Teaching English

Ted. When Judy and I committed to an extended stay in Oaxaca, Mexico, we realized that we might have enough time to do some meaningful volunteer work.  The trick was to find a suitable organization. If you google “voluntourism” you will come across countless articles describing programs throughout the world that are wasting billions of dollars and, in far too many instances, actually harming the folks they mean to aid. So, we did a fair amount of due diligence and came across Fundación En Vía. It turned out to be just what we were looking for.

If you visit their website, EnVia.org, you will learn that the organization’s primary purpose is to provide microloans to women in the villages outside Oaxaca City who wish to start or expand a small business. One way En Via raises the funds that they loan out is by giving tours to visitors who wish to meet these ladies and learn about their efforts. Several years ago, some of the women asked if they, and their children could get English classes and that was where we were able to help.

After a detailed screening via Skype, Judy and I were asked to commit four weeks to teach two classes, twice each week. We agreed and beginning on October 2, every Monday and Wednesday afternoon, we traveled by public bus or van to the village of Tlacochahuaya. There we set up folding chairs and whiteboards to create little classrooms on the front porch of the town hall.

Town Hall

"Classrooms"

My two objectives were to learn a bit about the life of typical Mexicans and to help my students improve their English. The first goal was achieved, the second, not so much. 

As with past volunteer efforts, Judy and I found that the people who choose to get involved in programs like this are what I consider to be the “top 10%.” We have developed several budding friendships and hope that we will see some of these folks again, somewhere in the world.

The "faculty"

One unexpected outcome of this effort was a newfound respect for what all teachers deal with. In my past life, I have managed up to 100 employees but nothing prepared me for six giggling middle schoolers! It was very humbling. However, I won’t soon forget those kids running up to me every afternoon to burst out “Good afternoon, Teacher!”  No, I hadn’t earned that title, but I sure embraced it.

"Teacher" waiting for bus