“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless!” by Sherry Anderson
Meet two of the key volunteers who are doing a wonderful job teaching at the Learning Center.
Marguerite Malloy, a college graduate, professes to be an adventurer and competent Spanish speaker. She grew up in New Hampshire and graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish.
According to Marguerite, she has always wanted to live abroad and work with children. Her past experience as a substitute teacher in the US now has her in a wonderful position to apply her education and experience at the Learning Center. Marguerite indicates she really enjoys reading, making jewelry, and exploring the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Below she is working with kindergarten age students.
Markki Meyer (below) is the second volunteer teacher. She was born and raised in east central Minnesota in a rural town called North Branch. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) in Communication, Media and Rhetoric, and also in Spanish.
According to Markki, she is in Costa Rica because she wants to immerse herself in the Spanish language and do what she loves best…helping others. Furthermore, Marrki indicates her English as a Second Language experience includes two years volunteering at UMM and three semesters of experience working at a community center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her US experience was working with adult learners and at the Learning Center she is working with all ages and loving it.
The photo above shows Marrki working with the advanced 4th-6th graders on politely expressing differences of opinion with phrases like “That may be true, but…” or “I see your point, however…” They are learning how to craft persuasive arguments and engage in respectful discourse…in English of course.
These two volunteers have made tremendous personal and professional sacrifices to become a temporary member of the Copey community for the purpose of serving others. We learned a lot from our experience with our own “Key Friend”, Hailey Tibbett. Hailey also left the comforts and safety of home, family and friends to go to a very unfamiliar rural location in another country. It is challenging but as the saying goes “it may be the hardest job you will ever love”.
As “Friends of Copey” we extend our best wishes and heartfelt thanks to both of these volunteers and we are happy to be partners with them as we do what we can to support their volunteer efforts.
Now, if you want to become a volunteer at the Learning Center, let me know. If you know someone who could benefit from being deeply involved in an educational experiment with a heavy focus on teaching English, let me know. Anyone can go to the Learning Center’s own web site and learn more about what is involved in becoming a volunteer.
http://copeylearningcenter.org/volunteer-with-us.html
In other news, “Friends” has donated money to help the Learning Center obtain a very much-needed quality camera. The camera will assist in obtaining quality photos needed for professional presentations. Also, this will help provide us many great photos to share with “Friends” around the world. Thank you Dr. Lin Church and other “Friends” for donating some funds.
While on the note of donating, recently I was reminded that I fail to inform or remind “Friends” how to make a donation if the urge hits. If you feel inclined to donate, there are basically two methods available. First method available is to go to the Learning Center’s web site at the link above and find the PayPal button in the upper right hand corner. Make your donation there but be certain to include the name “Friends of Copey” so we can keep track of the support being provided. Second method available is to make the check out to me (A.T. Broady) and send to me. I will deposit the check into my account and then make the donation on your behalf using their PayPal. I will receive a receipt from PayPal and forward you the receipt to confirm the donation being made as promised. You will also get a note of thanks from the Learning Center. The Learning Center is always in need of supplies and teaching materials so feel free anytime if you desire to donate.
The relatively small amount of donations we “typically” deal with annually does not justify the need for a special bank account and the bureaucratic hassle and expense this often involves. I am very happy to personally handle any donation you wish to make or you can donate directly to the Learning Center if you prefer. Use http://copeylearningcenter.org or mail a check to me at:
A. T. Broady, 725 North Center Parkway, Apt. N-201, Kennewick, WA 99336.
In closing, I wish to thank several of you for the very kind notes and comments received regarding last week’s Post. Some comments pertained to Ms. Lawrence and others included Mom and our work in general. Much of my inspiration and encouragement comes from you, therefore keep the cards and letters coming. Looking forward to sharing some very interesting news next week…so stay connected.