School in the Markets with the "street kids"-my first week here.

The Markets
The theory .
The families who run the stalls are from certain social class. I am told that 80% of them are dysfunctional in one way or another, Battered wives, and every other sort of abuse , yes every other abuse. The children must work in the markets and often are not permitted to go to school because of the loss of earnings that would cause. The children are used for selling things. They get sympathy and therefore sales so why should they go to school? In their lives they only see adults as people who give orders ,& don´t listen. The role of the mother is often one of protecting their precious market space and is “muy fuerte” with other people and passes this attitude on to the kids. The father, if any, is one who abuses, or beats. The children don’t see adults in any other way.
UBECI´s idea is to give the kids time and space. To let them see adults who act in a different way— who will listen who will play who will set boundaries without being abusive . Perhaps the alternative view of adults and how they behave may rub off in the next generation . It is taking a long term view to make a small difference in some chid´s life. It is not a quick fix, can´t change the whole social system, but perhaps give a little joy.
The process
8.40 get bus to market arrive anytime from 9.30 to 10.30 depending on how far away the market is.
Set up an area, usually just outside the main market area. Big rubber mats on the ground. The kids arrive in dribs & drabs. Ages 2-10 , in total up to 25. There are two basins with water & soap.. First thing wash hands & face. Then choose colouring , or playing games, singing songs , action songs, “ learning English” . Duration 2 Hours
Role of Volunteers
There is a local leader , Danny. Mostly it is simply to sit down and let the kids come to you., and boy do they come. Within minutes you have 2,3 or more crawling over you, wanting stories read, songs sung, help with colouring.
I cant get Narcissa out of my head. 8/9 yrs old not particularly beautiful. She did not participate, just lay with her head on a a blanket or something. When I asked her name she would not say. Eventually after 15 mins came over and whispered her name in my ear and resumed her position on the ground. She was a sad girl. But obviously she got something from being there. May of the kids arrive carrying a little brother or sister on their back. 50% of kids are snotty nosed and dirty, and it takes some time to be able to ignore that .
They are not all like Narcissa mostly lively joyful kids, some are absolute stunners.
At the end of the two hours the volunteers deliver the children back to their mother´s stall. , so you end up being lead by 4 5yr olds around the market . They know exactly where the mother is, the volunteer is lost. The parents react in different ways to the return of the children,, mostly all smiles and thanks, some sullen giving a attitude of resentment. But whatever happens either in the 2 hours or later you just have to accept it .

Then clear up get bus back and back in Quito by about 12.30 or maybe later . Lunch and ready for Spanish lesson at 1400. Timetable will be different later, because there is another enterprise w hich is a “homework club” Haven´t been there yet. And yes you do need a shower afterwards and pray you have not picked up anything else!!

Next will tell you about weekend in Mindo. (You need to get out of Quito . My only equivalent experience is that it is across between Bangkok and Tunis city, takes a while to get into its way of working.