This morning I was picked up from my little hotel and brought to the school, which is in a secret location. This is only one of several security measures that the organization puts in place to protect the students from both Thai authorities (many are in Thailand illegally) and from Burmese government intelligence which is eager to undermine all the pro-democracy groups. For this reason, I can’t write in detail about the school or the organization or publish photos where students are identifiable.
I was at first concerned about how I would be perceived as an outsider penetrating this secure location, but the students greeted me very warmly when I arrived at the school and they served me a delicious breakfast of Burmese noodles. When I consulted with former Fellow Julia Geggenheimer about this workshop, she said that her biggest challenge in facilitating a multi-day workshop by herself in Cambodia last year was maintaining energy and stamina, so I also guzzled about 3 cups of coffee to prepare for the long day ahead. Despite these precautions, I definitely felt my energy waning by the end of the day of teaching. We went over a lot, but we covered less material than I had planned, but my planning is loose and flexible as I’m trying to make this their workshop and their process. And even though I’m completely exhausted at the end of this long day, I’m also strangely energized and I eagerly looking forward to the days ahead
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment