Because of the anniversary celebration, VALE was cancelled Monday and Tuesday. So, I planned to squish all of the Primary school into today, and all of the Secondary School into tomorrow. I was worried I would not be able to handle the 40+ kids that would probably turn up.
But, via some unfortunate gift the municipal speaker system is down. I could not call the youth as I do just as VALE is about to start every day. And, as the days had changed this week they had no way to know it was happening. So, with the 4 kids that followed me down the street to the library, I began.
By the end of the hour, we had about 25 VALE youth in attendance. Today we traveled to Japan. In the usual country exploration profile we learned about art and culture, how to count to ten, and phrases like ‘Konichi wa’ or ‘arigato’.
As children were arriving late this week, I left the youth who had arrived on time in charge or teaching their tardy buddies. It was beautiful to see the very young teaching their older siblings, the boys teaching the girls, and the girls teaching the boys patiently.
Once they finished their calligraphic and flowered Japanese style fans, we started some very simple origami hats and cups. As we finished the hats Luis held up an origami swan. I smiled broadly and asked him to come up and teach the class. Confident but quiet he took us through the steps.
“Wait for them to do what you have instructed before you move on.”
“But how do I know if they are ready?”
“Ask them.”
Today, Luis learned how to teach, and he will practice again tomorrow in front of the Secondary school youth. I am so proud of him.
We also might have had a little flood when I got to the library today that caused a little panic in my heart. But, all is taken care of now, and the youth themselves cleaned up their space and materials. Not a book was sacrificed. Thank God.
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