Helping young adolescents understand how beneficial reading can be for them is not an easy task. In Concha Boarding House we have a bi-weekly Reading Club that regularly starts with us dragging the children into the living room and persuading them to grab a book to read.

You can imagine the push back we get everytime we even mention the words Reading Club, tonight was no different. Especially as some of the boys went to the Valentine’s Dance this afternoon. We really didn’t expect them to be willing to take part in the club. It started off as usual with the expected push back but the boys settled down calmy and did some reading; success!

After these weeks there is definatley one thing I have really noticed about this Reading Club. As much as the children a reluctant to join and it’s a struggle to get them started, when we tell them times up they will always continue to read. It’s these moments you see that the children are invested in their books and won’t stop immediately when told but would rather get to the end of their sentence, paragraph, page or chapter. I’m sure with consistency and finding books the children really enjoy, we can light the spark for them to start reading more and pick up books in their free time just for fun.

Fanbo found the confiest spot

Zhengtai chuckling to himself.

As you might know, once a month we have dinner at home with the kids. What is particularly good about this monthly initiative is that they get to try food from one another’s countries. 🌎

Today it was Mexico’s turn and we had the opportunity to try some very nice tacos. They could choose what to stuff them with (beef, cheese, corn, vegetables, rice…). What is more, the dessert was very successful: a yummy chocolate tart was waiting for them! For those who are keen on sweet things, it was the best way to finish the meal. Mexican students could explain them what tacos consist in and other ways to have them. We chatted with them during the meal and after this meal, they got to enjoy some social time in the house and/or on campus. 🤩

Waiting to be served ⏳

Look at the camera, guys! 🤳🏻

Martin helped us serve the food. Thank you, Martin! 😄

Some of the Concha Boys enjoying the meal together 🍽️