Shiny Laptop
Published by deviousdiva July 18th, 2006 in Personal.I am getting a laptop tomorrow. I'm exchanging my big old desktop for a sleek, faster, better (hopefully) and shiny (second-hand) laptop. I am thrilled. I can't wait. The idea of sitting in a cafe with a coffee and writing this blog is exciting. The bad news is that certainly tomorrow (maybe longer) I won't be posting anything because I will be installing and setting up. The good news is that I went to the Roma settlement again today and I am planning an extensive post on The Visit Part Two with photos. (For anyone who hasn't read Part One go here ) The news from the camp is not good but I feel energised by the warmth and hospitality I experienced from the people there.
In the meantime, enjoy this short break without me. It won't last long! I will be up and ready by Thursday I should think. Who knows, I might be chatting at our weekly meeting from a laptop!
If you are really interested in doing something positive for the Roma community, you can start with the children. Social worker Myrto Lemos has a center at Arristonos 6 in Metaxourgeio which teaches Roma children basic hygiene as well as assisting with literacy skills using music, art, and drama. The adolescents test you at first, but once you gain their trust alot can happen. They especially need male role models, as women tend to volunteer more frequently.
Thank you Melina. I met Myrto yesterday and we had a long conversation about the children she helps. I will be visiting her as soon as I can. I will also be posting about the whole visit very soon.
that is wonderful devious, i am really looking forward to reading it…
and congratulations on the lap top, i, frankly, am envious.
One of the main problems facing Roma children attending schools is the fact that they learn through "other modalities" (i.e. are learning disabled, suffer from ADHD) and as there is no awareness of or teacher training for special education, these teachers haven’t a clue how to educate them. As they can’t reach these children nor discipline them,. they either are thrown out of the classrooms or, out of frustration, do not return to school. Bonnie Miller (the former U.S. Ambassador’s wife) and I tried relentlessly to educate the system regarding special education and learning disabilities, to no avail. This is aside from the horrendous discrimination inherent in the educational sector and public perception, in general. Most of these kids who are found selling tissues, roses, and cleaning the car windshields at intersections are beaten severely upon returning home if they haven’t met their quota for the day’s cash intake. Some are even put out on the street. Earning money takes precedence over education. Basic hygiene (washing hands, brushing teeth) is a foreign matter, never stressed at home. I’m glad you plan on visiting Myrto’s center. Wear flashy jewelry, such as bangle bracelets,and allow the girls to try them on, and don’t be put off if adolescent boys grab your breasts - it’s a test.
Thank you for responding Melina. Your insights are very helpful to all of us who have had little or no contact with Roma children. I used to work with teenagers who, either had been or were on the verge of, being excluded from school. We had similar problems. I wrote a bit about that experience here.
Were you working with an organisation or was it on a personal level that led you to working for children with special needs?
I am trying to write up my thoughts on my second visit but it seems real life has other plans for my time!
Hi bfp, I am trying to get on with the post. As I said in my comment above "real life has other plans for my time!" I am trying not to pressure too much to get it done. It will come when it’s ready…
Hope to see you at the Thursday meet-up tonight? By the way, do you have any instant message type thing? I’ve chatted with Kevin recently and VK. Drop me an email with your id if you have one and want to hook up.
Keep on keeping on… speak soon