In contrast to the previous weeks that we have enjoyed in Pisac, this past week was filled with more structure as we welcomed the high-schoolers into our routines with open arms – both in the classrooms and on the (dirt) roads!
We greeted Rachel, one of the high-schoolers, upon her arrival in Pisac on Wednesday. She had an abbreviated orientation session and then joined us in the classroom!
For the second half of the week, the high-schoolers joined the interns teaching in front of the classroom. We enjoyed sharing our teaching duties with them as they were eager to get fully immersed in the service work! Most chose to teach English in the local schools, while Sophie joined Lindsay for her final two days volunteering in the kindergarten class at Tambo de Gozo. The kindergarteners surprised Lindsay with farewell cards they each drew and colored for her.
At the STRIVE Center, we had another week full of fun and learning as the high schoolers are now teaching the lesson plans they have worked on. At STRIVE, we look for more ways (big or small) to serve in addition to our main programs. One of these opportunities came when one of our interns, Alie, noticed one of her students at the STRIVE Center constantly squinting. She then asked the student (Flor) if she had glasses; in response, the little girl showed Alie her broken pair. Alie took it upon herself to get the lenses copied and the frames replaced. Flor has worn her new glasses to the STRIVE Center every day since. She doesn’t have to strain her eyes and squint to see anymore! As evidenced by this anecdote, what might appear as a basic task can make a huge difference in the life of someone else.
About our running escapades, many of the interns have taken a down week to recover from heavy training loads. Meanwhile, the high schoolers are quickly adjusting to altitude and starting to slightly pick up the pace on their runs. Some have even worked in some harder, faster sessions!
This concludes the most routine week the high school STRIVErs will probably have during their trip. The next couple weeks’ schedule will be packed full of a variety of activities to keep us on our toes (including Peruvian Independence Day and our Machu Picchu trek)! Don’t forget to check back later to hear about our amazing weekend adventures 🙂
Saludos desde Pisac,
Lindsay and Melanie
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