JUNE AND
JULY - FULL OF EVENTS!!
Although we
are already well into July, I want to post some of the events that have been
going on at my site. We had a special program for the African Child day on 16
June. It is a public holiday in all of Africa and it is a day to honor the
Soweto uprising of 1976. The children and teachers were required to go to
school and celebrate with song and dance. All the grades had to perform and
give speeches. The event lasted 5 hours! It ended with a film about freedom in
South Africa and liberation from Apartheid rule. The kids told me they watch
that film every year on this holiday. They seemed to be genuinely proud of the
day and their ‘Africanness’.
Then we had
a sort of pageant called Mr. & Mrs. //Oaseb. Oh! How they were excited for
this event! It was on both the Friday and Saturday to generate money. There
were about 8 categories and both girls and boys came out, strutting their
stuff. Lots of family and friends came, squealing and snapping photos. They
would dress up and play this loud house music…the same music over and over! I
went crazy. To be honest, I wasn’t feeling well and left after about an hour.
There was too much ridiculousness going on and I really didn’t see other
teachers. I felt silly and there was lots of vanity! Afraid I didn’t get any
pictures…not to worry as everyone else was snapping away on their cell phones
and putting on Facebook. An interesting cultural experience indeed!
The
following weekend was very special! There was a Cultural event in the community.
All the schools of the Hardap region participated. It started Sat morning and
lasted until early afternoon. Some kids traveled from far to participate. There
were 4 lower primary groups, 2 upper primary groups, our secondary school and 2
adult groups competing. The groups that won in their category would go to
regional level and then national to compete against other schools. The classes
were selling food and such at the bazaar. I took both photos and video and I
wore my Damara dress and tried to look the part.No photos of me, afraid! It was
very entertaining to see how proud these children are of their culture and traditions.
The Nama are a proud bunch and it starts from a very young age. The girls dance
very daintily and shuffle their feet with hands on hips while the boys hop,
jump and boggie all around. I am told it is typical for the male to strut and ‘show
off’ for the girl while she moves gracefully around with the other girls. They perform different skits about coming of age or respecting elders. The
music is a jig with accordion and lots of drum beat….the ‘Nama dance’.
I have been
selected as a Resource Volunteer and will help train a new group of Peace Corps
Volunteers who come in August. It’s mostly training to familiarize them with
what to expect and to make the transition for them a bit smoother. There is a
lot one can learn from current Volunteers serving in Namibia. It is my first
training and professional opportunity to get out of my village. I’m really
looking forward to seeing the other Volunteers and exchanging stories.
The second
term of teaching is going much better as I know what is expected and I know my
learners’ names. My secondary projects of library, newspaper and reading
program are slowly coming along but I do wish I had more help from Namibian counterparts.
I’ll start a pen pal project soon when
kids in our countries start up school again. I’ve received some donations from
friends and family back home in the form of soccer balls, books and school
supplies. Thanks so much and these kids really appreciate the generosity!
The final
exams start first week of August and the term will end 19th. Lots of
correcting and grading to do! Look forward to my holidays and time to take in
the culture and diversity of this country.
I'm trying to upload videos as well as photos...cross your fingers!
