Wednesday, December 3, 2008

School Based Work

I'm spending this week at St. Luke's Primary School and needless to say, these past few days have shattered my stereotypes about school uniforms and religious schools. These kids aren't rich or privileged; if anything they would fit right in back at Mitchell. There are parents in jail, new daddy's this year, and we even have one boy who's mom is on her deathbed (his aunt actually came and got him today as they think it was time). These kids are loud, foulmouthed, horrible behavior, don't listen, don't care, but at the same time they can be the sweetest things ever. I feel really bad for them, they are 9 and 10 year olds who read at the level of 2nd to 3rd grader, who know more about alcoholic behavior than any child has the right to know, they know how to defend themselves against life. I must admit when I taught today I was a little harsh and I have been after them to keep their hands to themselves and to watch their language and I know that they laugh about my accent, but I just wish I could give them better, what they deserve, a true education, not one that's struggling against economy, family, and a crap school building (the teachers joke that it sounds like we are all at the dentist as the drilling never stops). But I guess that's life and I fear for what life will be for some of them; however, if they pull through they will become amazing adults that the world should take notice of.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi Erica, I sent a comment but it did not go through so will try again. My heart goes out to you for the challenge you have in the classroom. My only thought is to show them your love and care for them as that is what they need most. Just be your loving self and it will go better.