Happy Women´s Day (and Second Week of School)!

Peruvian culture in general is very machista - women (not all, but in general) spend all morning cooking lunch, will sometimes clean the house three times a day, and generally are limited to certain roles. But, on March 8th, they recieve at least a little recognition on International Day of the Woman.

Though I feel like the day is talked about and joked about more than actually celebrated, the work and role of women is celebrated with gifts or meals and ceremonies in the schools. In our house, I made some breakfast for my housemates (the crepes turned out tasty, but not as perfectly round and beautiful as I would like).

In other noteworthy developments, I start my second week of classes here at Miguel Pro. The first week went very well. Though each day felt long, I enjoyed getting to know my students, feeling like I am becoming part of the teacher community here at the school, and helping try to ease the adjustment of being a teacher for the two newer volunteers. I realized that this is actually the fourth time I have started a new school year (and at three different schools), and have become very comfortable with the return to the classroom.

One of my responsibilities here will be as a co-tutor (which basically means being half guidance counselor and half homeroom teacher). The role offers a unique chance to get to know the students, their families, and to extend my efforts and work beyond the four walls of a classroom. This first semester we will visit the homes of the students, organize Back to School Nights for the parents, a camping trip with the students, and in the allotted class time, discuss short-term and long-term goals in an effort to help the students recognize their abilities and their strengths.

I am working with the fourth year of secondary (basically sophomores in high school), who also were the students with whom I was on Mes de Mision. This connection will make the beginning of the year much easier for me. Also, I am working with the new communications teacher, who is a nice and calm woman. Only side point is that she is 7 months pregnant and so will be taking a short leave in May to give birth. But I am sure I can handle the tutoria on my own for that short time.

In other news, last night, La Teta Asustada did not take home the Oscar for Best Foreign Film. The hype and excitement of the nomination and chance to win spread across the entire country, infiltrating almost all of the news and a lot of the talk around meals this weekend. In English the title is The Milk of Sorrow and it centers on the effects of the Shining Path and the repressive government response on current generations in the Peruvian highlands. An interesting and well-done film, but unfortunately not an Oscar-winner.