Page Content
Donna Armstrong
This summer, I returned to Grenada with Project Overseas 2005. Last summer, Hurricane Ivan destroyed Grenada’s schools, homes, businesses, crops and peoples’ dreams. The Grenadians told me horrific stories of loss of life. Makeshift schools are set up inside UNICEF tents and many teachers suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome.
During my first week in Grenada, my classes were interrupted by Hurricane Emily. Some teachers stayed, however, and continued working, while others gathered with friends and talked and prayed, and others rushed home to their families. As the rain came down, adults and children cried. Imagine being a teacher whose home has a blue tarp for a roof, your school is rubble. You work under a UNICEF tent and as you cope with your own fears and stress, you are responsible for your students’ well-being. Yet, in the face of adversity and rebuilding, the Grenadians displayed courage and resilience. A saying written on a nutmeg bin says it best: "Focus your thoughts ahead and turn your obstacles into stepping stones."
Part of my role was to train teachers in art and design. Some teachers were as young as my high school students back home in Alberta. These young teachers, in the wake of two hurricanes, are now teaching with little more than the training I provided them. On the last day of classes, we visited a beautiful area left untouched by the hurricanes. We found a tranquil spot where we drew for the morning. This was an important lesson that extended beyond the walls of the classroom—we found the blessings in their lives and we celebrated.
Also In the News:
