2022 Summer Impact Report
Following a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, 4 programs, 45 kids,12 volunteers, and 110 hours made for a great resumption of our Summer School programming this past February and March. The programs we offered included English Class, BiciSchool, Sandboarding Class, and Music Class. Details about each and the impact they made can be found below.
BiciSchool
After first contributing to the growth of activism regarding cyclist’s rights and the creation of cycle lanes within Trujillo, we decided to take our vision regarding the importance of bicycles and cycle lanes to the community we work in. BiciSchool gave us the opportunity to discuss transportation as well as our rights and duties as pedestrians and cyclists, plus created lasting memories for children learning how to ride a bike for the first time.
Location & Participants
BiciSchool took place in Barrio 4A in Alto Trujillo. About 30 to 40 students attended over the course of the program. These kids also attended the English Summer Program being held in partnership with USPE. Most of the kids knew how to ride a bike, but at least 10 to 15 did not.
The BiciSchool Experience
The class began with bike maintenance where we taught the kids about the different parts of a bicycle and how to keep a bike in good condition. We then coached the kids through warm-ups and balance exercises where we put them on bikes with the pedals removed so they could get a feel for the bike, touching the ground with their feet to move. From there, we moved them out into the field so they could develop a basic grasp of how to deal with obstacles when riding a bike by practicing on an obstacle course of cones. Finally, we allowed the kids to ride and put into practice what they learned.
Time Commitment
8 hours total, spread out over 4 different Saturdays.
Sandboarding Class
Some of our favorite experiences at Espaanglisch have to do with our outdoor adventures that take us off the beaten path and allow us to experience Peru and all of the natural wonders that make it so unique. We strive to give the kids in our programs the same kinds of opportunities.
In our Summer Program, in partnership with Caramba Fashion, we created this opportunity for the kids in our Sandboarding Class, taking them out on the nearby sand dunes in Alto Trujillo to have some fun while learning how to sandboard.
Location & Participants
The Sandboarding sessions took place in Barrio 4A in Alto Trujillo and had at least 20 to 30 kids from the area. Most of the kids were unfamiliar with sandboarding so we had to start from scratch.
The Sandboarding Class Experience
The development of the class started with us going uphill to a nearby sand dune in the barrio. We then had warm-ups and showed the kids how to get the boards ready to go by waxing them on one side. As the kids were unfamiliar with the sport, we started with two positions: laying & sitting down on the board to go downhill. We also made sure every participant wore a helmet. As time passed, the kids gained more confidence and we found they were eager to go again and again.
Time Commitment
6 hours total, spread out over 3 different Saturdays.
English Class
Learning a new language is so important for children. As they grow, practicing new language skills provides them with an opportunity to understand the world from a totally new point of view, encouraging them to embrace cultural nuances as well as awareness of their own language and culture. In our English program, we seek to foster this growth in our students via fun, interactive language classes.
Location & Participants
We held our summer English Classes in two locations this year: in Barrio 4A in Alto Trujillo with at least 35 kids from the area as well as in Huanchaco with 12 students in attendance. In Barrio 4A, participants were divided into two different classes, grouped by age.
The English Class Experience
Our methodology to engage our students included presenting flashcards with new vocabulary and then creating group games to practice the vocabulary. The games and fun activities hooked the kids and made it so they wanted to keep learning. In addition to the flashcards and games, we sang songs to help with memorization and utilized worksheets, audio recordings, puzzles, and a workbook.
Time Commitment
English classes were held from February 9th to March 16th, twice weekly. Each class lasted approximately two hours.
Music Class
Our students live in some of the most impoverished barrios on the outskirts of Trujillo and have little access to quality education let alone quality music education. In our music classes, we aimed to give them the opportunity to experience musical instruction, learning from an accomplished professional musician, all while experiencing the benefits that music education has to offer.
Location & Participants
The class took place in Barrio 4A in Alto Trujillo and had at least 35 kids from the area, with students divided into two different classes grouped by age.
The Music Class Experience
The class was conducted by Nestor Alonso, a professional musician whose experience in the field helped the students to understand the foundations of music. The kids used recorders to learn the basics. They were excited and eager to learn more about the world of music guided by a fantastic teacher like Nestor and it was their very first time having access to an instrument and to classes with a professional musician. In fact, our students so enjoyed the program that we are planning to continue providing them music education with a new instrument: the Peruvian cajón.
Time Commitment
Music classes were held from February 9th to March 16th, twice weekly. Each class lasted approximately two hours.
A big thank you to all of our donors, volunteers, partners, and other supporters who helped to make this year’s programs happen. We couldn’t have done it without you!