Ten months which changed my life

The testimony of Jamie Mead who was a volunteer in a Mexican orphanage called IPODERAC (Puebla Institute for Social Reintegration) in Atlixco, Puebla for 10 months.

When I first arrived last September, I had no vision of how the time I would spend in IPODERAC would affect my life and of those around me. As far as I was concerned I was going to do some voluntary work with some under-privileged boys in Mexico and had a goal of improving my Spanish. I achieved this goal, plus I learnt about myself, educating children and created lots of close relationships with both adults and children.

I arrived to a group of spitting, swearing 13 to 14 year old boys, and the first lunch was rather shocking and I felt rather homesick, especially with the staple food of rice and beans. But not long after I was integrated into another house of twelve 11 to 13 year olds (behaving just as badly), helping the educator with the house and control of the boys.

With no experience of educating children I found this extremely difficult in the first couple of months. Just getting them to listen to you, speak to you with respect was arduous. After a while I learnt how to demand their respect and how I should behave with them. The boys did have a loving and friendly side which is what I always had to look for when they annoyed me.

What is more, my work was concentrated on the personal accompaniment of one 12 year old called Jorge. He had excessive problems with his behaviour towards others and was violent and unresponsive. To see him improve throughout the year and change his behaviour towards me and others was very rewarding.

My work was also helping with the logistical activities while the boys were at school and work and study with the boys in the afternoon.

Throughout the year we played football, went camping, swimming, and went on many walks in the surrounding hills. These we could talk were the best, when I was able to get to know the boys and form close friendships. These are the times I miss now.

After a while I assumed more responsibility and as my authority increased I started taking the role as educator in the houses at weekend which I enjoyed thoroughly as it allowed me to get to know the boys better and test out some of the things that I learnt.

I went on a few trips while in Mexico, my favourite probably being to the awe-inspiring Mexico City. Its sheer size, with several cultures piled on top of each other, was scary. Veracruz on the Gulf coast was really good as well.

I enjoyed the whole Mexican experience, the food (hot!), the music, and the warmth of the people.

Apart from the boys, I formed close friendships with the staff and volunteers all from all over the world (Chile, Spain, England, Canada, US, France).

I would particulary like to thank my sponsors Windmill Hill Motor Company in Swindon for their help and also New College.


Jamie has calendars, created by the boys at IPODERAC which need copying. Also for his expected return to IPODERAC, Jamie would like to fundraise for the next year. Can you help? Contact Jamie Mead at jamiepure@yahoo.co.uk or jamie_ipo@yahoo.co.uk for details.