English Classes in Runtun

When I arrived in Banos I wanted to make the most of my spare time. So I began to seek out additional volunteer opportunities. It took a while to find the right opportunity, but I am now an English teacher at a school in Runtun, a small community in the mountains outside of Banos.

Last week we went with the Banos fire department to discuss fire safety at the school in Runtun. The children there are age 5 to 12.  While we were there Karl talked to the teacher about English classes.  She agreed to have me teach two classes each Tuesday from 7:30am until 11:00am.

Fireman from Banos in Runtun 

This week was the first class. As Karl had previously taught English at another school, he attended the first class with me. To get to the school we had to leave Banos at 5:30am to catch a bus to Runtun. When we arrived we spent about an hour setting up the classroom and talking with the teacher. There are a total of 12 children at the school and each class will have 6 students.

Karl Teaching Students in Runtun

It was a great experience. I learned a lot from teaching the class with Karl and the children were all excited we were there.  I can't wait for the next class!

Although I am only in Ecuador for another month, the objective is for me to get the class set-up and pass it onto another volunteer in the middle of December.  Therefore we have created a blog to document the weekly lesson plans. This should help provide the structure for future volunteers.  Hopefully the class will continue and the children in Runtun will be speaking more English in the future.