last day in the Bahamas :(

Today was not like our usual mornings. Instead of getting up early for ECC we slept in till 8:30, which was a really big treat! We also woke up with more people in our room because Jen’s room locked themselves out of their room. Jen, Kate, and Helen were roomies with us for the night. Even though it was crowded it was fun to have everyone together.

Looking out the window we all got very worried very fast. The wind was insane and we were all fearful that we would be forced to go kayaking. Thank goodness Carrie came in and told us that the kayaking adventure was canceled. This made us all a bit more excited for the trip to Hope town. After packing and getting ready to brave the wind we stepped out and got ready for the lighthouse filled day!

The ferry ride was an experience all in itself. The weather was rough and the seas even rougher. Our group had been told that it was going to be a 2-hour ferry ride, but that was clearly wrong. The moment that we got on it felt like we then got off. As we approached land you could see the lighthouse in the distance. It was a great sight to see and got everyone excited.

Some started by going up into the lighthouse while others shopped around in a store a bit. It was a great way to spend our last day because it was fun to reflect upon what we did during the week and get to spend some relaxing time with each other before we separate for break. It’s sad to think that once we return to school we will no longer have an RCC class together. But we have already planned RCC reunions to keep our bond strong J

Our lunch, although the place changed, was great, relaxing, and delicious. Being able to throw your remaining food over the side of the dock to hungry swarms of snapper was a fun addition. After being full and happy we went over to the museum to learn all about Hope Town. It was an educational way to learn about the town we were about to explore. After that, we were sent off to explore the island. It was so relaxing getting to walk around and enjoy the day that had begun to clear up a bit.

Many Christmas gifts were bought, many gifts for ourselves were bought, and of course the coffee shop was hit up for some better tasting coffee than we usually have every morning. We caught the ferry back at 4 in the pouring rain which was not too fun to be in. After stopping by a few more sops around the Regattas we finally made it balk home to get warm and dry before dinner.

Although it was pouring and hurricane winds were blowing around us my roomies and I had a great time hanging out inside watching Grey’s Anatomy. Finally dinner rolled around and we all celebrated our great trip at a restaurant called Curly Tails. Looking up and down the table the smiles on everyone’s face proved how great our trip was and how our experiences that we had here would never be forgotten.

Amanda, Ilana, and Melinda

Last day :(

Thursday, our last day with the kids, brought us a mix of emotions. As we made our way over to ECC, we made a quick stop at “Party Time” to get the kids some treats and little toys. Our prep time was used wisely, helping to document all of the programs on our group’s eight computers and making sure all our new equipment was inventoried. All four of our classes were feeling more comfortable with the technology already and their rapid achievement since Monday was apparent. In our first class, the kids were all working individually with a laptop, Hooked on Phonics game, Vtech, or watching an ABC slideshow. Ms. Mel made sure to document what items worked for what kids and was excited to dig through more of the new equipment to continue to use with the children. It was an awesome week with that group. We were lucky enough to have some kids talk to us that had not before, another we discovered knew all his ABC’s and how to spell his numbers, even though he never spoke to us. Every member of the class improved in some way, even if it was as simple as us being able to engage him in a slideshow. It was hard to leave these little 3-7 year olds and I know all three of us did not want to let go when they gave us our goodbye hugs.

Our second class was awesome as always, too. They all had their own laptops today and had a variety of software to choose from. We found it exciting that the majority chose to work on typing software, in order to excel in their skill level and speed. We assisted Ms. Amanda in downloading all the software appropriate for her class’ skill level on her new laptop and trust that they will all continue to use and benefit from the equipment we brought. They shared their life skills school work with us, as we got to try all the delicious Christmas cookies they had made! The highlight of this class was definitely their Christmas performance they shared with us at the end, though. It was their own Bohemian version of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and the class even made up their own lyrics! There were drummers, dancers, and singers; it was a truly amazing performance by this talented class!

The next class we were supposed to have was busy working with the IT and video media groups all week, so during this time we had a little instructional class with the teachers and Ms. Lyn. We made sure all of the teachers felt comfortable with the new equipment and software, and with Ed’s help we taught them how to use the very useful Personal Response System. This assists the teachers in engaging the class in a game like manner, so that they can instantly evaluate how much of the class understands new concepts. Each child gets a remote and is able to key in the answer they believe is correct to the question shown on the projector. It is a valuable item and a great way to review class material. We really hope all the teachers take full advantage of it, even after we leave.

Our fourth class also had all of their own laptops again today and continued to enjoy all of the software. In this class their favorites seem to be math and typing, and I know Ms. Kim is also excited about the science and spelling software! It was great to see Ms. Kim’s enthusiasm about all the new opportunities her class will receive through this technology. We helped her get all of the software her class was using on her new laptop, also. Once again, their improvement was noticeable and we were so thrilled about how quickly all the kids caught on to using the new technology.

We ended our time at ECC with a skit performed by Mr. Mar’s class. They demonstrated the struggles they go through and the stigma brought on to them for going to this school. They were determined to only let the negative make them stronger, however, and expressed how proud they are of themselves and each other. It is clear how close of a community this is and how welcoming they are with everyone. This was truly something I know we will all remember forever. Ms. Lyn thanked us and the children gave us generous thank you gifts. She extended a warm welcome to any of us wanting to come back as volunteers or teachers, and I know many of us would love to work with these wonderful kids again. It was a bittersweet ending, but we all learned a lot from these children that will stick with us through the days to come. They are a symbol of hope, motivation, and determination and we are all so thankful to have had this opportunity.

Final Farewell

Today was our last day at ECC, and it was a very busy day. After waking up and taking a cab to the school, we began tying up all the loose ends which had yet to be finished. The A/V repair group had to finish repairing computers, teach students how to maintain their systems, and finish providing all the teachers with their new computers.
Sterling and Ed were in charge of doling out the teacher machines. Ed gave a new computer to Ms. Julie. Fortunately Ms. Julie was already very knowledgeable about computers. Ed set up her administrator account and gave her a mouse as she was having trouble with the laptop touchpad. Ed also gave a computer to David. He is also knowledgeable about computers and was given an ubantu machine instead of the usual windows xp. Sterling gave out computers to Ms. Nicole and Ms. Margaret. Both teachers were computer literate and therefore did not need too much help. Sterling also set up a desktop in Ms. Nicole’s room for students to use.
In addition to handing out computers, the A/V group continued teaching a small group of students about IT issues. These students really wanted to learn, and teaching them was one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip. We walked them through troubleshooting today, as when we live they will be relied on to support all the computers at their school.
We also continued repairing computers for used by the students. Due to the large number of laptops and small number of repair group members, we were not able to finish all of the machines. We made sure that the students were trained to handle these, as well as any unforeseen, issues in the future.
Leaving was bittersweet. Everyone in our group, as well as all the other groups, had grown attached to the students at ECC. We were sad to leave as there were still many things we could have done given the time. However I do think that we made a difference in the lives of these students and am glad that we were given the opportunity.

Continuing Education

Today was another quick morning for our group. All the bacon and eggs we bought to cook has not even been used. We have concluded that no matter how early we go to bed, the school work makes us so tired that we wake up tired. Today, we rode a nice cab to the school and got right to work. We had another day of teaching. John worked with one of our better students, Roberto, on making ethernet cables. Sterling worked with our least advanced students on computer repair. Ed, Billy, and Alex worked with the other students on computer repair and troubleshooting. Towards the end of the day, Carrie stepped in and helped teach and overview the students repair internet connectivity. By the end of the day, more computers had been fixed and our group felt more comfortable with the students abilities to fix computers on their own. After school we took a cab back to the Regattas and went directly to the dive shop from there. After picking up our flippers and mask we went to mermaid reef to go snorkeling. All of our group members really enjoyed the reef. From the reef we came back to the Regattas and then went of to Jamie’s Place for dinner. Although, they were out of conch fritters our group enjoyed the lobster, snapper, shrimp, and chicken. We were all deeply upset and devastated because we were not able to have any conch fritters. However,the food was very reasonable and delicious. From dinner we came back to the hotel and met for a nightly meeting. The meeting went very well and gave us an opportunity to plan for the next day.

Alex, Billy, Sterling, and John

Every Child Counts

I have been able to take a slightly different perspective throughout this experience. Working at ECC is incredible. The students are inspiring and I can expect that they will change the world. But they aren’t the only ones who I know will make a difference.

Working in first year programming, I knew all of the incoming students by their demographic information. I played a small role in facilitating their transition into the collegiate atmosphere. I’ve been able to interact with a some of the first year class and truly get to know them as people. But I didn’t feel quite satisfied enough with that level of interaction. So when I was given the opportunity to go to Abaco with the Bridging the Digital Divide RCC, I jumped at the chance.

Heading down here, I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting into, but I knew I wanted to get to know these students on a more personal level. Half way through the trip, I recognize how honored I am to witness their learning first hand.

I’ve been so impressed with the questions they have asked regarding societal inequities, economic deprivation, and what it means to live in a country in which advancement is not a given. They’ve recognized the privileges they enjoy as students at Rollins as compared to the struggles the students at ECC face. What’s more is that they recognize their responsibility in working in solidarity with people who have had different life experiences than we have.

One message I have heard from our students on a consistent basis throughout this trip is how much the kids at ECC have impacted them. A few of our students even had tears in their eyes as one class practiced a skit that points out the stigmas kids at ECC face daily. I couldn’t help but feel emotional as I witness our students’ growth during this experience.

In a few days we will leave Abaco. More importantly, we will leave as changed individuals. We will have gained a greater understanding of what it means to truly be Global Citizens and Responsible Leaders. And that has made all the difference.

-Deanna Davis

Rollins Explorations

SHARKS!

Today was our third day at ECC. Eager to continue teaching the children, we left for our walk to the school at eight o’clock sharp. We used our beginning planning period to finish loading and making sure each of games were on all of the computers. Today Ms. Mel, (the teacher of the first class who for the past two days had been absent) was here, and helped to fully explain each child’s strengths and disabilities. We also brought more laptops into the classroom today, which seemed to intrigue and help a few of the kids.
In the second class of the day, we were also able to bring in more computers (than we were able to yesterday), allowing the majority of the kids to have their own computer. The students were very excited, and kept really quiet the whole time while concentrated on their choice of math, typing, science, or english games. Also, we loaded the same games onto the teacher’s computer because we established that it would be beneficial for her to have them as well to use for lesson planning.
We were a little disappointed to find that we only had two students in our third class. Quickly we changed our lesson plans to satisfy what the students wanted to learn; how to digitally edit pictures online. We used a commonly known website named “Picnic” to teach them how to do this.
We ended our school day on a great note because each student in our fourth class got to participate individually on their own computer. Just like the second class, these students also played math, science, and english games, but they also made use of the large Crayola keyboards. Part of what makes this all the more worthwhile is the teacher has repeatedly how excited and happy she is to have this wonderful tool in their hands.
After our walk home from school we quickly got ready and headed back to Dive Abaco to grab gear for snorkeling in Mermaid Reef.
Mermaid Reef was really cool because in order to get to the reef we walked/swam about fifty feet until we reached the reef. It was absolutely beautiful, there were several different kinds of colorful fish that swam really near to us, and some people saw a stingray, and a select few even saw a shark! After snorkeling we headed back, showered and went to dinner together at a restaurant called Jamie’s Place. Tomorrow will be a hard day, as we all feel like we could and would spend more time with Every Child Counts. Although the goodbyes will be hard, it helps to know the impact we have made is a big one.