Admittedly the last few days have been somewhat of a roller coaster of emotions, confusion, and excitement, but overall I think we are settling quite nicely in to our new life in Ayacucho. Since we had to start work on Tuesday we took advantage of Monday to try to get to know the city and seesome of the highlights. I continue to be blown away by the incredible views and the contrasts between the old and the new that seem to characterize this city. It is an old city, and for the most part, the people are pretty poor. At the same time, I can see that it is modernizing and growing rapidly. As Sara mentioned in the last post, the juxtaposition between the modern and traditional is perhaps most obvious by the way people are dressed.
Most of our challenges thus far stem from not having our own space yet. I know that might sound whiny given we have only been here a few days, but we are simply anxious to have access to a kitchen so that we can start eating vegetables (without getting sick) and start eating less rice/chicken/potato combos on a daily basis (though they
are always super tasty). The first few apartments we looked at we were shocked to see did not come with even a stove...so, we're still looking. However, I know that we will find the right apartment (or "mini" apartment) in time and for now we are doing great at our hostel that has, gasp, wifi AND 24 hour hot water. Super sweet.
Yesterday, we started work with FINCA - yay! For those of you who don't know much about FINCA Peru, it is a microfinance instution that aims to improve the lives of women in the Ayacucho region. FINCA employs a communal banking model (developed by Mohammed Yunus, founder of the Grammeen Bank) in which a group of individuals are collectively responsible for their individual loans. Women (ok, and some men) come from all over the region to obtain individual or group loans to start small businesses, expand current businesses, or make home improvements. The "socias"(clients) are required to meet weekly or bi-weekly for training and support in using and repaying their loans. As time goes on we will certainly give more details and observations about FINCA! Below are pictures of the FINCA complex and one of the socias.
Our job for the first two and half months or so, is actually to teach the children of the clients. We are teaching classes based on the AFLATOUN curriculum which emphasizes saving for the future, protecting the environment, and recognizing their role in the greater global community. The lesson plans are already made but we are expected to spice things up with extra games, visuals etc...This week Sara and I are co-teaching with FINCA staff member, Jenny, but next week we will be given the reins! Honestly the last two days have been long and we see that this is going to be hard work. Children's classes are in the afternoon (2:30-5:30) but we are expected to also work from 8am - 12 every day like the rest of the staff and help them with various other projects. Here are some of our kids playing and counting their savings for this week.
I think this post has gone on way too long, but I want to say one final thing. This is definitely a challenge and will continue to be. But it seems that every time something gets frustrating, something equally exciting reminds us why we are here and how freaking cool this place is!
Lots of love from Ayacucho
This organization is doing really good work. I'm so proud of you guys for all that you are doing in Ayacucho. They are lucky to have you around, but I'm sure you also feel lucky to be there and be a part of the organization. I can't wait to hear more about how the work goes. Working with kids is so awesome. The skills you are helping teach them are invaluable, and I'm sure they think the world of you two. Buena suerte!!
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