A LITTLE ABOUT ME

My name is Monika Larochelle and I just returned from Guatemala. I spent 20 days in this country from April 1st to the 20th, 2017. I went especially for volunteering. I just didn’t know that this trip would change my life.

As I arrived at Don Pedro de Alvarado (a Spanish school), I asked right away for chances to volunteer. I took 4 hours of private Spanish classes with an incredible teacher that helped me improve my Spanish considerably. In the afternoon, I spent 4 hours until 6pm every day teaching French to the kids of The humanitarian project children of San Felipe de Jesus. It was amazing to see the children so interested to learn. They sit and listen. They are curious and ask questions. They want to learn and they take every opportunity they can because they know education is important. I taught them French and by doing so, I helped them to see a new culture, because otherwise they would not know anything else but Antigua, Guatemala. It is a way to open their mind on the rest of the world.

At the beginning, I wasn’t very comfortable with the idea of teaching and being surrounded by children as I had never been involved in anything concerning children. I was very surprised how well I adapted. I had no other choice than change as the children accepted me right away and were expecting me to share knowledge with them. As the days went by, I realized that not only was I teaching them French but they were also very good Spanish teachers. We laughed about our mistakes, and learned while playing.

At the end I could say that this volunteering opportunity changed me drastically. I was pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone and by doing so I have learned a lot about myself. I discovered strength that I didn’t know I possessed. I’m now more comfortable with children and am not afraid anymore of their presence. I also learned that I can teach and that I enjoy it. I’m now more confident and capable of facing unexpected obstacles. The children were able to describe animals, count to 1 billion, name colors and days and months etc. Those children are very smart, and once you get to know them you only want to do your best to help them to get a better future. It all starts with a good meal everyday so they can concentrate on their education. Therefore I’m looking to raise funds so they can continue to have something to eat every day, have access to better education and keep discovering and developing themselves. Because every one of them deserves this.

THE FUNDRAISING IDEA

The idea came to me after I went to Antigua Guatemala for 20 days. I discovered strengths that I didn’t know I had and got to see and feel the need for educating and feeding properly children in Antigua and areas. I met amazing people that reminded me of my strengths and what I am capable of doing. After talking to those people, I got back to Canada and realized that I needed to do something about the situation.

I came back on April 20th, and I am now planning on going back on June 3rd, 2017. However, I decided to combine my love for salsa/bachata dancing with traveling so I could raise money for the children of The humanitarian project children of San Felipe de Jesus. I thought, “this is a crazy idea but it is doable!”

I am planning on going from town to town looking for places for salsa dancing. I am hoping to get people to know me so they can support me as I travel south.  Along the way, I will meet people and they will spread the word. I am confident it will work because I experienced it while I was in Guatemala; I had the facility to meet people and they all believed in me and my project. It is an opportunity for me to help an organization that I believe in while combining my 2 passions: salsa/bachata  dancing and travelling.

FOR MORE INFORMATION FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1091735197598201/

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ABOUT THE CHILDREN – LOS NIÑOS DE SAN FELIPE DE JESÚS

“El Proyecto Humanitario de los niños de San Felipe de Jesús » The humanitarian project children of San Felipe de Jesus is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2008 in Antigua, Guatemala with the goal of improving the lives of underprivileged children through love, food and education. 100% of your donations go to the needs of the children.

There are many needy children awaiting our help in San Felipe de Jesus and other villages surrounding Antigua. We feed malnourished children by giving them two daily meals in our After School Learning Program, along with monthly food assistance by providing dry goods to their families. One teacher is dedicated to working with the children to strengthen their formal and informal learning by offering homework help and social skills training. Additionally, we assist with medical services, dental check-ups, school supplies, shoes and more while providing them a safe environment of care and support. Help us feed malnourished children from the village of San Felipe de Jesus. Our goal is to provide them with two daily meals, as well as to strengthen their learning through giving support for their schoolwork. Our specialist teacher guides them through lessons in English, French, and basic computer skills.

Official website : http://www.childrenofsanfelipe.org/

Facebook page: PROYECTO HUMANITARIO LOS NIÑOS DE SAN FELIPE DE JESÚS.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Proyecto-humanitario-Los-ni%C3%B1os-de-San-Felipe-de-Jes%C3%BAs-777229262417132/about/