One Can Make a Difference

It all started from one determined child. One day I was watching my neighbor's five year old granddaughter trying to write with a dried up marker on a piece of cardboard. As I was observing her I realized how much you could tell she had a desire to learn. So one afternoon I invited her over to my house to write, on paper with a working pencil. The next afternoon I heard a little voice calling out my name. I went outside to see who it was. It was my neighbor's determined granddaughter wanting to practice her writing. This went on for about 3 months.

Then some other community members got wind of this and saw how much this determined little child was progressing. Two different families had their five year old grandchild return from the main island to our isolated little island in the middle of the Pacific to come learn with the Peace Corps Volunteer. As time progressed three little girls turned into eight little boys and girls which quickly grew to 12. And what first started as simply writing in a notebook has progressed to a positive structured learning environment.

As of now, 13 boys and girls come running from all different directions, with pen and paper in hand, to come study at Hina's house for two hours everyday. Through a positive supportive environment, these children gain confidence and knowledge in the Tongan alphabet, numbers and colors in the midst of learning to listen, work together, being patient and sharing. And each day before class starts they practice some important basic hygiene habits of washing their hands and brushing their teeth. Thankfully, it all started from one determined child, who got the ball rolling.

I dedicated one wall in my house to the Kindergarten’s Calendar Time. Here is a picture of the children practicing their writing on their personal chalk boards. Thank you to Mojave Elementary for pulling together and donating some of their unused supplies. It is greatly appreciated and makes a huge difference in these children’s lives. Malo ‘Aupito!!