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I have been an elementary and secondary school teacher and administrator. Currently, I am a faculty member in the Faculty of Education at Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. My M.Ed. and Ph.D. had a focus on the educational and linguistic experiences of children who moved from other countries to Canada.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Paper Jewelry in Pignon

Karley Writing:

Yesterday afternoon the girls, myself and Blake headed over to a school and church behind the Haitian streets to buy some jewelry that was being sold by women in the community. This was the first time the women had gathered together to sell their merchandise collectively. They were all hand-made by the women and they were keen to get pictures with those who bought their specific items. Everyone bought something, whether is was bracelets, key chains, earrings, or necklaces. We learned that since they were crafted by hand, some jewelry could take up to 8 hours to make, which was the reason why they were so expensive. I ended up buying 4 bracelets, which ended up costing me $20.00 American. This is the woman who made the bracelets I bought, she was more than happy to take a picture with me.

As a special bonus to our time in that area, we saw children playing on the top of the roof of a building right beside the school. When we asked the locals what it was used for, we were informed that it was an orphanage, which was the first one we had seen. As we entered, the bottom floor was very bare, aside from a lone bicycle lying on the ground. We continued upstairs to find out that all 8 girls were sharing one room and all 7 boys were sharing the other. They were all very excited that they had visitors, and we were all sad to say goodbye. We were hoping to go back today to deliver some toys and stickers, but where unable to carry out that idea.

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