Meet our team!
As the 2018 school year came to a close, Estuardo and I realized that we could not (and should not) do this alone. We learned that an essential aspect of responsible missiology is empowering local people to use their skills and interests to better their community. So, we hired Vivi, an experienced elementary teacher with a university degree in psychology. She began working with our youngest students in January 2019. Everything changed! Vivi’s patience, care, and gentle spirit have been such an asset to our primaria kiddos. Vivi holds our students to a high standard, frequently asking them if their actions and words are pleasing to God. What a way to keep us all accountable!
Vivi teaches Josselin and Meyer how to write.
Now, I know what you may be thinking – how many teachers could you possible need for just a handful of students?! Well, at Chispas of Change, our primary focus is Christian discipleship. Discipleship means teaching God’s Word while doing life together. Since each of our students comes from a challenging home situation, and some have developmental delays, we strive to give one-on-one instruction whenever possible.
As we prepared to enroll up to 15 students in 2020, we knew that we would need all hands on deck. As we accepted several students who speak K’iche’ as their first language, we reached out to Luis, our 2018 Chispas of Change high school graduate. Luis speaks K’iche’ fluently, and expressed interest in helping our newest students make the transition back into school after being in the streets for several years. Little by little, Luis is learning the ends and outs of tutoring and mentorship with our four fourth-graders.
Luis leads the students in a “get to know you” exercise on the first day of school.
Fast-forward to February 2020, and we noticed that Vivi and Luis needed even more help with our 10 elementary schoolers. Half of the students did not know how to read or write in January, and since they are much older than their grade (ages 10-14 in first grade), it is essential to create a loving, safe environment in which they can learn with dignity. So, we hired Eileen, an experienced preschool teacher with a love for incorporating colors and creativity in every lesson.
All hands on deck in the primaria classroom!
It is amazing to see our team growing and to hear the positive feedback from students as they learn more academically than some had even dreamed. It is even more special to hear our older students expressing gratitude for the biblical knowledge they are acquiring each day. As discipleship is our focus, each student now has five trustworthy adults in whom they can confide throughout the week. Pray for our teachers as they seek out creative ways to connect with our students and model faith in Jesus on a daily basis!
Our primaria dream team: Luis, Vivi, Eileen.