Sometimes we don't realize just how lucky we are to have the things that we do. And I'm not just talking about material things...For most of the Bhutanese immigrant children that have come over to Ohio from their country, things have been rough. From being in a totally alien environment to not even being able to properly comprehend the English language, they can use all the help they can get. Which is why I've joined an initiative to help tutor these children, to hopefully make their lives easier, here in the US.
Every Wednesday, for a couple of hours, we gather in a local library. The children usually bring school work, especially in areas that they need our help with. Slowly, concepts are explained, problems are worked out and their mind's fill with information. Of course, we learn too. All the time.
But it's not an easy challenge. The problems faced are mainly communication related. The language barrier can sometimes be tough to overcome. But with good resources and skills, we manage. We also have to remember that we're dealing with adolescents here. These kids are just like us. The occasional immaturity (from both parties), teenage attitudes and the desire to fit in are all factors.
And when the holidays roll around, we have drives to help get gifts (and other necessities!) to them. We jolt into the holiday spirit by singing carols and eating cookies. The summer is the time to help them focus on things other than school work and expand their knowledge.
It's a lot of fun. I love the experience of getting to work with them as well as all of the volunteers who help out. Its amazing what you can do in just a couple of hours. At the end of it all, we feel satisfied with our work and feel like it's completely worthwhile when we see the proud looks on their faces.
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