July 10, 2007 – Edna Dach

Edna’s presentation really hit home with me. I have two aunts who work abroad in foreign countries, one is a physiotherapist in Nepal and the other is a teacher in Tanzania. They are committed to helping others in other countries in the same way that Edna is trying to help teachers through the Pan African teacher’s centre. Trying to help is not always an easy thing to do. There are many road blocks and obstacles in ensuring that the help get to those for whom it is intended. My family is involved in raising money to help students at a school in Nepal. We sponsor 15 students by paying their yearly tuitions. However, it is only because we have my aunt as contact person that we can ensure that the money actually gets to the school to the students who need it.
I did agree with the point that Ian raised during our conversation. While I believe that sending money and supplies to those who are less fortunate is important and part of our social responsibility I also believe that we cannot just throw money at a problem and hope it will go away. We need to provide support and education so that we can help them to be able to help themselves. When offering this help and support however, we need to be sure that our help is wanted and appreciated. We do not want to offend the people who we are attempting to help.
The other idea which really struck me from the presentation was Edna’s quote “they have the power to learn in spite of us.” I believe we have all worked with these types of students. They show resiliency in the face of all sorts of adversity and still are successful students in our classrooms. I wish that we could show all of our students how a positive outlook and spirit can make all the difference in the outcomes of our lives. I found Edna’s presentation very encouraging and uplifting.