The English class of 2011.

From left to right are Ruth, Mary Luz, Leticia, Juana and Fernando. Tania and Nory were absent this night
We are just finishing our second week of teaching English at the clinic and all seems to be progressing very well. This second week has been a little difficult for the nurses because they have been undergoing a week of in-services conducted by visiting doctors from the United States. This has led to a long day for most.
Nevertheless, the attendance has been promising and the general enthusiasm more than encouraging. The group was absolutely amazed when we presented them with their very own Oxford Pocket English/Spanish Dictionary, together with accompanying CD to assist with pronunciation. Marion explained to the group that many people back home in Mildura had given us some extra money, apart from that raised at Sacred Heart Primary School community; and that some of this money had funded the purchase of the dictionaries. The very looks on their faces showed their deep gratitude and you cannot imagine the joy they receive from such a gift.

Milton, Cristina and Edith.
We have introduced the use of power point presentations into the classes and this has brought the classes to a new level for them. We can now show shared reading, grammar, word lists and even coloured pictures in order to promote discussion and conversation. Everything has become much more interactive, and I really believe that some of these nurses have never experienced lessons such as these.
The teaching and learning approach here is so different to what we have become used to in Australia. In these present classes gone are the days of the dreaded butcher paper and textas, thank goodness!

How long will we teach for? The intention is to work for four afternoon/evenings a week for January, February, March and the first half of April. We do plan to take one week off around St. Patrick’s Day, 17th March. Big celebrations at the Columban Center House in Lima and we have been invited! Just another pleasant ten hour drive down and back through the Andes courtesy of bus Cruz del Sur!

In the front row and left to right are Gloria, Padre Braulio, Carmen, Lidia, Yeny and Zulma.