Text and Photos by Travis McMullen
My time studying at Pop Wuj was incredibly
enjoyable and left with me with a range of treasured memories. Apart from
learning Spanish, the main reason I chose Pop Wuj was their reputation for their
projects which assist the local community.
Life at the school follows a general formula
– class in the morning or afternoon. I studied in the mornings from 8:00am to 1:00pm,
Monday to Friday. As I came with zero Spanish, my first few weeks were filled
with learning the practical theory behind the Spanish language, as well as
useful and common phrases and words. This then progressed to looking at the
different tenses, to free range conversation – focusing on the areas and
interests that I had. Learning took the form of a variety of different methods,
to keep things constantly fresh, interesting and active. A sample includes:
- Free range conversation to
practice speaking and listening – and in my case – also learning to speak
without a heavy Australian accent
- Going on a trip to the market,
to discuss foods, cultures and practice Spanish when purchasing food for the
weekly school dinner or event
- Reading newspaper articles – to
practice comprehension and articulation – then to discuss the article and learn
more about Guatemalan news, politics, history and culture
- Reading a short story in
Spanish, then reading the English translation, making notes, then repeating the
story back in Spanish – a great way to learn new vocab, or use existing words
in a way which describes the story
- Traditional text book style
learning
Originally I planned to study for four
weeks. However, I was having too much fun and really wanted to get a firm grasp
on the language. Xela is a fantastic place to learn and my stay turned into
nine weeks.
Apart from traditional studying, the school
also offers additional activities most days, which are a mixture of learning,
adventuring, and spending time with fellow students and teachers. Movies,
lectures, stove building, visits to the Family Support Center, and weekly
excursions. The weekly lectures provided a great way to learn more about
Guatemalan culture and the teachers told personal stories about each of the
topics – always leaving you with much to think about. Pop Wuj also offers many
interesting excursions and I was lucky enough to partake in a hike up Chicabal
and down into the lake, and a visit to the glassblowing factory. The weekly
dinners provide much entertainment and a change to interact with students and
teachers outside of a learning environment. You can also help cook dinner –
which was probably the most amount of stress, in a fun way, that I experienced
in Xela.
Volunteer Projects
Pop Wuj is responsible for several projects
in Xela and the surrounding area. Students have the opportunity to participate
in these projects if they so choose. During my studies, I assisted in the Safe
Stove Building Project and at the Family Support Center.
Safe
Stove Building Project
As described on the Pop Wuj site, the Safe
Stove Project was developed in order to combat the serious issues facing
households who rely on an indoor open fire for their cooking needs. These problems include deforestation due to
increased consumption of firewood, severe respiratory problems attributable to
heavy smoke and poor ventilation in one-room homes, back pain due to cooking
over an open fire on the floor, and frequent accidental burns.
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| Travis and machete |
The stove is built over three separate
phases. During the construction period, I became addicted to the machete and
discovered the variety of different ways it can be used – from carving and
shaping stone and bricks, through to cutting concrete blocks into smaller
pieces. It does require concentration though, as if you get too eager and hack
away, you won’t shape the brick to the required standard. Or, if you are trying
to cut a block into two equal pieces – cut too hard or fast and you risk
shattering the block. Patience and persistence were some skills that were
refined during the building, as I had to resist the temptation to hack away, or
to try and cut the block in one motion, “Kung Fu” style.
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| Stage 1 |
When you complete the stove, it is a
feeling of immense achievement and reward. By volunteering a small amount of
your time, you have helped to construct a safe stove for a family – one which
will greatly improve their daily living.
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| A Completed Stove |
The best part? My response to it all. As we walked out of the house, the lady told
us all “Muchas Gracias.” My reply,
without even thinking about it, as a big smile showed on my face, was “De
Nada.” It was never about the thanks or gratitude – it was about providing a safe
stove for a family, making a difference, one step (or stove) at a time.
Family
Support Center
El Centro de Apoyo Familiar,
or Family Support Center, serves the families of single working mothers in a
rural community just south of Xela at the foot of the Santa Maria volcano. The
Center is located in Llanos del Pinal, a short bus ride from Xela. In addition
to the wonderful staff, the Family Support Center relies heavily on the
presence of volunteers to help the children - who range in age from toddler to
high school - complete their homework, and of course to play with them during
free periods.
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| Helping to fill the piñata |
The children welcome you with open arms
each time you visit, always eager to play, ask for help with homework, or to
get you to draw with them. One day, the craze was the snail Turbo from the
movie Turbo – so lot of drawing and coloring in of Turbo was required. My first
attempt at drawing the snail failed and I was given an already completed color
copy to replicate. Luckily, attempt two passed and one of the children ran off
delighted to color it in.
Regular activities are also run at the
Center, including an Olympics, a water activity, and a birthday and end of school
year celebration. All provided unique experiences which will be mentioned in
future blog posts. The Olympics report can be read here. Of course, the main reason to visit is for
the smiles of the children, and the joy and entertainment that the interactions
provide.
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| Water Games |
For me, Pop Wuj has been a perfect blend between Spanish
studies and community involvement. I was sad to say goodbye at the end of my
nine weeks. Check out
Pop Wuj's website for more information about the school and to register for classes!
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| Hiking Volcan Candelaria |
