We had our orientation today with the kids in EI's office.  Out of 15 kids that were selected to do Digital Photography, only 10 showed up.  It was really fun for me and the kids said they had alot of fun as well.  Anielka said it was one of the best sessions they ever had because everyone was so attentive and participated with discussions. 

I taught them the basics on how to turn the camera on and off, as well as the basic parts of the camera and their functions.  That must've took about an hour.  After that, I had them take photos of each other and whatever they like in EI's courtyard.  They were so cute.  They laughed and giggled as they looked at their own work through the LCD screen.  For a group of kids that have never touched a camera, they are learning quite fast.  Towards the end of the two hour session, everyone knew (or so they claimed) to take photos, how to review their images, delete unwanted photos, zoom in/zoom out, how to turn their flash on/off and when they should use flash. 

I guess the challenge was trying to get my every words translated by either Kathy or Anielka.  Kathy knows her Spanish, but when you're not a native speaker, I guess that limits you.  Anielka, speaks her language fluently, but she's still learning English.  So between the three of us, we somehow manage to get the basic points across. 

The first real class will start next Tuesday.  We have two groups.  Group A and Group B.  Group A will shoot Tuesday and edit their photos Wednesday.  Group B will shoot Thursday and edit their photos Friday.  We will be spending an hour and  half each day with the kids.  If necessary, we might make the sessions longer, but because I know they have other responsibilities, I have to be sensitive about not monopolizing their time too much.  I am truly excited about this and can't wait to see their talents with the camera. 

This has nothing to do with our orientation, but I went to El Club today for lunch with Kathy.  It's an upscale restaurant/hotel and there's alot of tourists that were there.  I wanted to use the restroom, but was hesitant because there's no running water (water and electricity gets turned off and on throughout the day here).  But I went to their restroom anyways.  I can't believe how relieve I was when I flushed the toilet and it actually flushed!!!  The past 7 days since I've been here, I have yet to hear an actual flushing sound of a toilet!  Sigh...the things we take for granted!!!