The volunteers

Farewell, volunteers!

Rising Star welcomed six sessions of volunteers this summer, from June through August. Volunteers stay from one to three weeks, depending on the length of their session. Most of them are college students (frequently from BYU) and sojourn for about three weeks. We also had high school teachers on summer break, grad students, and a few families.

I was often moved by their compassion towards the children, their maturity and flexibility, and their encouragement of my work.

I wasted zero point no time in putting them to work, and guess where?

Each volunteer tutored eight children in a row, at twenty minutes each. Because I usually had six volunteers at a time (three groups alternated each day between tutoring, medical work at a leprosy colony, and aiding in construction work), we were able to help 48 kids with reading every day. I was thrilled with this result and with everyone's efficiency. Unfortunately I was only able to implement this system with the last group. But they noted improvement in the kids even just after these ten days. Now we'll know what to do next summer!

I'm so sorry to see them go; if they stayed another six months our reading levels would surge! I also try to help 48 kids a day with their reading, but don't get very far...

Here's Lindsey, who's graduating from MIT in December.

After school the volunteers taught mini-workshops several times a week. They often brought fun material with them, such as paints and colored paper.

The children signed up for whatever class struck their fancy. They have so few chances for entertainment and were always excited.

When I arrived at Rising Star, I decided to do my job but not to get too involved emotionally. That resolution lasted about two days. I frequently find myself wanting to weep. Because the youngest children are only five and will be growing up without their parents. Because some of the children show obvious signs of abuse. Because we are all doing what we can but many get so little help or individual attention.

The volunteers also make me want to weep. My gratitude towards them knows no bounds! The longer I'm here, the more clearly I can see how deep their impact is.

 

The children adore them, especially if they happen to be male (girls are a dime a dozen, but not so many guys show up).