We know this because the transformation of our classroom’s sacred environment is ongoing.We are continually adding new elements and taking away those that no longer meet our needs.Since the end of the Women, Violence, and Adult Education project, we have had to find new ways to financially support the beautification of our classroom.We encourage our donors to consider contributions not only to the women in our program, but to the classroom as well.Although we are aware of our limited resources, we always keep the learning space in the forefront of our minds as a place that needs constant care and attention, just like our learners.
There were definite barriers we encountered during this endeavor. As we began our renovation during the summer, other workers in the agency asked us why we were doing this. They watched us curiously, but none offered to help. I wondered if they thought we were wasting time by using our summer vacations to do this work. I questioned if they were curious about how we got the money to purchase the paint, putty, tools, new chairs, lamps, and pictures to transform the learning space. I also speculated whether they even thought we had the right to renovate or alter the space. Some even got angry with us when we had to temporarily move some of the classroom furniture into the hallway. Some of those same people asked us if they could have our furniture. Protecting our space, our right to take up space, and the material possessions that we wished to remain part of our room was a constant battle. This one encounter is reminiscent of the ongoing power struggle within the agency to determine who has the right to occupy and transform the ALP space.