Workshops

Summer, 2012

Our 2012 summer trip to Mexico through ELA was one that will never be forgotten. Both Katherine and I had the experience of a lifetime as we gave back to the Mexican community by providing the children in rural Oaxaca, Mexico with introductory English summer courses for two weeks. The conditions in Mexico weredrastically different from those of the United States. We worked in a one-room school with no air conditioning, did not have the benefit of computers, or other forms of technology that we have grown so accustomed to here, and mosquitos wereour constant companions. However the warm and inviting people of the communitymade us feel welcomed and at home and far overshadowed these conditions. Not only were we exposed to a completely different culture and way of living, but we were also blessed to be given the opportunity to touch the lives and furthereducate many young boys and girls. One's perspective changes radically when faced with the realities of the world outside of what he or she knows to be “home”. Katherine and I are so grateful that we were able to give back in such arewarding way such as through ELA. We look forward to making many more trips toMexico with even more volunteers, and perhaps one day all over Latin America, tooffer services in whichever way needed. While it is true that life in small, poor villages in Oaxaca, Mexico is vastly different than that found here in theUSA, we can honestly say that we have found a home away from home.

- Haley and Katherine

Summer, 2009

During the week of August 4, 2009, Janet Glass joined Carlos Gonzalez (Bergen Academies) in providing professional development for teachers in San José del Progreso, Tututepec, Oaxaca, México. This is part of a new volunteer effort, organized by Aldo Bautista, to bring higher order thinking skills and updated teaching techniques to a remote region of Mexico. San José del Progreso suffers from a lack of educational and financial resources, and teachers and supervisors there were very eager to hear about teaching methods from outside sources. Aldo, Janet and Carlos are planning to bring attention to the needs of this area and to continue to share our resources in this global effort. ELA, (Educadores Latino Americanos), was formed to respond to the many needs of students and teachers in less fortunate areas of Mexico.