11/28/08 [Profile Making]

What I Did

-Talked to Silver about youth sports club (reminiscent of a boys and girls club) that also offers help with homework.

-Talked with Daniel about sports and educational programs at Vina Emanuel.

-Talked with Rosita about starting a breakfast program for the kids.

-Talked with Daniel and Rosita about summer day camp/educational program for summer 2009

Networking

-Laura and David Boyd [Elementary School Sponsorship Program]

909-627-4339 (ask to speak with Bob Sanders)

Random Facts

-Elementary School Tuition is less than $50

-A lot of kids cannot pay for high school tuition, so they do not go

-There is homework help offered (however, I do not know to what extent)

-High school: 7am-1pm / Elementary school: 8am-12pm

-Class size average: HS = 25 / ES = 22

Approximate Kid Count: 150

Reflection:

I am so excited that Daniel and Silver have a passion for the kids.  Silver wants to get the kids involved in sport, which is great for their physical health.  Daniel cares a lot about their faith (christian).  I care most about their education because I feel it will give them more opportunities in the future.  It seems like things are fitting together well.  A lot of churches compete for people regarding attendance, but Daniel wants to help them network and help the people.  Churches are for the people, so I hope we can work together --not against one another. 

The breakfast program sounds really awesome, but I am not sure how to make that a self-sustaining kind of help.

Wow, over 100 kids are going to be a part of Operation Christmas.  When I was getting sponsors before this trip, I thought that 43 would be enough... maybe too many.  I guess I underestimated the need in Mexico.  I am happy to find more sponsors though!  I read about collaboration and resource networking in my Social Work textbooks and how they can really amplify your ability to help others... and it is really true.

 

My friends are wonderful.  Jacque and Brandon are great photographers and their skills are of great help.  I am super appreciative of their efforts.  Brandon is really great with flyer stuff.  I wish I could do it all.  Relying on others makes me nervous that things won't get done... or if they do get done... they won't be done properly.

 

I am not sure if it was because of our cultural differences, but I have to say that I was scared that my passion to help the children would not be well received.  Daniel, Rosita, and Silver seem so happy to work with me... that makes me super happy.