventures are made of.

A day in Belize

2011-08-14T10:56:00.002-05:00

A day in Belize

A day in Belize
I'm sitting here feeling like I'm back in the 50's when neighborhoods were full of sounds of children and families. Windows open, breeze blowing, dogs barking, & children's laughter and playful voices wafting in & out. My fans and the wind are mixing it up to move the hot air around, making it bearable at least. Windows to the east open to a red, hot tin roof, so curtains are closed in early morning. Then curtains on the west side get that treatment in the late afternoon. The sidewalks roll up here when the sun goes down. Well, they would if there were any sidewalks. Yes, there's cable T.V. for those who can afford it. For those who can't, they may bave a DVD player and can watch movies. No rental on movies here. They're bought in the market or some of the stores, and the quality often isn't very good.

But, children play out here a lot - inventive games, ball games, running games, and lots of marble games. Even small kids run up and down the street playing and having fun. Not many street lights, so they will stay close to home after dark.

My favorite "hangout" is Corker's Restaurant, because part of it is open, like a verandah, on the 2nd floor. Nice place to watch the sunset, have a drink, eat, & visit with friends. I love the watermelon juice here. And they have a nice olive, bread, & dip tray that's very good.

Well, work time approaches. I'm having to get a special teaching license and am working on the workshop material I'll be presenting at the 2 schools where I'll be working. God has put me back into it. Guess I'll never quit being a teacher. Once a teacher, always a teacher. But, I will still have opportunities to do puppet shows in the schools. They're so much fun.

More later. Got to work on some computer stuff.