This week I had the opportunity to speak to the parents of the children I have taught since volunteering at Magic Bus. I thought I would share the details the parents shared with me. It was amazing to see so many parents come to see me and take the time to chat with me which I appreciated. I am very sorry but I don’t have any photos for this blog but I will make up for it!
I will summairse the questions which I asked the parents due to how many answers some of them where near the same.
What is one thing you wish you could change about your community and why?
The main view from this question was that parents want to change how the older generation views education. The older generation within the slums is not motivating or supporting the children to get an education, which is not what the parents want. They also said that they want the community to prioritise different languages and not just the local language which they speak as this is going to allow the children to travel, they went on to say that they are grateful for me coming to teach the children, however, the older generations do not approve or appreciate this which is not heartbreaking to see. The point which was so alarming for me was the safety of the community. Knowing that when I go there the men can get a bit enthusiastic over me and try and sell me everything but what’s sad and awful to see is this is happening to the children. One mother says she is scared for her children walking to school and Magic Bus. She said she isn’t asking for much she just wants to know that her children can walk to school and Magic Bus safely. With being able to see that women here are being stigmatised for being a house women families are not supporting girls in education. The reason why they are not supporting is that they don’t see the reason for this, women are meant to stay at home and look after the house. Knowing this is true and listening to some of the girl’s dreams this is heartbreaking to see that they are unable to achieve this. Most parents said they don’t want their children to be housewives they want them to chase their dreams and they are grateful to Magic Bus for allowing them a second chance.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced day-to-day?
Following on from above the main challenge which parents face in their community is safety. They worry about their children’s safety when going to school and Magic Bus. Adding on from above the older generation not motivating the children to go to school which is causing the children to lack motivation to go, which is therefore going to cause no grades and the children living in the slums which is what the parents don’t want. What I thought would have been the biggest challenge was the lack of hygiene. Parents were saying that people are not cleaning up their area which is causing dieases to be spread which could easily be stopped by people just cleaning up their areas, which is not hard. When I go to the slums I just can’t believe how much dirt I end up collecting on my shoes, I can deal with dirt but it this just awful to see that people are living like this which makes me so upset. Knowing that these families are living in the slums and there is no main for electricity the next issue is the lack of it which is stopping mothers from being able to cook which is resulting in the children not being able to eat. One mother says she stays up all night waiting for the power to come back on so she can then make food for the children. This last one came as a shock to me but over use of mobile phones and gaming. To my surprise, everyone in the slums has a phone. But children are having too much screen time which the parents are saying are having real side effects from it. But walking around the slums I do see why this is a massive issue as the children don’t have much to keep themselves entertained.
How has learning through interactive lessons helped your child?
This has allowed for knowledge of the local community, it has given the children greater confidence within themselves. The parents went on to say the children started to share what they have been up to which they said is so nice that they can share this. Some parents went on to say that since coming to Magic Bus their children have been able to do their homework as Magic Bus can help the children with it, which is stopping the children from getting in trouble at school for not doing it. Since Magic Bus has been able to teach the children they have also been able to teach the children about their attitude to learning which has resulted in fewer complaints from school as children have been able to work harder which is good to see.
Has your child’s future changed since joining Magic Bus?
Most parents say that their children’s dreams may change but some have stayed the same the parents and children can see that their dreams can come true. When asking a few of the parents what their children wanted to become was so inspiring some children wanted to become Police Officer to the doctor which is so good to see that the children are still dreaming high despite the circumstances which they have faced.
How did you first find out about Magic Bus?
How parents were able to find out more about Magic Bus was that the staff went to school and informed the children about it and the children went home and asked their parents if they could join. Since the first bunch of children joined and enjoyed it and more importantly saw a benefit from it, this then caused word of mouth around the community.
What was your and your children’s initial reaction to Magic Bus when children spoke to you about it?
When the children first heard about Magic Bus they took the name and logo seriously! Children came home and told their parents that they were going on holiday in a Magic Bus! Some children thought it was an extra playgroup and not a session on extra learning. Despite the children taking the logo and name seriously once the children found out the children were not gutted which was lovely to hear they were so excited to be able to have an opportunity to study more. The parents said that it is such a positive experience with their children being part of Magic Bus and can recommend it to everyone in their community. Children are currently spreading the news that there is an English teacher at Magic Bus which at the start the parents didn’t believe till they came and saw me to which they were very grateful for me coming over.