Yummy

Eating seems to be associated with most joyful events in life. Every time there is something to celebrate, some chewing will definitely be involved.

Last Thursday we said goodbye to our classes over a cup of diet Pepsi, mate, orange juice and some extremely unhealthy snacks. Paradise.

Li Ting proved to be THE taboo expert. Julia took care of all of us - she brought cups and plates, as usual. Mr Cucca delighted our taste buds with the chipa -yes, Héctor, they are not bizcochitos. We all reflected on our work and, needless to say, I spoke non-stop. I can't help it, sorry.

I had a great time, nice way of rounding off a nice learning experience. Thanks Ana, Jazmin, Sergio, peers, tutors!

My Experience of Writing

Second parts are said to be disappointing, predictable and often unnecessary. I don’t know what your expectations are, but I must warn you, my brain is on the verge of crash and burn. How do I know? I have been following the same procedure I went through in with my previous pieces: brainstorming in the shower, on the bus, and so on. Then, the writing stage: mate on my desk, pillow behind my back, Chicho by my side. Nothing. I have followed these steps three times. All in vain.

I will do my best.

As you may have predicted, I will of course tell you how much I have enjoyed writing. How nice it is when you find THE thing you want to share with others. How enthusiastic you feel when your peers help you polish your piece or comment on your ideas. How nervous you wait for your tutor and teacher’s feedback. How desperation takes over when you are faced with a piece of paper when the moment for the “timed essay/article” in class arrives...

We have been together for many months so, you already know I always have something - and sometimes too much - to say. For this reason, when it comes to writing my first predicament is what to focus on. My second concern is how. I had not written as a student for more than 9 years that is why I have had extra motivation since I have been discovering the amazing help my little computer can provide. A little confession: I always have my two favourite dictionaries - the paper ones - next to my net-book every time I write.

I would like to highlight one little thing: process writing. It has helped me to develop my confidence. I knew I could take some risks because I counted on a bunch of peers who would tell me if I had gone too far. The tutors were incredibly helpful. My teacher’s corrections, comments and questions encouraged me to discover new layers in my pieces. We all helped everyone, we generously shared our time, our precious time.

To sum up, I do not think I have managed to surprise you in any way - anyway, it was not my goal. Sequels are like this. Still, it is necessary because this piece you are reading is the very last. So, it is a farewell writing. I will miss you, dear reader (peer, tutor or teacher). Thanks!

PSPS: As I am writing I am listening to this song - highly recommended!

InterculturalITY

I come from a small city in a valley. I remember that every time somebody from another place arrived, they would become, spontaneously, the most popular person ever. I suppose this had to do with the fact that it is always fascinating to discover how others see the world.

Two language assistants shared our learning experience this year: Anna and Scott. Both were really nice and charismatic. I really enjoyed their visit since they had both this foreign appeal I have mentioned and English as their mother tongue.

I missed some of the classes with Anna but still, I profited a lot from all the information she gave us from Britian. She loves it so deeply that her presentations were passionate and detailed. She had a charming sense of humour too.

As for Scott, I admired his critical description of his country. His presentations showed his commitment. For instance, when he talked about hip-hop, he focused on the social side this music genre depicts. We learned lots about discrimination, politics and the North-American - as he did not think the term "American" was fair enough - way of life.

Both Anna and Scott appreciated our intercultural gift a lot. Surprinsingly, they were familiar with much of the cultural information we put into it. We all enjoyed the indoor picnics on their last classes as well.

All in all, I must say that the fascination foreigners inspire is sometimes justified and we had the chance to be part of two fruitful examples of juicy visits. Thanks Anna and Scott!

Speaker's Corner

Although I am publishing this rather late...I can clearly remember those two days when we got on our soapboxes.

I admired my peers as they confidently delivered their speeches. We all chose thoroughly different topics. Still, we all shared the same enthusiasm.

Every time we talk with our friends or family we try and find the moment we can squeeze some comment into the discussion. Sometimes it gets really hard to be heard. So, I found this Sp's Corner quite utopic. All the attention! Just one or two hecklers interrupting...

I felt quite nervous which, of course, made me speak really quickly. On top of it, I feel so strongly about the mindless waste of drinkable water that I got all het up!

I believe it a was a good chance to actually meet all the members of the class. Speaking your mind shows lots. Really interesting indeed.

A True Tale of Argentine Life

The Homeless, my Neighbours

I have lived in the downtown area, on the widest avenue in the world - as we like to put it - for many years. Even though during the day the streets of this part of the city seem to portray overpopulation perfectly well, once the clock strikes 6 pm, the apparent city dwellers flee back to their own neighbourhoods and the scenery changes altoghether. It all turns into a sketchy area. The building entrances that thousands of white-collar workers stride on for hours become the home of families seeking shelter for the night. The boxes that contain the diet cookies secretaries eat at their desks from 9 to 5 become the mattresses and covers of lonely men whose lives fit into a couple of plastic bags. The garbage from Mc Donalds is welcomed by small crowds who fill their mouths with leftover fries and burgers.

The structural problems that have affected our country for decades, have pushed much of its population from rural into urban areas. The dream of a decent job as well as higher standards of living attract tons of people who arrive in big cities, especially BA, with no clear employment prospects. Sadly enough, the city you can see in a postcard has little to do with the hostile cash-demanding reality these people are usually faced with. Many of them end up living in shanty towns, a squat or even in the streets.

As I walk my dogs early in the morning, I see many of these homeless people slowly get up, gather their belongings and start off their day. They usually stay in the same place for a couple of days, weeks or even months. ‘Good morning. How are you doing today?’ I always greet them. ‘Good, ma’am. Nice day, isn’t it?’, this middle-aged man answers as he walks towards his partner, carrying a flask with hot water to make some mate. Little chats like this take place repeatedly every morning. I see a young boy slip into a white pinafore, produce a backpack from under a blanket and kiss his Mum goodbye as she tidies up her stuff.

The Government has failed to tackle this problem successfully. The implemented policies have not gone beyond mere assistencialism. In the city of BA there are a couple of places where the less-privileged can stay overnight. Homeless men have to stand in a queue for hours to get the chance to be given a warm meal and a clean bed in the miserably cold “Parador Retiro” - a huge shelter made of concrete and corrugated iron the City Council runs. In the case of women, there is another facility. Rather than these places, a great number of families prefer to spend the night in the street, but together.

Poverty is so overwhelming that ordinary people like me feel powerless. I feel ridiculous and hypocritical as my biggest accomplishment is to greet them. However, making the homeless feel visible in terms of their condition of human beings seems basic to me and, perhaps, significant. ‘Ma’am, ma’am...” a man shouts as he runs towards me, I recognise his face, one of my homeless neighbours. My dog barks madly at him. ‘Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to say goodbye to you. Yes, I’ve got landed a job as a builder and I can afford a little room in a hotel so, I won’t be around any more... I just wanted to thank you because you always had a word for me and my friends. Most people look away as they walk past. They accuse us of being lazy drunkards. I came especially to say goodbye, I know you always walk your dogs at this time. Thanks...’

AWRs

Education In Crisis

Education in Crisis

The right to education is universally recognised. In the case of Argentina, all children are granted schooling and most people can access public education at different levels. However, nobody can deny that the system is suffering a great crisis. Teachers, schools and contents seem to gain notoriety in the last few decades.

To begin with, education does not seem to be the main priority for most governments. The proportion of the national budget that is allocated to it clearly shows its diminished importance. Little money and effort are invested in curriculum design. Foreign models are usually imported, real local needs are therefore not catered for. School facilities have been neglected for ages to such an extent that sometimes staying inside a classroom can be dangerous. What is more, teachers’ salaries are unbelievably disproportionately low.

Secondly, students have lost motivation for learning as well as respect towards teachers. School used to be the place where you were given the tools that would eventually boost your success. Conversely, today we are faced with the fact that not only has this institution lost its prestige but also its credibility. The media - which currently intend to shape most people’s ideas - tend to associate worthy achievements with celebrities who have not necessarily studied hard to gain popularity. In addition, some parents challenge teachers’ authority as well as their competence.

In addition, society as a whole has mixed feelings towards education. Although most people tend to cherish it as a key element in to human improvement, they do not defend it at all cost in times of hardship. In the nineties, schools were affected by the neo-liberal policies. Still, it was basically teachers and students that demonstrated against the government’s harmful plan of action. Both then and nowadays any time members of the education community decide to protest about the current status quo, a great part of society tends to criticize them.

Finally, school has failed to fulfill society's current demands. The post-modern lifestyle requires immediate answers, gratification and effects. Computers give thousands of answers just with a click of the mouse. On the other hand, school offers long-term improvement, it encourages students to make an effort now and wait for a reward in the future. What does “the future” mean these days? Teacher training programs are rather stale. Therefore, they usually fail to groom educators for the actual challenges they are bound to face.


All in all, it must be said that education keeps going in the face of adversity. As I see it, although schools have been the victims of the market, they have managed to retain their original purpose: to create an environment where individuals are given tools to have a voice. All citizens must be responsible for the upkeep of education.

AWRs

"That's Just the Way It Is"

"Give the crack to the kids who the hell cares

one less hungry mouth on the welfare

First ship 'em dope & let 'em deal the brothers"

TUPAC SHAKUR

In the last few decades, Argentina has undergone several crises that have broadened the gap between the haves and the have-nots. Indifference, ignorance and hypocrisy tend to stir up hatred among social classes. Despite its attempts, the Government fail to tackle poverty successfully. In the meantime, citizens watch from their sofas.

To begin with, our society is far from being egalitarian. Our Constitution claims that the State will guarantee the fulfillment of citizens’ basic needs. However, education, proper nourishment and housing are usually neglected by most governments. Priorities always seem to be elsewhere. On top of it, as soon as a welfare policy is designed, many criticise the leaders in powere since, to their minds, laziness is fostered.

In addition, drug abuse is widely spread in our society. While most people would have difficulty finding as well as affording drugs, PACO - the most popular substance among the poor - is said to be readily available. Very young teenagers become addicted to this inexpensive version of cocaine which destroys them both physically and psychologically.

Furthermore, violence affects everyone's life. The media is obsessed with crimes. Newscasters maintain that our country’s main disease is connected with the high murder and theft rates. Trust in fellow citizens is undermined. Racial profiling is fostered. What many seem to ignore is the fact that the less privileged are constantly shown a lifestyle they cannot afford, a world where they do not belong. Is this not violent as well?

Finally, ignorance and discrimination do nothing to society but reinforce its weaknesses. The more you listen to the news, to common citizens or even to your friends, the more certain you are that few of them are looking forward to opening their minds and hearts. Little hope is left since everyone seems to demand solutions from others rather than actually doing something themselves.

To sum up, the current state of affairs is rather worrying. What is more, the level of decay in our moral standards and values is such that it is hard to imagine any improvement. As I see it, we should all face our fears and prejudices and ask ourselves what we are doing wrong and how we can contribute to a better tomorrow.

AWRs

A Guide to Argentine Men

Latin American men are said to be hot-blooded and passionate. In the case of Argentinian guys, you need to add a European touch - at least that is what they will expect you to believe! Let’s look into some essential tips you, as a female foreigner, must bear in mind in case you encounter this odd and still charming specimen.

The typical Argentinian man masters the art of flirting. At the least expected moment, he will approach and pour compliments on you. You will soon be wrapped up by these witty comments and the spell will be casted. Your self-esteem will swell and you will slowly surrender. Watch out: the moment you set off to the ladies’ he might start flirting with another girl!

The typical Argentinian man tries to keep up appearances and enjoys walking around with the lady he has conquered. He feels she is some kind of prey that allows him to increase his manly pride. Thus, looks do count as important in his book. This Latin exponent usually keeps fit and dresses smartly and expects his girl to act accordingly. Beware: he might enjoy admiring your looks as much as other girls’!

The typical Argentine man loves traditions, so he follows some sort of etiquette. He always opens any kind of door, barrier or gate and holds it for his lady . He usually helps women be seated and does not hesitate to give up his seat if necessary. He coughs thoughtfully and avoids spitting. So, if you believe chivalry is dead, meeting this South American gentleman might change your mind. Lo!1: you may end up feeling like a bimbo.Lo!2: he might be interested in some kind of reward after so much politeness.

The typical Argentine man makes his lady feel important but he is mainly attached to football, his friends and his mummy. He can make eye contact steadily but as soon as he catches sight of a TV and hears the word “ball”, “football” “score” or “goal” he turns into a zombie. No matter how hard he may have struggled to get a date with the lady he fancies, he will undoubtedly decline it if his friends get together or if his mum cooks his favourite dish. Conclusion: do not feel disappointed if he chooses his ma, dudes or the ball rather than you - he can’t help it.

On the whole, it does seem that Argentine men are far from being flawless. Yet, it is precisely these little imperfections that make them intriguing and surprisingly changeable. You may have read and heard lots about them but the best tip you can follow is definitely to try for yourself and to be ready for a mixed bag of experiences. After all, the Argie man is just a man and we all know what that means!

Do you want to see the typical Argentine men in action? Click HERE and HERE

On Picketing

Picketing has become a common form of protest.The organizers and participants claim that blocking streets is the only effective way to draw public attention to a cause while other people sustain it does nothing but undermine the constitutional right of free circulation.

Firstly, opponents of picketing usually argue that new ways of protest should be thought of. As they see it, the circulation of citizens is a right that must be granted at all costs. Consequently, demonstrations in stadiums or big open areas ought to be encouraged. Besides, the public force should not hesitate to use riot control measures so as to discourage the blocking of streets.

Secondly, the media strongly disagrees with picketing. Whenever a block on any street is broadcast, the focus is always set on the chaos the city’s traffic has been turned into rather than on the picketers’ demands. The reports usually include interviews with drivers who have been prevented from going through and are, thus, furious and cannot provide a balanced reflection.

In contrast, a part of society manages to understand that picketers represent the lower classes, unemployed or underpaid workers, young mothers, and such other people who tend to be ignored by most. As Eduardo Galeano (1) calls them, the “nobodies,...those who are not, even though they are, those who are not human beings but rather human resources.” Therefore, the best course of action they have found to be heard is annoying fellow citizens.

Furthermore, all citizens have rights and it is hard, if not impossible, to decide whether some outweigh others. The right to the circulation of people is an example, but so is the right to equal treatment. Nourishment and housing as well as a decent job are connected with survival. Although it is the State’s obligation to respect, protect and fulfil these rights’ essential features, not always do priorities benefit the weakest.

All things considered, it must be said that having a clear stand on picketing seems hard as far as its appropriateness and effectiveness are concerned. As I see it, the right to hold demonstrations must be treasured as much as any other. All citizens are equal and it is our duty not to let individualism prevail.

SCs & AWRs

Ecuador

I've just heard the news about our dear Ecuador. I can't believe this is actually happening. It's so sad and frightening at the same time. Why is our Latin America constantly threatened by these violent intolerant people.

Poster Presentation

Well, what can I say about yesterday presentations... I really enjoyed listening to my fellow classmates talk about the topics they had chosen, they were all really enthusiastic. And the posters! They were wonderful.

As for my own presentation...well, well. To begin with, my poster looked as if it had been used as a tablecloth in Palermo on Sept 21st. I must say the poor piece of paper had travelled in the San Martin train, the 146 bus and the subway. Anyway, this excuse is not good enough. My classmates' comments are definitely subjective. Only ONE thought I needed to improve my visual aids. Thanks for stroking my self-esteem but let's face, it can be better.

As regards the presentation itself, I forgot to say the most important thing at the right moment. GRRR! Again, the feedback sheets from my fellow classmates said things like the information being in the poster. Still, bad girl. If I had given out the copies of the abstract (which I had run!) I could have organised my talk more effectively.

I wish I could speak more slowly! I can't help it. On top of it, I imagined that at any moment we were going to be interrupted by the drill so I stepped on it! I had recorded myself and it took me 10 minutes so, in my mind I was thinking I had to make it in 5. You witnessed the consequences.

I suppose my voice and attitude were ok. Even though I don't like these talks, I look friendly and somehow confident. If only you knew what's going on deep inside!!!

That's about it! I suppose I'll be sharing my poster again next week. I'll do my best to improve! What a challenge!

Here is the abstract I never shared with you - selfish me!

Teaching English to Low-educated, Low-literate Adults.

Increased demand of high-skilled workers as well as social prestige often make people face the challenge of learning English. In the case of low-educated, low-literate learners, the test is even greater.The number of hours of instruction required for grasping concepts and perceiving progress are almost discouragingly long both for students and teachers. Most instructors working with these groups have not been sufficiently trained. Thus, even the most experienced ones may shy away from this slow and often rather frustrating task. This poster presentation is empirically based and focuses on some of the strategies tried out as well as the failures and achievements in some privately-run courses in the City of Buenos Aires.