I forgot to mention in my recent blog that I am working with children from the ages of 11 to 14 years old. So far, I love my group, but I recently discovered that next Sunday, I am going to working with a different group (same age). We will teach them how to make a volcanic eruption and a periscope. We also play games that will increase their critical thinking skills; it is a game called Pienso Rapido (Think Fast). I am also going to save all of the handouts and information that they give more, which describes in further detail the activities y objectives for every Sunday. Thus far, I love the volunteers that I am working with; they are a group of dedicated and supportive women who strive to make a difference in the children's lives. We had a meeting today and discovered what we need to do for Sunday. I have to play close attention to the children, observing their attiude and actions. Also, I need to write down testimonies (quotes from the children) that illuminate the conflicts and problems that the children have to confront. I am very interested in this task because I will be able to delve deeper into the lives of these kids and understand their situation better. I REALLY want to help them.

Also, I know that I did not post anything yesterday, but Emma and I just had a tour of the central part of Lima. Ignacio, a volunteer at La Casa de Panchita, was our tour guide. He is a very intelligent and humble person who knows a lot about Lima´s culture and history. Emma and I went to two parks and three museums. We went to the Museo de Arte Religios, Mueso de la Inquisicion, y Museo San Francisco. I most say that I learned a lot. I also took lots of pictures, which will be posted up soon; I promise!!!! A funny side note: In Peru, especially central Lima, the cars never stop for pedestrians, which I find very funny.

Now, for today, Emma, Emily, and I received a small lecture from Johanna about AGTR (Asociación Grupo de Trabajo Redes). I discovered that La Casa de Panchita is a project of AGTR that helps to make domestic workers aware of their rights as citizens of Peru. La Casa de Panchita provides them with a very loving atmosphere and provides English classes and  classes on reproduction, human rights, and technology.  La Casa also wants the women to realize the advantage of having a higher education (i.e graduating from an university). This is very important because more than 55% of Peruvians live in poverty and 10% live in extreme poverty. Therefore, many Peruvians do not have the opportunity to graduate from college, let alone high shool (sometimes even elementary or middle schoo). I discovered the percentages on poverty from a book that I am reading for La Casa. La Casa wants Emma, Emily, and I to write a report on two books that discuss the purpose of La Casa,  the lives of the domestic workers, and the issues regarding sexual, verbal, and physical abuse. So far, the books are very interesting, and I am learning more and more everyday about La Casa de Panchita, and its central purpose. Hopefully, later on in the month, Emma and I will be able to talk with the domestic workers (the older women) because we would love to know more about the adversities that they have to confront EVERYDAY.


Also, for today, Emma, Emily , and I had to create lessons for the English classes on Sunday. I just finished two lessons on Dinner and Telling A Story. If anyone wants to see what the lesson look like, I will be glad to post it. Well, that all is for now. I will post more tomorrow.

¡Hasta Luego!

Jessica