Okay, so an explanation. I volunteered myself to teach a laundry class. I approached the Youth Committee after seeing one of the youth completely destroy a load of laundry by mixing a new tie-dyed dress (brown/green/yellow) with her towel, sheets, shirts, etc. Everything was brown & green. GROSS!!!
I know I'm no expert, but I do know how to wash my laundry and manage to not ruin most of my clothes. Many of the youth who arrive here either have never had to do their laundry, or they come from a place where a washing machine is a major luxury. I've had all sorts of responses here about it. Some people think it's absurd (all westerners), but most people think it's a great idea. As for the westerners, I used to regularly teach my fellow college students how to do laundry, so I don't know why they think this is such a universal thing.
I'm a Westerner (right?) and I think it is a wonderful idea! Plus it makes me feel like a good mother because I taught you how to do your laundry. Now the funny part is that when we got to the Falklands, I had to have laundry instructions because the system (amount of hot water available, machinary, drying system) was very different. So I am not laughing at those who need instructions in dealing with different systems. Everyone everywhere does laundry, and if I found myself in a place where it wasn't familier, I would have to learn all over again.
I remember several of the expats laughing at a fellow 'in from camp' who jumped when a car came down the street because he wasn't used to cars on the street. And that he freaked the first time he was faced with an elevator. Me? I was quiet, remembering the first time I used the telephone there. . .