Portugal Team Journal

Full Team Currently Serving in Beja!

2011-05-10T22:11:00.003+01:00

We are happy to share that a team filled to capacity is currently serving in Beja, Portugal! Based on the huge demand for volunteer opportunities in Portugal in recent months, our staff and volunteer team leader are investigating new community partnerships in order to offer greater service opportunities in the months and years to come.

Please read about our Portugal program below to see if this might be the right volunteer opportunity for you, and work project updates will surely be coming soon:

On the European continent's Iberian Peninsula, overlooking the Atlantic, Portugal ascended to the status of World Power during the "Age of Discovery," only to lose most of its wealth through subsequent foreign attacks. Overcoming recession and political instability, the country emerged in 1140 as the first nation-state (independent kingdom) in Western Europe, and has remained unified in language and culture.

Today, Portugal is a European leader and founding member of NATO, OECD, and EFTA. As a Global Volunteer, you experience Portugal through her people as a teacher of youth and adults in Beja's classrooms and municipal learning centers.

As in all of Europe, English is becoming an increasingly important tool in Portugal, and few opportunities exist for local people to learn from native English speakers in non-tourist areas of the country. You'll work either in elementary and secondary schools, or with young adults in technical or trades schools. Each year, more and more classrooms are requesting volunteers as important student resources. This program has become an inspired people-to-people demonstration of international sharing and unity!

Please note, personal flexibility and good mobility is requisite in this location due to the conditions in some educational facilities.

We hope to hear from you soon!!

Humanitarian Airfare Opportunity

2011-04-01T21:53:00.001+01:00

If you're seeking great deals on airfare for a service program later this year or in 2012, check out Fly For Good where you can receive excellent discounts when you travel as a volunteer. Simply contact your Volunteer Coordinator today to learn more about this excellent opportunity (you will need to get an official letter from Global Volunteers to qualify for certain deals)!!

Fly For Good website: http://www.flyforgood.com/

We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Call toll free (800) 487-1074.

Amazing YouTube Video Produced by Former Volunteer!!

2011-03-14T10:45:00.000Z

We at Global Volunteers are privileged to work with so many wonderful volunteers, partners, and supporters each and every day.

Last week, one particular volunteer, Graham, truly knocked our socks off when he shared a 9-part video series he had created about Global Volunteers and posted on YouTube!! These videos feature the travels and experiences of numerous Global Volunteers (particularly one tight-knit group from New Jersey) and we welcome you to take a look at these exceptional videos by using the link below.

Thank you, Graham!! And for the rest of you... ENJOY!!

Global Volunteer Retrospective Video (Introduction): http://www.youtube.com/user/endlessmug#p/u/41/CYK8kbGZYV8

Festival during Spring Volunteer Team!!

2011-02-18T21:20:00.001Z

For those of you serving in Beja this April/May, we're happy to announce that the Ovibeja festival will be occurring in early May!!

Please click on the following link to learn more (or at least to peek around the website, as it is in Portugese!!) - http://www.ovibeja.com/

If you are interested in volunteering in Portugal later this year, don't hesitate to give us a call!! We have a volunteer team scheduled for September 24 - October 8 and we would love to welcome you to Beja!

For more details visit our website or call (800) 487 - 1074 today!

Meet Joe Testa!!

2011-01-13T23:55:00.002Z

Pictured: Students in Beja

Considering a service program in Portugal??? Chances are, your team leader will be Mr. Joe Testa! Please read below to learn more about Joe and his varied experiences with Global Volunteers!!

Joe Testa has over 30 team leader experiences under his belt. He says he really enjoys doing what he does for a lot of reasons. He likes that it provides him the opportunity to experience parts of the world that he otherwise might not visit. He also likes getting to know the people and the cultures in the communities he serves. "In a short period of time I make quite a few friends," he said. "Under normal circumstances it would take me quite a bit longer to do that."

Joe is quick to add that another benefit of participating on a Global Volunteers' team is getting to know the team members. "I think we're a unique group of people who care about what's going on in the world and who try to contribute as best as we can," he said. "We're in a feel-good business. When you finish a program, you feel good about the fact that you've given up your time and expertise to help someone in need. That is a very good feeling."

Although Joe says all his teams have been good ones, one sticks out in his mind. "I led a team of volunteers to Vietnam," he said. "At the end of our program we were invited to attend a final celebration. We were in a van, so we couldn't see much along the way, but when we stepped out, we were amazed. There was a path of students, teachers and other school staff that were lined up to let us know how grateful they were for what we had done. We were overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to thank us. It was pretty incredible. Sometimes we might think we're not doing that much, but in the eyes of the people in the community it's a lot more than we realized."

Joe acknowledges that he and his teams have contributed quite a bit over the years, but says there's so much more to be done. "What we do speaks well for our country and it empowers other people to improve their lifestyle," he said. "What we do works, and it works well. But we will always need more volunteers because the need is greater than what we can supply. I'm sure we there are many other locations we could help, if we had more volunteers."

Joe's advice to a volunteer on how to get the most out of a Global Volunteers program is often stated by team leaders. "Have an open mind and be flexible," he said. "Always expect the unexpected. Don't be quick to evaluate. Take it all in, and think about it, and make your decision about your experience after you get home."

When not leading teams, Joe lives in Canandaigua (The Chosen Place), New York. He is an avid runner who participates in marathons and triathlons. He also likes skiing, boating and an occasional game of golf.

"Joe was wonderful! He added so much to the trip! Much of my enjoyment of the experience related to his upbeat attitude. He was efficient, fun, funny, flexible and a wonderful leader." ~ Lynn Winters Gross, Mexico Volunteer

"Joe is awesome! He doesn't make himself seem like he can't do any of the work because he's the leader. He gets right in there and helps like one of the team members. I know some of us team members were tough on him and he would just laugh and smile and joke right back with us. He is a wonderful team person and an awesome team leader -- he did everything he needed to, and more."
~ Bridget Shanahan, USA Volunteer

"Joe Testa is an excellent team leader. He is enthusiastic, keeps everyone informed, consults regularly with the team and is not afraid to make decisions."
~ Judith Ebert, Mexico Volunteer

"Spring into Service" in Portugal!!

2010-12-14T17:46:00.001Z

“Spring into Service” with Global Volunteers to receive a special limited discount offer for our March and April teams!

Four or more volunteers who apply by January 31 for any of these 28 teams in 16 countries will receive a discount of $200 off our standard service program fee, per volunteer, for one-, two- or three-week international programs or $100 off our standard service program fee, per volunteer, for USA programs. No other discounts apply.

Please encourage others to volunteer in our five fundamental project areas: education (especially promotion of girls education), labor and community infrastructure, health care, child care, and food and nutrition.

Call us at 800-487-1074 for details and we'll assist you every step of the way. Our worldwide host communities can’t wait to welcome you!!

Check out this link for more details & service program dates: http://globalvolunteer.org/special/springspecial.asp

Portugal Service Program Dates, March & April Teams:
30-Apr-11 to 14-May-11

Please Vote for Global Volunteers in the Full Page Project Contest!

2010-11-17T20:43:00.000Z

From November 15 - November 21 the Star Tribune newspaper is holding a contest entitled 'Full Page Project' amongst MN non-profits and the winner will receive a free full page ad in the Sunday paper!

Please vote for us this week ~ you can vote once per hour!

Here is the link where you can register and then vote for Global Volunteers (please copy and paste the link):
http://startribune.upickem.net/engine/Registration.aspx?contestid=22815

We would also encourage you to pass this link along to your family and friends, and post it on your personal Facebbok page or blog. Let us know if you have any questions, and remember voting has begun!

Thank you for your support.

Fall 2010 ~ A Few Photos from our latest Volunteer Team

2010-10-20T21:41:00.006+01:00

The Countdown is Sadly Underway...

2010-10-06T22:19:00.000+01:00

Wednesday, 6 October 2010

Thought for the day: “Tomorrow is today, kid.” Graffiti on Rua dos Enfantes

Wednesday, the morning after our memorable celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Portuguese Republic at Escola Santa Maria. Thank you notes were written in both English and Portuguese by Ann 2 and delivered to our host, Joao Fernandes, by AB.
Suddenly we all realized that our time in Beja was coming to a close. Maps in hand, we began to scurry throughout town, visiting museums and churches, many in place before Jamestown and Plymouth! Sun and blue skies continue to favor our exploration.

Brian and Tutu recalled a story of a broken ceramic spoon holder that Pam had told us. They pursued and then presented a replacement spoon holder to her, clearly heralding Beja and handsomely wrapped from our appreciative team.

Announcements continued:
Thursday evening we were invited to dinner at the library hosted by our Portuguese teachers.

Friday, Barbara, our hotel keeper, is hosting a dinner for us here at 8:30pm.

Saturday morning schedule: Our final Beja breakfast will be at 6:45am, with luggage in the lobby for a 7:15am departure by cab. We will go by bus to Lisbon, provided by the railroad company and be dropped off at the familiar Oriente RR Station.

Just as we were gaining confidence in our roles as a volunteer, the countdown was sadly underway. Café Sagres raised the bar with delectable chocolate mousse and crème brulee.

Carol

"Portugese maps are not quite precise."

2010-10-01T10:23:00.001+01:00

Friday, October 1

Quote for the day: “Portuguese maps are not quite precise.” Fellow lost wanderer in Evora.

Breakfast and lunch have settled into a familiar pattern which no longer bears repeating. Once again, Pam improved on dinner (how can it continue to get better!!) salmon, potatoes, a great soup followed by delectable ice cream.

Tutu and Ann 2. are working in a school that Carlos labels a recycling school. It is one of the tech schools for tourism and environmentalism. Carol and Babs play against each other: Midwest north (MN) vs southeast (FL) which resulted in great interaction, generating questions. They have found the school could use sports teams. Leonard was playing sports charades and found himself demonstrating wrestling with a young Ukranian.

We find a number of students from different countries. Romanians seem to be in many classes. Brenda P. and Ann encountered two Romanians in one class; one was a good student. In one class Bryan and Ann found Spanish, German, Romanian, and Dutch students.

Brenda C.’s back has improved enough to walk to school. Brenda P and Ann toured museums with one of their teachers.

There will be 7 going to Evora on Saturday; 7 on Sunday to several small towns in a van provided by the municipality. Kudos to Carol and Pam for arranging those excursions.

AB

Talents are noted and utilized !!!

2010-09-29T13:16:00.001+01:00

Wednesday, 29 September 2010

Thought for the day: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller

Our day began early as the bell rings at 8:15 for most of the classes at which we are assisting. Our large, delicious breakfast is available at 7:00am each day. All 12 of us are quite happy with our assignments.

There has been some reassigning of volunteers to be certain we attain the total hours needed to complete our contract. Additional hours are added at some schools as the week progresses. As the volunteers’ talents are noted, new assignments are given. Bryan, the actor, has been asked to work with the drama class. Babs and Carol were invited to stay and volunteer at a “Catholic Issues” session where current and political events were discussed. They couldn’t believe how closely this correlated to what’s happening in the U.S. One volunteer was approached by a student indicating how disappointed she was that English was not being taught in the 12th grade. Leonard volunteered with six special needs children and was also quite pleased with the professional help he gave to a teacher in a short period of time. Some of us had issues getting our US money converted to Euros. Ann was pleased that she finally was able to complete a transaction for conversion.

We ended our volunteer work with a meeting where Joaquin presented another session in learning to speak Portuguese. He brought a special treat to us in that his niece presented a history of Portugal in very fine English. From this presentation we learned of a must-see museum that has lots of artifacts to continue to tell the story.

Dinner was served family style with salmon-to-die-for and many local dishes that were quite tasty. Six individual desserts were shared by all which just reinforces how well our group can share with each other.

Bonnie

First Day of Teaching in Beja!

2010-09-27T16:14:00.002+01:00

Monday, 27 September 2010

Thought for the day: “I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars.” Walt Whitman

The day begins with marmalade (a Portuguese word), morning chatter, meeting. Off to library to meet teachers. Leonard and I go to Dom Manuel H.S. with Maria João, get schedule. In first class, we are supposed to talk about teenagers back in the 1950s and teenagers today. Rehearsed some memories over lunch about life in the 50’s—much laughter.

Then Leonard and I went to teach our 2:30 class with Maria João. Each of us spoke briefly about the categories on Senhora Joao’s handout which included entertainment, dreams and anxieties, signs of rebellion, fashions and styles of American teens in the 50’s and early 60’s. Students very polite though, as expected, hesitant to speak English. One boy asked me if I went to Woodstock, (answer: no) another about what women did back then if they didn’t go to college. Teacher made valiant efforts to elicit feedback from students about what they learned and assigned a composition topic for homework that asked them to summarize what Leonard and I said. It would be fun to read them, but we won’t get a chance.

Meeting; language, culture lesson, dinner, bed…

Barbara

I Wish You Each a Lifetime of Dreams...

2010-04-23T07:19:00.000+01:00

23 April 2010

Written by Leon

Friday morning arrived filled with sunshine and anticipation of a great last day in our school assignments. Maria and Leon went to the Mario Beiero school to meet with two sixth grade classes and one eigth grade class. We had a fun day with the students singing American folk songs and Maria added a special touch as she led the students in games and fun activities. Rocky and Reita dazzled the students at the Professional School while Kathleen and Joe helped to build a bridge between the seniors and some tenth grade students in Beja.

Our afternoon was taken by last minute shopping, preparation for packing and general relaxation. We look forward to an evening concert at the Biblioteca and dinner later at one of Beja’s finest: Pulo de Lobo.

And now, as we prepare to leave, I would like to leave you with these thoughts: WE all arrived in Portugal and Beja with our dreams of helping to wage peace with another culture through mutual communication, interaction and respect. I truly believe our dreams came true during our two weeks in Beja.

Langston Hughes, one of America’s greatest Black poets wrote a beautiful poem about dreams. It goes:

Hold fast to dreams
for if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
that cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
for when dreams go
Life is a barren field
frozen with snow

So, to each member of this wonderful team, and to our truly outstanding leader, I wish each of you a lifetime of dreams.

Love is the Universal Language

2010-04-21T17:15:00.000+01:00

21 April 2010

Written by Maria

Message for the Day: Love is the Universal Language

Today began with my usual walk to school with Ann entertaining me along the way. We were at school for 4.5 hours and one highlight of our day occurred when 2 of our students played a little concert on their recorders for us. The 2nd highlight was at the end of our last class when the students hugged and kissed us goodbye. Ann claims she hadn’t kissed that much since her courting days but I suspect she is just being modest. Unfortunately for Ann there would be no ice cream since the little shop in the school was closed!

After class, the majority of us went to Vidiguera where we visited a Vasco da Gama school museum, an olive oil factory and a winery. Our day concluded with an incredible feast at our local hotspot Luis da Rocha which we enjoyed in the company of Barbara and Hugo our gracious hosts.

So, what have I learned on this trip to Beja? Well:

- Kathleen pretends to be sweet and demure but she is really a cougar with an extensive knowledge of many things. She is so smart
- Rocky is a human garbage can with an incredible, intelligent curiosity about the world
- Leon is a lover of foursomes…in golf, with a kind and gentle spirit and who has great compassion and takes extra time with troubled children
- Ann is greedy when it comes to ice cream and chocolate but has been my biggest cheerleader and constantly makes all of us laugh by entertaining us with her crazy antics
- Reita is a friendly librarian who likes to “do the Dewey” but underneath it all is incredibly strong, brave and courageous woman. And,
- Joe is unflappable both as a leader and, he has turned out to be a very thoughtful and funny team leader who works very hard to ensure that we have a wonderful experience here in Beja.

As for me, I’ve discovered that:
- I am braver and stronger than I ever imagined
- Heartbreak and disappointment are best gotten over by giving of yourself to others
- There is still, despite much negativity in this world, many kind, thoughtful and generous people.

A Great Start to a Wonderful Journey!

2010-04-14T13:13:00.000+01:00

14 April 2010

Written by Maria

Message for the Day: Life isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey.

Today started off very rushed as I quickly tried to get ready for school. Ann and I headed out to the middle school and fortunately found our way quite easily, getting home however was a different story. We had a variety of students at different levels and had a great experience. During one of our break, we explored the Beja Castle and tried to imagine what it would’ve been like to live there. We then returned to the school to watch some students practice the dance they will perform at a celebration next month.

The kids were shy at first, looking at Ann and I as we watched them, but it was so fun to see them slowly warm up. After school, Joaquim took us on a walking tour which ended with a torrential downpour but while our clothes were soaked, our spirits were definitely not dampened as we made our way to Salada de Fruitas, an Italian restaurant. We indulged ourselves in banana pizza, pasta and of course red wine.

As I reflect on our time here thus far, I think about the days that led up to this trip. When I first made plans to join Global Volunteers in Portugal, I was excited at the prospect of challenging myself to travel alone and to teach, as I dread any sort of public speaking. But a few days before I left Maryland, I was filled with fear, anxiety and apprehension. Questions such as “What if no one likes me?” “What if I get lonely?” and “What if I am awful at teaching?” were pervasive and my excitement began to fade.

Fast forward to 5 days later and those thoughts and fears no longer exist. It has been a true joy getting to know this motley crew, all of us with different backgrounds and personalities yet bonded by our eagerness to learn about and explore Portugal and share our knowledge of English with our students. We’ve laughed at our attempts to speak the language, we’ve explored and gotten lost in the town, we’ve shared stories about ourselves and our teaching experiences and we’ve enjoyed delicious food and wine every day.

It has been a great start to a wonderful experience.

It Was Destiny

2010-04-11T17:10:00.001+01:00

11 April 2010

Written by Joe Testa

Message of the Day: "Do not overlook tiny good actions, thinking they are of no benefit; even tiny drops of water, in the end, will fill a large vessel." - Anonymous

I truly believe that it was destiny that Beja and Global Volunteers discovered one another. After all, legend has Beja recognized as a peace center dating back to the Romans and Global Volunteers is all about promoting peace through mutual understanding – a “perfect match.”

Today was about coming together as a team, learning about our mission here and the beginning of formulating many new friendships.

It began with a scenic, peaceful journey through the countryside of Portugal. Along the way we discovered orchards of cork and olive trees, grape vineyards and beautiful storks nesting on the poles above.

We arrived and quickly settled into our new home for the next two weeks – Residencial Bejense.

After lunch we gathered for orientation. We discussed the dos and don’ts to remain safe and healthy, reviewed the Global Volunteers manual and what to expect in our new culture. The group settled on six team goals to focus on. We concluded by agreeing on 12 characteristics that are essential for us to become a cohesive and effective team.

Dinner at the Tem Avondo; a favorite of previous teams, ended the arduous but productive day. We dined on a feast of traditional foods accompanied by local wines.

So what have I discovered about this eclectic group in one short day? I learned that one volunteer is honored to be on anyone’s list for whatever reason. That another volunteer is oblivious to the traditional greeting and is going right for the lips. That one has differences with a neighbor over what is considered a political statement and the other assumes is “trash.”

That still another who admits to be shy about kissing when greeting someone demonstrated no inhibitions jumping into the arms of a gentleman that she had met on a previous trip. She claims that she was pushed but I surmise that it was voluntary and spontaneous.

My intuition tells me that this group, although small in numbers will accomplish much and make a real difference.

Ode to Beja

2009-10-08T16:54:00.000+01:00

To the castle, its tower a beacon of help as we loose our way along narrow, winding streets

To the café’ next door with its sweet treats, my lattes each morning, and friendly conversation in the afternoon

To the mandolin concert in Pax Julia and citizen band on the street outside

To the Heritage Center with its local crafts and our euros

To Paula who coordinates our presence in the schools

To Ana Paula and her jewelry—bracelets, necklaces, pins

To Joe our fearless leader guiding us to yet another new restaurant for dinner

To Helder and his photocopies of dictionary pages

To olives, bread, and cheese served at meals

To the metals platters full of meat and fries

To the pitchers of red and white wines that cushion our days

To the food—and lots of it

To all our new students friends

To the teachers who remain behind in the classrooms

To us—retired teachers who still have the spirit and spunk to engage students in learning

To Beja—our home away from home

- Kay Hendrich, volunteer on Beja team #6

Goodbye!

2009-10-07T16:53:00.001+01:00

This morning we said our first “goodbye’. I don’t look forward to our final “goodbye” to our last class on Friday afternoon. Just last week we greeted our first class with “hello.” How quickly I became attached to our students.

We are fortunate, I feel that Robin and I have worked with the same teacher and classes throughout our stay in Beja. The students recognize us and greet us in the hallways with smiles, giggles, and proudly voiced “good morning” or “good afternoon."

I don’t remember their names but I do remember who plays the piano, who likes to read Harry Potter and who is the mother of a 2 year old son.

A Typical Day in Beja

2009-10-06T16:51:00.001+01:00

The work of Tuesday actually began in earnest at our 6 o’clock meeting on Monday (10-5-09). It’s hard to believe that we have been here a whole week. We took time to look back at the goals we had set when we first arrived (cultural awareness, personal growth, providing educational services, improve the image of Americans, and humor). As a group we are making great progress on each of these goals. In the area of “humor” we scored a 15 out of a possible 10. We laugh a lot.

As in most of our 6 o’clock meeting we discussed the Portuguese educational system. Day-by-day we are getting a better idea of the “larger picture”. We understand what they are trying to accomplish, but we don’t always agree with the methods they are using.

Tonight we have a group meeting at 6 and a language lesson at 7. I’m really making progress on the language front—room number, thank you, beer and good morning.

Day Two in Beja

2009-09-29T16:48:00.002+01:00

Feeling more familiar with our school, we started our second day. Now they are ready for us, and we are ready for them. Funny how much they are like our students at home. The smile, the laugh, and so open to anything—that distracts them from their regular day! Nothing like having someone new in your class.

I feel humble when I realize these children know more English than I know Portuguese. I’m not sure who is going to grow the greatest from this experience—the children or me! After lunch we had our library time—thinking that it might be a bit lonely. That didn’t last. Before we know it we were surrounded with students eager to talk, listen and help us with our visitor’s map. We let them circle anything of interest as long as they talked to us. Needles to say, we have a map filled with a lot of circled museums, churches, etc.

Each day has been a bit like unwrapping a surprising package. We ask ourselves will today’s present be a treasured gift or unsatisfactory?

WORDS OF THE DAY: Anna Paula (teacher at Santa Maria) “How wonderful it is to be a teacher and to share knowledge and tenderness.”

Team Six's First Day

2009-09-27T16:41:00.003+01:00

With wide open eyes we observed the white washed buildings, the mosaic like cobblestones and the blue tiles on the walls. We settled into our various rooms in the immaculate Residencial Bejense. The afternoon was filled with organizational meetings. Bonding has begun! Several of us went to a catholic church for a real local experience. The day ended with a family style dinner at the Tem Averdios. An evening walk for some of us helped to digest the food and the newness of our locale.

Due to a high dropout rate and relative low achievement of students, Portugal has revised the way teacher are evaluated. In addition, they are required to be more competitive to earn higher ratings and promotions—and one teacher called it the end of cooperation and the beginnings of “cannibalism”. Paula, the representative of our host, said there were many teachers who retired early due to the changes and that out of 150,000 teachers, 120,000 attended an anti government demonstration. More observations, more committee work, more time at school equal a great deal of tension at our schools.

2009-05-08T19:07:00.000+01:00

Millennium Development Goal Accomplished:

Goal # 2: Achieve universal primary education:

Hours of English instruction to students by volunteers: 340.5
Number of students taught English by volunteers: 1779

March 13, 2009 - As we say 'Goodbye' to Beja ...

2009-05-08T18:50:00.001+01:00

As our Portuguese adventure draws to a close most of us probably have mixed feelings. I know I do. A sense of sadness and melancholy at leaving delightful Beja and especially our new found friends and colleagues. And a certain sense of pride at what we have accomplished in our two short weeks – a furthering of the English skills of our students, a desire to continue their studies and our help in paving the way for future volunteers to continue Global Volunteers' work in Beja.

- Jane Burch

Thought for the day: To teach is to touch the future.

March 11, 2009

2009-05-08T18:43:00.002+01:00

Travel is so educational, especially when it’s more than a tour as in “if it’s Tuesday it must be Poland”.

Yesterday I was slightly lost in Beja. A couple from Winnipeg, Canada asked me directions to the castle. I flapped my arm in the general direction and went on. Two hours later we crossed paths again: they found it! They were visiting the Algarve and in Beja for one day. Unimpressed with Portugal, they plan to go to Arizona next winter. As we chatted my students waved, and greeted me by name. That’s why I travel with Global Volunteers: for a while I’m at home in Beja, Portugal.
In the classrooms here I have much better perspective due to continuity. I feel I’m able to help build understanding of my language and culture more as I work with the same teachers and students several times.

Patricia’s interview yesterday gave me another perspective on Portugal’s culture. She says her father shares the point of view of many Portuguese: Don’t volunteer. It’s a waste of time and energy that could be better spent earning income for yourself. Of course he helps his own family and neighbors; I seldom interact with my neighbors, but go around the world at my own expense to help strangers!

- Barbara Corbusier

Thought for the day: Don’t judge someone until you have walked a mile in his/her moccasins.

March 9, 2009

2009-05-08T18:33:00.002+01:00

Since I do not interact with many of you during my teaching day I will tell of some of my experiences working in the schools in Vidigueira. There is a Basic and a Professional school. Michelle and I are a team and board the school bus each morning at 8:15 and arrive around 9:00 - Approximately a 45 minute ride, depending on rain or if a tractor is traveling in front of us. We have been trying to create a foundation and structure for future Global Volunteers. Since these schools have not heard of us or have had any type of this program they are excited to learn.

Some of my challenges are converting Military time to standard time. I changed the schedule on paper for me to understand easier but in our hasted both of us overlooked the time and thought we had only 30 minutes for lunch. We ate fast and walked from one school to another. When we arrived to teach we were out of breath. The principal, Elisabeth Santos Rosa, told us we were an hour early. That was not a good lunch day. We finished our lunch at a pastry shop with dessert and coffee. An hour later we were relaxed and ready to teach. The afternoon was very productive and the students were anxious to have us.

Michelle and I are also privileged to be guests of Jorge Salvador, the tourism director for the village. He is so excited to speak to us in English and in exchange shares his culture with us in various ways. We have seen ancient Roman ruins, a traditional bread bakery, eaten at small home town cafés with traditional food, toured the museum when our schedules at school were not yet established. We have had a lot of laughs.

It is a long day for Michelle and me. The rewards are satisfying and I hope our efforts will benefit future teams and that we have planted the seeds for the growth of Global Volunteers in Portugal.

- Idella Schneider

Thought of the day: If today you do your best, nine times out of ten you are doing more than most people.

March 6, 2009

2009-05-08T18:19:00.002+01:00

It’s Friday and our first week of teaching is coming to a close. It’s hard for me to believe that is was one week ago today that I boarded the plane in Seattle!

Idella and I had a very busy week with a long bus ride to and from Vidiguiera (30K/45 min away). We spent our days split between two schools – one secondary, one vocational; or site seeing with an employee of the village’s municipal, and then teaching in the afternoon.

We are in great demand at the secondary school, more so than at the vocational school. Word spread quickly throughout the secondary school that two “American teachers” were visiting. It has been so rewarding to see the shyness and timid-ness lift. Confidence is building; students are opening up, asking questions. They are no longer covering up their faces and mouths with their hands or scarves or shirts.

The students enjoy teaching me words and phrases in Portuguese. They giggle when I stumble, but praise heavily when I get it right. We have found common ground.

- Michelle Lindstrom

Thought of the day: By learning you will teach; by teaching you will understand.

March 4, 2009

2009-05-08T17:45:00.003+01:00

We assembled in the meeting room between 6:30 and 6:45. As our team came in there were smiles on faces but tired bodies moving to chairs. We had a great Portuguese lesson from Kim.

Our daily reports were upbeat. Everyone had a positive attitude and reported progress with teachers and students. The kinks are really still being worked out.
Mary, Karl and Valerie met with students who for the most part were interested, cooperative and glad that we could share with them. Michelle and Idella reported positive interaction with students on several projects. Connie and Barb helped in the English classes with setting up a website but the highlight of their time was spending time with a teacher who wanted to practice his English and has not had a chance since the last Global Volunteers team was here.

Joanne, Jane and Bernice only had half a day with their teacher because she was teaching at the prison. Teaching that half day was productive and they were pleased with their accomplishments.

Poor Jeanne, she tried for jobs but has not yet connected. There is a really great prospect that the whole thing will jell on Wednesday. Jeanne is just over qualified and too easy to get along with.

- Mary Schlaikjer

Thought of the Day: It is better to try and fail than to have never tried at all because each failure is a learning experience.

March 3, 2009 - Let's experience Portugal!

2009-05-08T17:20:00.003+01:00

Let's experience Portugal!

Beja is in Alentejo in southern Portugal. Alentejo is supposedly sun baked (but we’ve seen the unusual rain) and large – one third the size of Portugal. The guide book describes it as having vast rolling plains, golden with wheat (probably in June) or silver with olive trees, with white washed villages made of stucco.

Beja was founded by the Romans – on a hill for security reasons. The Romans valued this land for its wheat fields to grow grain to feed their empire. They introduced irrigation systems to overcome the area’s dryness (one of my friends here told me that the area becomes very brown in late summer).

Enjoy Beja, its varied cobblestone and white stucco buildings. Be wary when walking (slippery) on wet stone in this town with its warren of streets, some labeled and some more challenging.

I view the Portuguese as a friendly, hospitable people with a proud heritage and I’m looking forward to a very rewarding experience here.

- Jeanne Clark Katucki

Thought of the Day: "Success is never final and failure is never fatal."