VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE

​Hi, Maggie here! I started volunteering with Project Libertad last year, and I absolutely loved it! I found out about the organization when I was researching places to volunteer at for one of my Spanish courses. This organization is perfect for anyone who wants experience working with children, practicing their Spanish skills, and/or helping out children who live in their community. For my volunteer work, I mainly volunteered at Gotwals Elementary in Norristown, PA. The kids in this group were super energetic and enthusiastic. Although at times it was a little difficult getting them to pay attention and participate, it was obvious that every single kid wanted to be there, and each one of them had gained better English skills, confidence, and lasting friendships. It can be super hard moving to a new country and attending a new school where everything is taught in a different language. With Project Libertad, these kids are able to open up and be themselves in the language most comfortable for them, while sharing experiences and playing with classmates who are living under similar circumstances.
​
The first day, the kids were a little hesitant because they were unsure of what was happening and seemed surprised that the leaders and volunteers were speaking to them and teaching lessons in Spanish. They very quickly warmed up, however, and were eager to participate. It was so rewarding watching them come out of their shells and show their true personalities in a place that was safe and welcoming. The program was weekly and was about an hour long. The first half was spent playing get-to-know you games or, as the weather became nicer, playing soccer or basketball outside. In the second half, we had an English lesson with themes such as food, jobs, animals, sports, family, etc. All of the themes were ones that the students picked out on the first day, which made them more invested and engaged in the lesson. After the lesson, we would hand out snack and do an activity that was based on the English lesson. An example of an activity would be drawing a picture of themselves playing their favorite sport and then describe what they drew in English. The volunteers would split up so there was one or two at each table to help them out. I always loved this part of the lesson, because it was more one-on-one with the students, and I got to better see just how clever and creative they all were. 

Towards the end of the school year, I also was able to work with some of the middle schoolers in Phoenixville. Although the set up in the program is the same, the experience is much different. The students, though still excited about the program, are much more quiet and laid back. They were also more mature, which means we could do more involved activities with them. The last meeting, I even had the opportunity to lead an environmental science lesson with them, where they had to debate the benefits of using an unused plot of land for economic gain, versus using it for research and preserving it in some way. The students seemed to really enjoy it, and their ideas were super insightful. 

My experience with Project Libertad has been incredible, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate and volunteer in it. I love that the organization is 100% centered around the kids. The founder, Rachel, has a lot of knowledge about Latin America, as well as experience working with individuals and families who have immigrated to the U.S. from Central and South America. This is evident in every aspect of the program, including structure of the meetings, communication with parents, and volunteer training. I would recommend anyone who has the interest and time to volunteer with this organization.

Sincerely,

--Maggie Mawson, 2017-2018 volunteer