Swimming lessons - Progressprint story
August 09, 2012
The Swimming Program has been going very well. I have been pleasantly surprised by the results! By the end of the 5th swimming class, great progress has been noted. For the most part, in the children older than 10 years old, they have learnt how to swim just under 10 meters on their own. The satisfaction of succeeding such a task, makes their eyes shine bright with pride, they glow with increased self-esteem, and are bubbly with motivation to continue swimming in order to continue getting better at it. It has given them a new, very healthy mentally and physically, hobby/pass-time that is affordable in their community which they can enjoy with family and friends. Furthermore, they feel confident enough to teach their peers, and this provides them with an even greater sense of accomplishment. It also makes me proud, proud of them for their perseverance to keep trying even after they've gotten water up their nose and feel exhausted, proud of them for overcoming their fears , and proud of them for helping their peers succeed once they have gotten the hang of floating, on breathing on their side. It is extremely gratifying work for me, although it is not always easy. Huaraz is often chilly, by the end of the week I am sometimes tired, but the pleading smiles of the children, and the excitement in their eyes makes it impossible for me to not take them to the pool.
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