Helping children with their reading

Our day at Takitumu began with meeting more children and supporting them with their reading. Barb shared information with Engia about the skin condition the children are experiencing. After lunch we were able to go and read books to two different classes and will continue this over the next few weeks. We identified several children who might benefit from some additional individual reading time and we will begin this over the next few days. Steph will also be observing in one class a few children that the teacher is concerned may have some language comprehension concerns. A few of the children invited us to watch their rugby match at the end of the day and waved goodbye as we left.

Message of the Day: “The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.”

"Hope in the Concept of Peace" - An Interview with Cook Island Country Manager James Puati

James Puati, Country Manager

What is your perspective on the Global Volunteers organization in your community?

Global Volunteers has become an institution in our community. Over the 15 years of service, there have been in excess of 135 teams of volunteers who have assisted with the development of our nation in the areas of Education, Health, Environmental and Social services as well as in many other incidental areas as the need has arisen. It has been, and will continue to be, a sustainable program which the community can rely on.   

 

How do volunteers make a significant impact on community projects?

One of the main investments a country can do is in the area of education. Our program has contributed significantly to the education of young people in the Cook islands by supporting literacy development as well as other areas in education as volunteers specific skills are utilized in response to the community or schools need. When a team is coming, it becomes a catalyst for projects to carry on, start, or move in another direction. The volunteers coming and providing service somehow produces energy and renews excitement in on-going projects.

Volunteer Abby Rosenthal works with students from Takitumu School.

 

How is it different from other volunteering opportunities?

Global Volunteers has a history of integrity that's well-known throughout the community!

What do you like volunteers to know about your community?

The Cook Islands is a developing nation, it is not a third-world country. While progress is being made, there is still a lot of room for improvement. For instance, while Maori is the native language of the Cook Islands, English is predominantly spoken - and this creates some unique difficulties as often neither Maori or English are spoken well. Linguists will tell you that to learn a second language well you must first know speak your mother tongue fluently.

Also, our community is heavily dependent on aide from a number of countries. Tourism is the main income earner for the Cook Islands ,and students are encouraged in High School to develop entrepreneurial skills / business development opportunities for their future.

What's unique about the Cook Islands Service Program?

Providing service on a small South Pacific Island offers opportunities to really connect with local people. As the program has been operating for 15 years people know the Global Volunteers well, and often speak to you on the bus, when out for dinner, or during leisure time. Volunteers have mentioned how special they are made to feel when out in the community and being recognized and greeted by a child they have been working with and their family. This happens often in a small community of only around 9,000 people. 

Rarotonga is a very safe place, and we have had many single people feel totally comfortable while in the Cook Islands - you are part of a team, but you are able to do things on your own and feel safe about that.

Free time opportunities are abundant outside of the service program as tourism is our major industry. Some pleasures volunteers have participated in are diving, snorkeling, travelling to the outer islands on the weekend, learning traditional dance, and learning our history.   

What do volunteers most often say they learn about volunteering with local people?

Humility and gratitude for all they have in their lives are characteristic of Cook Islanders. Volunteers say they learn how to laugh and to not make life so difficult.   They admire our belief that you do not need to have a lot of money to be happy.

 

 

How does this service opportunity expand volunteers’ perspective of the world?

Gaining perspective on another way of life offers the understanding that we are more alike than different. Families all over the world want the same things for their children, sometimes we just go about things differently. Gaining an insight into the Pacific culture and how Cook Islanders value people first is perhaps a good reminder for some people and a reinforcement of those values for others.

What are your reflections on Global Volunteers’ 30^th year of service?

At times Debi and I are flabbergasted at the generosity of volunteers. To comprehend that 135 teams have given of their time, energy, wisdom and finances to our wee slice of heaven is sometimes almost incomprehensible. Then to magnify that by the numbers of teams that have supported other communities in other countries almost defies imagination. Global Volunteers  offers hope in the concept of peace. It offers hope in the concept of cooperation. It offers hope in the concept of togetherness.

A warm welcome at Takitumu school

Well, today was our first day of school and, of course, we forgot our lunches with no mom to bring them! Upon arrival at Takitumu school, we were warmly greeted by Engia, the principal. Our day was spent reading with the children of the 4^th and 5^th grade class in groups of two. It was impressive how hard they worked at their reading and how much they supported each other’s efforts. After the school day was over we went to the homework centre at St. Paul’s to tutor after-school studies. We each worked one on one with the children on reading and math skills.

Message of the Day: “Strive not to be a success rather to be of value.”

Arriving in the Cook Islands

We were greeted at airport with beautiful flower eis. We spent the day getting oriented to the island, our project, our hotel, and each other. Barbara sorted out her communications and we did some housekeeping. We enjoyed a nice visit to the town and walked back to the hotel. Time was spent relaxing and enjoying the beach for the first time. Barb can scramble over coral rocks easily in her flip flops. No mossie bites to date (that we know of). Enjoyed our first catered dinner together and developed our Vaca goals. James is an amazing leader and a gracious host to us. We are looking forward to our first day at school.

Message of the Day: “Although the black pearl is small, it is a special gem.”

Practicing patience with joy

When we signed up in for this project, I wondered if three weeks was too long. As Sylvia knows, patience is not one of my virtues and I have never tolerated boredom well. I can truthfully say, with these precious children, I have practiced patience with joy, and I have not experienced one moment of boredom. I would love to stay three more weeks and three more.

This island is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I will never forget the wondrous beauty in these innocent, smiling children. A special meaningful bonus was to celebrate our 50^th wedding anniversary exactly where we wanted to be.

I am not sure I have left a mark on the world, but I am sure Takitumu Primary School has left a mark on me. So here we are, five of us left, ending our tour of duty, soon to be back on the Air New Zealand flight bound for L.A. then on to Boston, then on to Morehead State and, yes, on to our little island home, perhaps to return some day. You never know!

Entry submitted by: Papa Bob

Message of the Day: “Service is the greatest gift of all.”

Life moves pretty fast

I missed a couple days of school due to an awful illness. Besides all of that negativity, I am still more than glad I am here with the people I am here with. This has been an experience to say the least and I am so sad I have to leave, though in some ways I can’t wait to get home to my old Kentucky home. This trip has been full of firsts: first plane ride, first time west of Kentucky, first time on the Pacific Ocean, first time hitchhiking, first time drinking Noni jucie (I don’t recommend the taste).

I can only hope as I go into my last day at Titikaveka that I have in some way improved the life of at least one student while I’ve been here because I sure know they have improved mine!

                                                                                  

Entry submitted by: Kendra

Message of the Day: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Until we meet again...

It is Friday, the last day of our second week and the first time we start saying goodbye. Susanne and Devin are leaving this evening and everyone is aware that we have reached the tipping point toward ending versus beginning. The day did not disappoint. It was a hot and sticky Kia Orana Day. Everyone at our school was dressed in brightly colored shirts, dresses, and skirts. Sylvia and I were presented with lovely headdresses, Papa Bob with an ei. Again the Friday morning meeting included children singing beautifully with the occasional squirms and flicks, not to mention a growl from Einga. It must be said that it was sweltering in there and I was having a hard time staying focused as much as the children. Luckily I was able to jump up and take a turn dancing with Einga to the delight of the students and the amusement of the other teachers. It wasn’t long before students were running to the computers setting up for another day of Nessy. The rest of the school day was filled with school pictures, playing games at the long break and enjoying a delicious traditional umu. I will be forever grateful to the teachers and staff at this school for welcoming us so graciously and sharing their personal stories and time with us.

After school it was on to the beach to float in the water and then a short walk. As I was waiting to cross the street, I heard someone call “Katie” and crossed to the open arms and huge smile of Clothilde. She said “I knew it was you!” I smiled all the way back to the KiiKii to change into a fancy dress for our farewell dinner and our school pictures.

The Tamarind House was beautiful. Papa Bob spotted a couple of whales in the distance, Rudy sang John Denver while strumming a ukulele, Devin saw her favorite student, and Auntie Hills was in the air. More incredible food and the sky put on a wonderful performance. It doesn’t get much better than this.

The traditional Navajo do not say goodbye to one another. They say, “Until we meet again” believing that our paths will cross again in our life’s journey. Until we meet again, Devin and Suzanne…

Entry submitted by: Katie