This month our students had the opportunity to participate in the creative process of making a video thanks to the help of one of our fantastic volunteers, Nick Donner. Nick worked with the students to create a video of Teens Club students sharing their “imaginings” for our annual signature event. In the video, the students answered questions about their futures: their dreams, their goals and what they desire for their families.The students interviewed each other in the process and most of their answers were quite profound. As the leader of their program, it was a great opportunity for me to hear how they view their future and their community. The video was a success! The students were also able to watch their video during Teens Club many times (per their request).

Over the past few months, it has been a challenging but satisfying journey watching Teens Club take its shape. The students are slowly but surely getting into the rhythm of the program and learning to trust staff and volunteers. It’s a growing process that requires much patience and we are up for the challenge of continuing to tweak the program to make it even better.
Our relationship with the GW Middle School administration continues to grow. They invited me to speak during Career Day, which was quite an honor. I spoke to many 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes about Casa Chirilagua, what my role is and how I got here. 

This month, we celebrate gaining two new volunteers; however, we could still use more help to make homework time more focused and effective for our students. Please contact me if you are interested in volunteering.

Adriana