Americo was a boy who came to this country from Central America at the age of 8, or maybe it was nine. He came with his family illegally.
Now, before you start beating this like a piñata I humbly beg for you, to keep an open mind some measure of compassion and common sense.
When Americo came to his new American school, he did not speak English. It was apparent that his resignation to the drastic change in his life was driven by the hope of a better life by his family. I don’t know the specifics, but things were very desperate when the whole family was to cross three different countries illegally just to get here (by desperate I mean your children would be going to sleep hungry, your house can barely shelter you or your life and that of your family is seriously in danger).
Now, before you start beating this like a piñata I humbly beg for you, to keep an open mind some measure of compassion and common sense.
When Americo came to his new American school, he did not speak English. It was apparent that his resignation to the drastic change in his life was driven by the hope of a better life by his family. I don’t know the specifics, but things were very desperate when the whole family was to cross three different countries illegally just to get here (by desperate I mean your children would be going to sleep hungry, your house can barely shelter you or your life and that of your family is seriously in danger).
Americo, at his young age, understood that coming to the US was a difficult choice predicated on the survival of his family. I think anyone in that position would do that or at least understand that.
He started school barely reading in Spanish since his elementary education had been limited. One thing was apparent, his thirst for learning. In a year, Americo was reading in English. He was happy, since he was doing something he couldn’t do in his own country: get an education. Yet, what makes his story about learning surprising is that as he is going to school, he was also working. He would work on the fields, sell produce, whatever it took to bring money to his family.
He started school barely reading in Spanish since his elementary education had been limited. One thing was apparent, his thirst for learning. In a year, Americo was reading in English. He was happy, since he was doing something he couldn’t do in his own country: get an education. Yet, what makes his story about learning surprising is that as he is going to school, he was also working. He would work on the fields, sell produce, whatever it took to bring money to his family.
How many 5th graders do you know have that diligence and thirst for learning? Wanting to learn is a natural need, yet when in a desperate situation this need becomes much more urgent.
When Americo moved to middle school (with good grades, I might add), he was deported. I don’t know the details about how that happened. Yet, months later Americo would again return and enroll in school. He wanted to learn and knew that what was being offered to him would make him a better person. Education to him offered the possibility of someday creating a better life than the one his parents ever experienced. Unfortunately, Americo would be deported 2 more times.
When Americo moved to middle school (with good grades, I might add), he was deported. I don’t know the details about how that happened. Yet, months later Americo would again return and enroll in school. He wanted to learn and knew that what was being offered to him would make him a better person. Education to him offered the possibility of someday creating a better life than the one his parents ever experienced. Unfortunately, Americo would be deported 2 more times.
He kept returning and enrolling in school.
This week three families were deported in the Wimauma area. The parents were deported while the children were in school. These children are just like Americo, and despite the harsh reality of their situation, their desire and need for learning is very strong and real.
This week three families were deported in the Wimauma area. The parents were deported while the children were in school. These children are just like Americo, and despite the harsh reality of their situation, their desire and need for learning is very strong and real.
Will their school be able not just to educate, but shape their learning experience into a positive one that will enable them to become productive citizens?
I don’t know, I’m not their teacher, principal or school board member, but if I was there I would definitely try.
To quote the group Calle 13, “un chamaquito sin educacion en una bala loca”- a kid without an education is a loose bullet. And if you don’t believe me, check out what is happening to children like Americo in Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan and Central America.
I don’t know, I’m not their teacher, principal or school board member, but if I was there I would definitely try.
To quote the group Calle 13, “un chamaquito sin educacion en una bala loca”- a kid without an education is a loose bullet. And if you don’t believe me, check out what is happening to children like Americo in Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan and Central America.
Got you thinking huh!?
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