By Guadalupe Velazquez | Girls Coordinator
Are we working to make a better world?
We want to do so much and we can do so little!
This thought has been so present in our minds during this pandemic that we run the risk of feeling hopeless and frustrated. Consequently, we are subject to a more pessimistic attitude in which we believe mistakenly that we are not doing enough for anyone.
We know that what happens in one part of our planet will have repercussions in other parts.In our longing to have a better world we realize that we can start changing ourselves (and the ones closest to us), with the hope of this generating change in other place.
Feelings of empathy and compassion are precisely what is needed to transform intention into action. Actions can be as simple as listening to someone’s problems, becoming involved in another’s problems, letting go of something negative, spreading joy, as well as fostering imagination and creativity. We believe that these actions can lead to more awareness of how these behaviors can be extended to others.
At Puerta Abierta we wanted to transmit the message to the girls that, despite the confinement, they can learn valuable lessons both for themselves and for others. These lessons can start with simple things such as, turning off unnecessary lights, saving water, separating garbage, initiating an exercise program, maintain order, establish schedules, seek to learn something new and share it with friends and family. It is hoped that they will realize, over time, the positive repercussions that this has for themselves and for their close, and not so close, environment.
It is important for the tutors and trainers to understand just how much their own lives become living examples for these beautiful girls and young women. Also important is the need to help them find the opportunities (places, activities, and relationships)in which they can practice these positive behaviors and then analyze the benefits that were obtained.
Our tutors have found that our teenagers do have the possibility of having a positive impact on their younger siblings. They assigned one of them to reinforce the language therapy of one of the small girls and be present when she is in session. Thus the elder girl is learning new skills and is applying them. Another older girl signed for a photography course and now takes pictures of them all. Those girls with math or English skills now help the others with their homework. Another one, involved heavily in personal exercise, is now setting up sport routines for the whole group. This practical work practices have opened new opportunities for them all to grow in skills and companionship.
We can only imagine how many borders we can cross when we maintain consistently positive behaviors, filled with great hope and love, so that they can extend beyond our closely-knit environment,
Let us all work to make this planet a beautiful place where we can enjoy and have a better life
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By Guadalupe Velazquez | Girls Coordinator
By Guadalupe Velazquez | Girls coordinator
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