Linda Minor with some of her students.
By Connie Adair
When Linda Minor turned 50, she had a mid-life crisis. That’s not uncommon, but what she did about it was far from ordinary. Minor, a member services secretary at the Association of Saskatchewan Realtors in Saskatoon, started using her vacation time and her own money to travel to developing countries to teach English.
“I had more time and money, and I used to be a Realtor so I was used to being involved in the community,” she says. So she searched for unique opportunities.
In the past seven years, she has taught English at a mission in rural Panama, at a school in Costa Rica and in two prisons in Cambodia.
The prisons housed women and youth, some as young as 13 years of age, she says. “They looked at me like a grandmother figure. I didn’t fear for my safety from the inmates, but from the guards. I used to take apples to my students, but an apple is very important to the guard too. They were jealous.”
In Cambodia, the now 57-year-old Minor says she was respected because of her age.
“The Khmer Rouge killed many of the older people. I’m older and have blonde hair. They (locals) would stop traffic to let me cross the street. People in Cambodia were so respectful, though Costa Rica and Panama were also very, very welcoming.”
Her next trip may take her to Vietnam or Thailand, although she says, “Cambodia tugs at my heartstrings. I would like to work with prostitutes. (Many of the) prostitutes are young girls, sold by their parents. You can buy a girl for $150.”
Some of the women from Linda Minor’s prison class in Cambodia.
Doing this kind of charity work isn’t easy, and sometimes the hardest thing is to do nothing, she says. “If you see a young girl with an older man, you can be 90 per cent sure of what is going on – you want to say something but you don’t because the man may take it out on the girl. Seeing the children and knowing what’s happening can be heartbreaking,” says Minor.
Despite the challenges, Minor looks forward to continuing her charity work and is appreciative of the support her family, friends and co-workers offer.
Her boss, association executive vice-president Bill Madder, gives her the flexibility to take extended time off and her co-workers pick up the slack while she is away. “When I go for six weeks, it does cause disruptions. I’m fortunate to have supportive co-workers. They allow me to follow my passion,” says Minor, who has been with the association for 11 years. Prior to that, she was a Realtor. “I’ve been in real estate in one capacity or another for 23 years.”
Her husband of 25 years, Len, also lends his support. “He is very proud and supportive of what I do though he does worry when I am in other countries by myself. My six adult children are also very supportive and have donated money and articles to my efforts. Although I have not fundraised as such, family and friends have donated money and school supplies on an ongoing basis.”
Between trips, Minor volunteers at Global Gathering Place, a non-profit drop-in centre that serves immigrants and refugees in Saskatoon. She assists the teacher and attends weekly coffee and conversation gatherings.
At Global Gathering Place, “some of the people are close to my age and are starting over. They’re highly professional but work as WalMart greeters to give their children a chance,” Minor says.
“I learn so much from these people. Their strength is amazing. They are strong to move to another country without the language. I may be brave enough to travel alone, but after six weeks, I’m ready to come home and have a burger and have someone understand me.”
To reach Linda Minor, email [email protected]
