Expecting the Unexpected by Brad Young [WorldTeach 2009-2010]

Prior to arriving in Guyana on August 13, 2009, my knowledge of the country was limited to the Jonestown tragedy in 1978 and its geographic location.  Our group arrived in Georgetown close to midnight and the temperature was hot but not unbearable.   Everyone in our group had acclimated to the tropical climate by the time we departed Georgetown (after orientation training) for our homes/teaching sites for the next 12 months.

Traveling in Guyana is always a unique experience.  Minibuses are common in most every community and are probably the most popular mode of transport.  Guyana is comprised of ten separate regions and traveling from one region to the next generally requires crossing a river.  This could mean riding in a minibus or taxi across a bridge, sometimes a pontoon bridge, or by boat.  

I teach at Three Miles Secondary School in Bartica, which is located on the bank of the Essequibo River, where the Cuyuni River and Mazaruni River join the Essequibo, on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. 

When I arrived in Bartica I had serious doubts as to whether I could fulfill the commitment I made to myself, WorldTeach and the community that was expecting my help.  Instead of introducing myself to others and making friends I chose to focus on what I perceived to be the negative aspects of Bartica.  Today I walk those same streets and stop to talk to friends instead of keeping to myself and making mental notes about what I thought was wrong with my new home.  At some point during my first two months in Bartica I began to expect the unexpected and embrace the community and the adventure aspect of my assignment.  

Is there a lot about Guyana that’s consistent?  No.  Is Guyana an adventure?  Yes, without question.   Most of the country has yet to be explored (or exploited, depending on your point of view) and its natural beauty is beyond words.

The government of Guyana is struggling to find its role in the world economy and, at the same time, working hard to provide a stable infrastructure, adequate social services and employment opportunities that will provide its citizens with security, both social and financial, and hope for a better life tomorrow.  If you’re looking for a job that is as challenging as it is rewarding, then living and teaching in Guyana is an option you should consider.

Hope and Hard Work by Kandice Kohler [WorldTeach 2006-2007]

After-school one very warm day Parris agreed to walk his teacher into town to show her some of the best and cheapest shops.  He arrived on bike and quickly dismounted to join his teacher in walking into town.  Of course the first stop was to his family’s meat shop then onto his cousin’s shop for eggs and cornflakes.  The last stop was to his aunt’s house to pick up a few chicken hearts for the next day’s science lesson.  Parris was studying the heart and circulatory system in class and getting these hearts would earn him some extra credit.  On the long walk back to his teacher’s house conversation topics volleyed back and forth landing on personal fears.  Parris asked if his teacher had any fears and she quickly responded “snakes!” His response was death.  To fear death at the young age of 15 was a concern to his teacher. 

Upon first working with Parris he cared very little about attending school.  He was kind and considerate at the start of his grade 8 year but showed no real interest in school.  It took some time for his teacher to learn that he struggled in reading and lacked confidence.  With a little attention and some support from his teacher, Parris began to let go of his fears and start making some goals for his life. 

As Parris finishes up grade 9 this year he strives to complete secondary school and go on to study animal science. He believes with hope and hard work anything can be possible. 

"Sunday Partner" by Jessica Bruno [WorldTeach 2006-2007]

hops off the bicycle,
her younger sister will go from here
she wants to run
to be free
so young, not a care
not a thought
just the long road
to wowetta
she carries a gift for her older sister
fish her mother sends with love
in a bundle on the bicycle
open road
smiling faces
freedom. youth. beauty.
simplicity