Featured Author: Jessica Fenton

In 2010, I traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and vol­unteered at the Children Center of Hope Orphanage and the School of Champions through Feed the Children Vallarta (formerly known as Children of the Dump). Most of my time was spent at the School of Champions volunteering at the summer camp. I had an amazing time teaching English and facilitat­ing games and crafts to the many innocent, sweet, and joyful children who live in and around the dump. Approximately 200 families lived at the dump in the past and, through education and support from Feed the Children Vallarta, fewer and fewer families are depending on the dump for their livelihood.

Currently, through community and international support, Feed the Children Vallarta supports many programs and donates 1000 meals a day to the community of Magisterio. Josh Gillespie, coordinator of the summer camp, states, “The appre­ciation and desire for education is there. Parents see the benefit and in return their children can get a better future with the education provided.”

The School of Champions has helped change the formerly nega­tive image of the community and motivates the government to get involved—the focus is on the chil­dren. Feed the Children Vallarta has plans to expand beyond elementary school-aged children to impact more of the community, for example of­fering middle school-aged children computer and technical trade skills.

School of Champions volunteer Veronica Corona explains that, “Most of the students enjoy talk­ing to someone; they can come to the teachers and talk to them about things they can’t tell their parents.”

This privately-funded school can offer students with low socioeco­nomic status encouragement and experiences unlike any other they would normally receive, including technology, English, and physical education. It was an eye-opening experience to see such contrast to the Canadian education sys­tem, and an opportunity to gain real world experience to bring into my own classroom.

As a teacher, I feel very fortu­nate to have many opportunities throughout the year to travel. I am very passionate about Human Rights Education and Development. For me, it is important to give back wherever and whenever I can. I agree with Veronica when she admits, “once you start helping others and seeing the problems they have, you value more of what you have.”

Not only has Feed the Children Vallarta helped in the area of Educa­tion, but they have also assisted in the development of the area around the dump. Drinking water, showers, bathrooms, washing machines, and feeding and clothing programs are now available. The people around the dump are proud and work hard to support their families. The chil­dren from the dump, who are always happy and full of life, made me realize that life is less about material worth and more about life’s experi­ences and making connections.

There are many opportunities available to teachers to travel and make a difference in whatever area they are passionate about. We are part of an amazing profession where we can make use of our skills locally or abroad. Travel “volun-tourism” is the new wave of experience which many teachers can get involved in for short-term or long-term place­ments. With a little research, teach­ers will be surprised to see the many opportunities available in every area of interest and place imaginable. From volunteering with children, to working with sea turtles, the sky is the limit. I know teachers like to travel so why not include some volunteering for a charitable cause while away on your dream vacation? Your students will be the beneficia­ries of your learning.