Our work is done!

Today we finished our work with the secondary teachers. Even though we only had 20 participants out of an anticipated 150, those who attended were enthusiastic and we had a good time. The 3 of us did not feel that we were at our best but the evaluations were very good. They reported that they really appreciated the opportunity to share ideas with teachers from other schools. The technology session was a highlight (thanks Sandra) and they liked the homework and cooperative learning sessions.
The learning coaches have been amazing. They have taken the material presented and have expanded and enhanced the presentations by making posters, using energizers, etc.
Our day ended with dinner hosted by a Rotarian. This Belmopan Rotary group has gone beyond what was expected. They have transported us to San Ignatio and back, hosted us every night for dinner, and been very supportive. Tomorrow morning a Rotarian is driving us to Belize City so we can catch the water taxi to Caye Caulker for several days of R&R. We look forward to seeing the entire group back in Alberta where we can share stories of our experience/adventure.

Back at Work in Belmopan

On Thursday last week,we were tired but satisfied. Rose and Jeff's teacher mentoring and Audrey's principal mentoring were completed and the feedback was positive.

For the weekend, we headed to San Ignacio. Unfortunately, it rained alot. Therefore, the dirt roads into the jungle were muddy and the rivers impassable. So we relaxed and visited the local sites like Cahal Pech, one of the most excavated Mayan sites in Belize.

This Monday morning was initially disappointing as we expected 150 secondary teachers and 20 showed up due to some type of communication breakdown. So we only had 1 group and only two people presented. Both workshops were well received. We are hoping more teachers show up tomorrow.

Hot Stuff :)

Wow really felt the effects of some hot weather. Classrooms were very hot and sticky but attendance was to the max. Its been great working with the teachers here in Belize. There is a real appreciation from them on the information that they have received so far. One more day and they will be on there own next week. On the whole they seem like a pretty confident group. Evenings here are very busy. Not much time for doing any sort of prep for the next day. Tonight we had a opportunity to dine at another Rotarian's home and dine on some excellent German food. I sometimes feel I am experiencing a Taste of Edmonton or Heritage Days. Meals here every night are something new and always very delicious. I know I will have to dust off my Body for Life book when I get home. :)

P.S. Did I mention that it was very hot today????? :)

Wow! Time is passing quickly!

It was great to get the first day completed! The teachers are like teachers everywhere: just great! After we found out what they were expecting, we proceeded to plan. Our day today, day 2, focussing on Literacy went well with the Teacher Mentors reporting that the ideas, info and strategies were helpful. Audrey, of course, had the principals captivated with her stories and with her passionate ideas concerning school leadership. At noon, we were the speakers at the local Rotary meeting. Feedback has been positive regarding our presentation. In the evening, we look forward to spending time with the Rotary members who treat us to a supper at a local restaurant or at their home. Tonight, we enjoyed Mexican food!

The last day before we begin our facilitation with the principals and teachers! We are a little nervous so we met this morning to review the week. We took a break when Joseph Mena, a Rotarian, took us to where our 2 palletes were stored so that we could retrieve our materials for our presentations. After a 2 hour lunch break at the home of Joe and Edith Mena, we resumed planning. It is going to be difficult to cover the topics in any meaningful way in 4 short days so we are trying to narrow things down to the most important pieces. Supper was at the home of Rotarian Jack Diffilywith another Rotarian and his wife and daughter in attendance. The Rotarians here in Belmopan are such interesting people that time flies by so now we are doing last minute adjustments in planning instead of getting our sleep. Until tomorrow.....

Our day began with a trip from Belize City to Belmopan with a driver who was a nurse anaesthesiologist who had attended public school in San Ignatio and Bellmopan. Upon arrival, we met Dr. Venny, Jeff's host, who immediately took us out for Chinese food for lunch. We spent most of our day touring with Dr. V, including a trip back to Belize City to retrieve Jeff's lost suitcase, a tour of a private hospital and his citrus farm. In the evening we were invited for dinner at the home of Emil Mana, a Rotarian, where we dined on authentic Belizean cuisine and met many family members. Tomorrow Joseph Mana is taking us to our 2 palettes of books so we can locate the materials we will need for Monday. Much thanks to the wonderful Rotarians in Belmopan!

Leading the Way Through Learning!