Just an ordinary day at School!

 Buenos Noches mis hermanos!

Yo oro con tú!

Today, was, well, and ordinary day- waking up, going to school, going to the Casa for meals and study, celebrating Mass and praying, and doing ALOT of walking!

One of the things my maestra and discussed, yes- in Spanish- was how the education system worked here in Guatemala. Most if not the entire school calendar- Parochial or Public- is centered around religious holidays, not seasons. The schools, most of them any way, go on break from the 15 of October and return to school 15 of January (public may go back earlier). This means, that they are able to celebrate Todos Los Santos (All Saints Day), All Souls Day, La Solemnidad de Concepcion de Inmaculada (The Immacualte Conception), Navidade (Christmas), La Madre De Dios (Mary, Mother of God and 1st of the Year); Three Kings Day, the Epiphany, and the Baptism of our Lord. The rest of time (with respect to 2 more breaks- Holy Week, and Mothers Day) they are in school. 

The day for a child is very different from what we are used to. Do you remember when you asked your parents for money to buy something? Well that is somewhat similar to down here, EXCEPT, they are not asking their parents for money- they are earning money. That’s right, children are out on the streets, in the shops, in the market places, and doing the ‘family’ business to support- not just them, but their entire family as well. They are not making a lot of money, but what they make, they give to their parents to support the familial cause. But hey, lets not forget SCHOOL! 

These children work with their parents during the morning, and then their so called ‘siesta’ is actually getting ready to go to school in the afternoon. From the time their parents start working (almost as early as 5am) to about noon or so. Then from 1:00-6:00/7:00pm or so, they are in school. That time in between 12:00-1:00, these kids are not playing around, they are WALKING, yes WALKING to school- which can be for them either 1 mile, 2 miles, or even 3 miles or more depending on where school is located. Maybe one or two 12 seat school buses that go to one school, if they are lucky. They walk from one valley to another; they walk, maybe, across town; but hey they WALK. Do they put up a stink, possibly, but over all, they are extremely HAPPY to be in school. They want to learn, and are excited to be in the classroom. 

The classroom can have any where from 70 to 150 kids- per one teacher. ONE teacher! And if they miss any classes, for example from January to March, and come in at April, the teacher has to teach them and the rest of the class. They have little, to no supplies or books. But hey, they are happy to be in school!

Alright, that is it for now. I will let you soak that little summary of our conversation today, and until tomorrow- Hasta Luego!

Comments

  1. DebJuly 7, 2022 at 10:12 AM

    Very interesting Father Matt!

    ReplyDelete
  2. catholic nannersJuly 10, 2022 at 11:02 AM

    Hi father Matt! Its Nancy from MHT.. Wow it looks like ya been crazy busy learning and helping and praying.. They had a article in the bulletin this week about making chocolate .. .. Its very hot here last couple of days so the chocolate would have surley melted... well I am praying for you and for a safe rest of your stay..God bless you, Nancy

    ReplyDelete

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