Etowah High School Principal Keith Ball spent two weeks in Peru this summer with a group of 26 educators from across the country as part of EF Educational Tours’ Professional Development Scholarship program. Mr. Ball, the only representative chosen from Georgia, engaged in service-learning projects in Lima, Urumba, Aguas Calientes and Cuzco. The group visited local schools and explored some of Peru’s major cultural and historical sites, including Machu Picchu. “The Andean people I met were extremely hospitable and generous, even though they live in abject poverty. They were also very patient with the language barrier as most of them spoke in their native language (Quechan) or Spanish,” said Mr. Ball. “The 26 educators I traveled with were from all over the US. Most were teachers; only four others were administrators. It was clear why they were chosen to receive the scholarship as I witnessed their passion for students and learning.” While surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Andes Mountains, Mr. Ball and the other educators helped with life-sustaining projects in the areas they visited. “My biggest take away was service learning. Building infrastructure like steps, walls, plumbing, etc. and farming in tough conditions had a huge impact on me,” said Mr. Ball. “They farm for personal and community survival. The infrastructure will helped to build and improve were not aesthetic upgrades. They were to fulfill basic housing needs.” Mr. Ball said the experience made him even more appreciative of the opportunities that we have as American citizens, especially in regard to education. “The public school system in the United States provides opportunities to be successful. Every student in America, if they choose, can work to maximize their potential and fight their way to a better life,” he said. Other countries, like Peru, have not made a commitment to educating children from K-12. “The people and economy ultimately suffer because of the lack of long term commitment to public education,” he added. “A very small portion of the population attend school beyond 6th grade in rural areas.” While advanced technology brings the world closer to students via the Internet, Mr. Ball said he was reminded that virtual travel is still not a replacement for the real thing, and he hopes all students will aspire to travel and learn about the world around them. “Being able to climb to Machu Picchu is nothing like reading about it or looking at pictures on a web page,” he said.
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 14:05:47 +0000
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