Teaching

July 26 

Another amazing day!  I know it is only our fourth day but I can't imagine leaving the people of Bukoba.
 
Our schedule yesterday changed because of testing in the Kiteyagwa school. I KNOW-testing even follows us to Tanzania!!  The students in grade 7 have district examinations Wednesday and Thursday so we spent the day with them and will visit some of the other school while they are taking their exams.  Kiteyagwa has become such a sanctuary for me. I have completely fallen in love with the students and teachers. 

We observed Frieda, a Pre-K/Kindergarten teacher, in Kiteyagwa.  She was an inspiration-1.) because she teaches 4-6 year olds (93 of them!!), and 2.) she has made wonderful learning tools for her students from garbage or whatever she has lying around.  I will admit that the idea of going into a classroom with 4-6 year olds was quite intimidating (we all know how well I do lass, and helping Frieda was a wonderful experience.  Her classroom is decorated with all kinds of posters that she has made of letters, vowls, pictures of animals, and numbers.  The posters are written on random paper or the insides of boxes with markers.  The language barrier is hard to gap with these young students - what is your name or other greetings) was lost on them since they are learning Swahili along with English. Most young students only know the local language.

Frieda teaching addition

counting using bottle caps

with 94 students in the class, it is hard to check that all of them are understanding

Unfortunately, we were something of a novelty and while level seven was preparing for the examinations and using the other classrooms, the level 1-6 students were outside looking in the window at us and trying to touch us through the door or windows.  Frieda was unstoppable, which must be a testament to how many distractions there are for her as a teacher with these small kids.  While the students were working on numbers and simple addition, she and her aid corrected the work books. Many students needed help or more direction but with only two teachers- it was impossible to get to them all.  After the primary students were dismissed at 11am, we spent time with the level 1-6 students  during their play time drew immediate attention and we were swarmed with students.  They all push to get in the picture, many holding up their hands and blocking to make sure they are seen.  Rather then just let them fight to be seen, Anna tried to have the students sing or show us some dances but they were still quite focused on getting in front of the lens. We tried to come up with a distraction so after putting the students into a circle (we started with almost a hundred students and it grew as the game went on), we taught them how to play Duck, Duck, Goose.  The words were lost and they dried to imitate the noise we were making without success but they really enjoyed the game.  The flaw in our plan was that because we were Mizugu (white traveler), we we hundred students, racing children who walk for hours to school each day was not what we had and honestly tried to beat me back to the starting place.  So much for wearing a skirt to school.

The Regional Director of Kagando (similar to our school district where the Kiteyagwa school is located) was visiting the school, helping the administration prepare for the exams over the next few days.  We felt very lucky to meet her and had no idea that our play time made such a good impression with her.  She spent the rest of the day with us, having lunch and even joining the party with the Imuka singers back at the COSAD house.  

It was very hard to leave the school but we promised to visit again Friday so Mary and Anna can say goodbye.  

The Imuka singers gathered tonight for some fun and fellowship and we were very lucky to have a private concert.  Some Imuka members we know from their time in America, like Hope, Justina, Edison, Joas and Smart.  Others we were meeting for the first time and they welcomed us like family.  This was their first time gathering since their tour concluded and it was fun to hear them discuss what happened. Obviously pizza was not a hit. 

Those of you close to me know averse I am to being touched but my new adopted Bukoban family is clueless.  Hugging, touching and even holding hands is common between friends (rafiki= friend in Swahili) in Tanzania.  I will admit to being taken aback the first time one of the women held my hand but it is quite common between even men.  Now that it is day four I am appreciating the reception- even if it is a big hug. 

Since we are on the topic of affection- Michele Melius would be happy to hear that Anna may have found a Tanzanian husband...if you don't count that multiple wives is a status symbol here in Bukoba. I will admit to being VERY entertained at how uncomfortable the barrage of attention is making her. We also laugh at the lack of attention given when his fiancé is present.  On the bright side I could possibly have a place to stay when I return to Bukoba. 

Peace and "Love" from Africa,
Erika