Passage 1

Questions 11—15 are based on the following passage.

While Romano's classmates were beginning their college life, the 19-year-old Croatian youngman had different dreams. In Croatia, taking a gap year is not as common as in other countries,but Romano decided to take a break for a year or two after high school and try volunteering inAfrica.

Upon arrival in Arusha, Tanzania, Romano found a volunteering project through anorganization. Now he helps poor children and teaches them English and math. These children arenot abandoned. They come from low-income families and any help is welcome. There is no soapor running water in the school, and to learn English, the children depend on volunteers becausethere are not enough qualified teachers.

"They don't have much, they are poor, but honest and happy, because they are not awarethat there may be something better out there for them. As I was lecturing, I saw the materialsthey used for learning:worn-out pencils, one eraser for 20 children, torn and printed notebooks,and not to mention clothes and shoes. I will only tell you that uniforms are worn to conceal(掩饰)their clothing and thus to mask material inequality," says Romano, who was thereforeencouraged to launch a charity action to collect donations for children's necessities.

Romano believes that every child has the right to the basics, including education. It is forthis reason that he wants to help these little ones."Now I realize how privileged I am in life just because I was born on another continent. I learned to appreciate more what I have and managewithout the basics. As a result, I met a different culture, tested my limits and looked at thingsfrom a different perspective — a gratitude perspective," concludes Romano, hoping that little bylittle, both he and other volunteers will contribute to positive change through their work.