Unidad Educativa Aurelio Ochoa and a New Restaurant

Earlier in the week, a request went out through Gringo Tree for volunteers to teach English in the Calderon School in Turi. Even though Turi is so close to Cuenca, it is considered rural primarily because of its location on the other side of the Panam Highway. As a result of it being rural, it does not receive funding to support a foreign language program.

Parents of the children of Turi realize the importance of learning English and want very much for their children to have this opportunity; however, the parents cannot afford to hire private teachers of English. In a country where tourism is a major industry, fluency in English plays a major role in the student's future success.

On Tuesday, Mick and I went to the meeting at the Calderon School. Several others attended the meeting which turned out to be somewhat of a political struggle between the current English teacher, who is Ecuadorian, and the president of the family association. We found the school to be in great need. Mick and I received our assignment, which was to be at another school, Unidad Educativa Aurelio Ochoa, in the Tres Marias area of Turi. We were happy with the assignment and hope for no conflicts around us. The school, although in Turi, is just beyond Mall del Rio.
The administration wanted us to have separate classes; however, Mick was uncomfortable with that, considering his lack of teaching experience. Therefore, we're allowed to stay together and have 3 classes on Friday mornings.

We were there bright and early, before 8 AM. Our first class was the first grade. They were energetic and bright eyed. Considering that we had no materials and no idea of the students prior knowledge, the day was used as an introduction. The first grade teacher was receptive to our presence and assisted with discipline and spoke a very little bit of English. We practiced greetings and then ABC's. The children were well behaved and delightful. This is the first grade.

The other two classes were second graders. There was as much difference between the students of the two classes as there was in the two second grade teachers. Our first second grade class had major discipline issues that could have easily been remedied if the teacher had taken the initiative. There were some very talented children; however, there were also apparently unidentified learning problems. This class was extremely challenging. We focused on colors and ABC's.

The last class, which was also second grade, was as endearing as the first. They were engaged, focused, no discipline problems. The teacher was proud of her class and it was evident that she adored her students as much as they did her. This is our last group of second graders.

The director was happy that we were there. We left at recess. Each student gets a cup with a liquid, which we thought to be milk. The students were extremely cordial and helpful.

It was a great morning. We waited for a taxi by the street, which was at a lower level than the school yard. The first graders followed on the inside, talking to us, telling us "bye" as we left. The school has needs, not only for volunteers, but for materials. The classes have no printed instructional material for English; so there is some preparation that is required. The administration also wants the students to keep notebooks of their work, vocabulary and the like. I don't know that the students will be able to afford one; I haven't checked the price of composition books.

Mick said that he would not be able to have a class on his own. Although it is an English class, a great deal of Spanish was required simply in dealing with the children. It was a good experience and it left us with the warm fuzzies.

When we returned home, Gabriella was almost finished with her work. We were going to the Mall del Rio for lunch. It seems almost impossible to get a cab on Av. Primero de Mayo at times; today was one of those times. We were waiting and our friend, Frances, came out of the garage and inquired where we were going. She said that she'd like to have lunch and she knew a place that had just opened. We joined her for lunch at Gourmand Cafe.

Gourmand Cafe opened last night and is located at Calle Humberto Maria Cordero 1-60 y Av. 10 de Agosto. It is owned by Silvia Paredes, who previously owned a restauranat near Parque de La Paz off Remigio Crespo.

This new restaurant is located on the bottom floor of her home, which has been renovated. It is quite lovely and appears almost purpose built.
It is furnished and decorated quite lovely.

There were flowers from the grand opening last night.

This is the dessert case.

With the meal, an array of sauces is brought to the table.

I failed to take a picture of our meal. The menu consists primarily of soups, sandwiches, and wraps. I had a pernil sandwich, which was delicious. Mick and Gabby had Cubano sandwiches and Frances had a chicken wrap. Mick's Cubano was great and he tried Frances' wrap and raved about it. Silvia said that she makes everything, including the bread for the sandwiches. The bread was wonderful. The meal is completed with complimentary homemade brownies.

Silvia speaks English and also does catering. Frances said that the coffee is excellent. The patio is not quite completed, but she will have outside seating soon. The prices are extremely reasonable and the food is most excellent. It is worth a visit and we will go back for more.

The day is not yet over and we've already had several new experiences, not only teaching English to little Ecuadorian children, but a new restaurant to add to our list of regulars. The weekend is still very young and who knows what awaits us.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy