Just $10 Can Make All The Difference

Posted on June 20, 2016 by leahserao

$10 can make all the difference in places like Mozambique and Zimbabwe. In order to even attend school, students need to purchase a $10 uniform that they wear every day. Unfortunately, many students cannot afford the uniform, let alone school books and pencils.

According to World Vision, 57 million children are not enrolled in school. Every Christmas, I add to my family’s gifts by sponsoring a child to attend school. For only $10, one child can attend school for the year. It seems crazy, but $10 can make all the difference for children around the world.

Consider sponsoring a child or donating school supplies today. There are many sites to do this through, but one I use is World Vision. (By the way! $50 will supply $600 of school supplies since your gift is multiplied by 12x). Watch their video and see how you can impact those living in impoverished areas.

Please consider donating $10 (or more!!) today to change a child’s life.

Traveling is the best education

Posted on August 31, 2015 by leahserao

Traveling is the best education. This summer, I went with two friends to visit Munich Germany, Italy, and Madrid Spain. A few years before, I visited Mozambique and Israel. Some things I learned while abroad:

1. Each culture has its own idea of diet

Munich, Germany: While traveling, I noticed that Munich, Germany mainly served pretzels, sausage, and baked potatoes. Waiters did not get tipped and were not expected to provide quick service. Since we stayed in a hotel during our visit, we did have the option of a very typical American breakfast with some German specialties.

Italy: Italians tend to enjoy a very light breakfast such as nutella and bread, a croissant, and/or a cappuccino. Most Italians do not think it is healthy to go out with wet hair or to drink milk past noon. When I told some friends I met while traveling that I ate two eggs every morning, they could not believe it! Protein is not as highly valued as it is here in the states. Italians value very fresh ingredients with little preservatives.

Madrid, Spain: Spain is known for its tapas (open-faced sandwiches), churros and chocolate, and coffee with milk. Small plates are frequently ordered.

Israel: Hummus, cucumbers, and lots of veggies are a normal breakfast where we stayed in Jerusalem. I realized I did not take many pictures of the typical food in Israel, but took pictures of the foods I was surprised to find. Fun fact: Starbucks did not succeed in Israel. People there seem to value local sit-down places where they can chat with friends.

Mozambique: While I can not speak of their typical breakfast, lunches and dinners mostly contain of rice and beans, fish, and special types of stew.

2. Art connects a lot of European countries and explains historic events and beliefs

***I am hesitant to post pictures of these famous paintings since they look so much nicer in person, but I think they are worth viewing even if it is through a camera lens.

Mozambique: A Love for Learning (Post 3)

Posted on October 15, 2014 by leahserao

Children (and adults!) in Mozambique love to learn.

Every day at four in the afternoon, children in the village would call for me outside the house I was staying out to teach them English. In three weeks, they learned how to count from one to ten, different body parts, and some colors. It was amazing to see the desire each of them had to learn. At times, I had up to twelve people waiting for me to learn English. Their desire was contiguous and revived my love for teaching.

What I found amazing was how the people in the community valued education. Instead of complaining about the heat, or that they did not have a desk or chair, these students came with an attitude of gratitude. After the first week, I purchased notebooks and pencils since I realized that none of the students had materials. Before I gave the notebooks, I wrote the Portuguese translation of the words I was teaching in English. To be honest, I am not sure how many of these students could even read the words I wrote in their own language, but I figured someone from the community would be able to. So from that day forth, on my little whiteboard and translation book, I taught these students the very basics of the English language. Although it was a very short time I was there, it was a transforming experience that rejuvenated my love for teaching.

Mozambique: Post 2

Posted on July 26, 2013 by leahserao

I have been in Mozambique for just about two days and have found that each day is filled with a new adventure. With the more people I meet and the more places I see, my understanding of the land is growing as I find a lot of my preconceived notions about Mozambique–and Africa–in general are wrong. Mozambicans are generally very happy and social people. They enjoy building relationships and love to sing and dance. I am learning more and more Portuguese as the days go on. I have found that the language is similar to Spanish. At this point, I am only able to hold basic greeting conversation (ex. hello, goodbye, what is your name, how are you, how old are you, where do you live).

Yesterday, I visited an orphanage in Matola-Rio. At this center, the orphans have it good (and good is probably defined differently than most Americans would consider ‘good’). They have a safe place, three meals a day, and people to look and watch out for them. In comparison to others in the countries, I would consider the orphans pretty lucky despite the sadness of losing one or both of their parents.

To be honest, I did feel weird taking out my camera at this place. It wasn’t until I realized that the children loved having their picture taken did I become more comfortable with it. It was so funny–the children were posing and then laughing hysterically at their picture. I put some of my favorites from the day below. I hope you enjoy. Many more pictures and thoughts to come.

With much love,

Leah-the world traveler.

Mozambique, Africa: Packing to Leave

Posted on July 20, 2013 by leahserao

As some of you know, I am planning on going to Mozambique, Africa for 3 weeks (July 23rd-August 12th). I have a 15 hour flight from JFK to Johannesburg (South Africa), a 5 hour layover, and then an hour flight to Maputo, Mozambique. Being on a 12-13 hour flight to Israel just last June, I am expecting this flight to be long–very long. This time, I am planning on bringing my own plane food (and some extra food for the time I am in Africa…I really am not allowed to eat much). Being Italian, this is obviously one of my main concerns haha.

I am excited to visit Mozambique and am excited about the people I will meet. There will be a slight language barrier since most people will speak Portuguese, however, my Linguistics and Education background in ESL should help me be able to communicate. I am bringing a lot of games and manipulative to help speak basic English and was given cool puzzles, stamps, and books that reinforce the concepts I hope to teach. I want to thank Michelle Conte for the verygenerous donations of her classroom supplies.

I am interested to see how teaching in another country will change my perspective of education.

Until next time,

Leah, the world traveler

Mozambique Adventures: Rooftop Teaching and Learning

Posted on August 16, 2012 by leahserao

Most days in Mozambique, I would be out with Terry Larson exploring Mozambique. We would usually return home before dinner. At around 4, I would hear girls calling. I would go on top of the roof to sing, dance, and teach English. It sort of became a tradition everyday. In three weeks, the girls were able to count to ten, say/point to basic body parts, and learn simple greetings (hello, goodbye, see you soon). This was really one of my favorite parts of Mozambique. Please enjoy the photos below!

: The trail behind the Larson house

: My friends on the dirt path

: Every day, a groups of kids would come right under the cement wall and barbed wire to learn English words. In three weeks, they learned how to count to ten, some basic body parts, and simply greetings. It was truly adorable to see and be apart of.

: Some of my visitors 🙂

: The girls would dance and show off famous Mozambique songs and dances—so cute!

: My main four girls

: He climbed up there like it was nothing!

: The girls eating dum dum pops (a favorite)

: The girls posing–they were fill of energy!

: Mozambican girls with attitude!

: This photo highlights the cement wall, barbed wire, and distance I was away from the girls.

: More Mozambicans joining in for the picture!

: The girls taking notes with their new notebooks.

: These girls would take notes until dark!

: New notebooks!

: This group is ready to learn!

A Warm Mozambican Welcome

Posted on July 29, 2012 by leahserao

Mozambicans are known for their hospitality, humor, and inclusive spirit. When visiting Mozambique, we went to a children center run and created by a local Mozambican. She feeds the local children living in her community who do not have food or a safe place to stay. She lets them come to her house after school. The children in this center were found roaming the trash dumps. When I went to visit, I was greeted with signs, dancing, and lots of singing and laughter.

Sunshine Nut Company

Posted on July 28, 2012 by leahserao

Pictures from my visit to the Sunshine Nut Company founded in 2011 by Don and Terry Larson. The Sunshine Approach™ aims to change Mozambique from the bottom up—bringing change from the bottom up. Their focus is on paying farmers a fair share, creating employment within Mozambique, and helping orphan and vulnerable children one cashew at a time. 30% of their profits go to supporting agriculture development, 30% go toward new food processing companies, and 30% go to caring for orphans. I love their business model and am excited to see this company grow.