The Yuda Bands project is one of the most popular among middle and high school students and for good reason. It’s quick as it only lasts for two weeks per project. The students don’t have to spend a single cent to run this project and they can send extra bracelets back to the charity group for free. One benefit some people don’t realize is that the Yuda Bands project brings a cultural experience to your Spanish class too.
Here’s how it accomplishes this feat:
The Origins of Yuda Bands is Spanish in Nature
Did you know that the word Yuda originates from the Spanish term “Ayuda”? The original word means to aid or help. The whole goal of Yuda Bands is to aid the poor children in Guatemala and Zimbabwe. Right from its humble beginnings, the project brings a cultural experience to your Spanish class.
This extends even to the designs of the bracelets. These are handmade bracelets crafted from reused coconut shells and leather. The design reflects the old traditions that have passed down through the centuries. Guatemala has a lot of history weaved into its culture and it shows in the bracelets they make.
You’re Aiding Spanish-Speaking Students
One key factor to take in is that the primary language in Guatemala is Spanish. You’re launching a service project that has a Spanish name and the funds go to Spanish-speaking children. It’s a beautiful cycle when you look at how it all connects.
This is important because a lot of people don’t help those they can’t communicate with. If someone doesn’t speak the same language they tend might get discouraged in helping. With Yuda Bands, you don’t have to worry about the language barrier. Your only concern is to sell as many bracelets as you can.
The Students Can Practice Their Spanish Skills
Yuda Bands encourages the students to communicate with the child they’re sponsoring. You can do this through apps like Skype. This brings the service project to a more personal level. It also creates a chance for the students to practice their Spanish skills. They can speak to the one they’re helping in English but it is better to speak to them in a language they’re comfortable in. Through this, the project forges a cultural experience to your Spanish class.
You can even go one step beyond. Try speaking Spanish every time you’re talking to your classmates about the project. Not only are you enhancing the experience but you’re also promoting cultural diversity.
You Can Promote the Project to Spanish-Speaking Students
This project is a good way of uniting the students in your school with the students you’re sponsoring. You can sell these bracelets to people in your school who speak Spanish. You can build a cultural experience to your Spanish class by connecting to these students. They’ll have a more personal connection with the cause. This especially goes if you’re talking to someone who came from Guatemala.
