Maria Cronin from Dublin volunteered in the village of Barra de Potosi, Mexico.
Maria Cronin from Dublin volunteered in the village of Barra de Potosi, Mexico. She's written to us with an account of her time there.
Choosing where to volunteer was a very hard task but I am so glad I chose to volunteer with 'Los ni-os encantados' of Barra de Potos'. It was such a rewarding experience and I would defiantly recommend people thinking about volunteering to do it here. When I first arrived I was picked up by Juani at the bus station and on arriving in the village of Barra de Potosi I knew straight away that I had made the right choice. It is a small remote village with about 500 inhabitants who on first impressions all seemed very friendly and welcoming. Right away I was made to feel at home.
On my first day I met all the children of the village who I would be teaching. They were all so enthusiastic and full of life and from the first moment I met them I knew I would enjoy my time here. I loved the way of life in Barra de Potosi, the go slow approach. It took me a while to get use to it but after a week or so I felt like here was my home, for 8 weekChoosing where to volunteer was a very hard task but I am so glad I chose to volunteer with 'Los ni-os encantados' of Barra de Potos'. It was such a rewarding experience and I would defiantly recommend people thinking about volunteering to do it here.s anyway.
The days were long, with so much work and planning to do. My day would start at 10 am with planning classes and activities for the children and would not finish till 7pm. On Fridays the day would be even longer as we had a special movie night for the children in the library. Even though the days were long it was all worth while and very rewarding. I was always kept busy at the library or in the house I was staying in. The children would be around all the time wanting to play games, paint, draw or just talk to me.
I was lucky enough to be in Barra de Potosi for my birthday on the 7th October. It was one of the most memorable birthdays I have ever had. The children held a surprise party in the library for me with the help of the other volunteers Sarah and Kristin and gave me lots of cards with wonderful messages on them.
Leaving was the hardest thing that I had to do. The children held another surprise party for me with lots of presents, music and dancing. It was a great send off. I was so sad to be leaving as lot of the children did not want me to leave at all. I will always remember the amazing time I had there and will try to visit again in the future.
Maria Cronin