We aren't running the after school program right now. I am just opening the doors to the library in the evenings and allowing kids to use the last of the art supplies and books to do their homework.
The recommendations my superiors made about the program were:
1- Do not bring in more books until the people show more effort. perhaps you can organize a book exchange, but don't house more books here until you know the people will protect them.
2- Get anyone to man/woman the library. Even if it is a non-professional, it is a starting point. things can change later if it goes well.
3- Get your hands out of the dough. Flour the committee of women's hands so they are ready, and pass the bowl. Have faith in what you have done, allow them to take the lead.
So, now that I am not teaching on a daily, just keeping order in the library and helping kids find answers to their questions, I feel like I have one real task: to say, "good job".
Everyday the kids come and make art and do their homework completely on their own. Every time they finish something, whether it be a crayon flower, or the definition of "invertebrate" they always want someone to see it and say, "good job".
It is the same with the women. Complimenting them on our work together over the past two years, "you have done such an amazing job" and encouraging their strength and power like crazy so they keep going after I am gone is my occupation right now. It is so important, and so good for them, and so good for me. It is the perfect way to wrap up my service.
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