I haven’t written a blog post for awhile now but I will put together some events and try to describe how these last months in Namibia are unfolding.
Our winter school term is the shortest but the most packed full of events and important deadlines. Add to that my Close of Service week (I received my Peace Corps Service certificate!) and some workshops to prepare to train the new Peace Corp Education group, and I don’t know where to start to retell everything!
After all the fund raising events of June, July was meant to get serious about our studies and help learners prepare for exams. I started a reading program for some grade 8 learners who cannot read. Yeah, you might ask…”How are they in grade 8 but they can’t read?” This problem happens a lot in Namibian schools as kids are pushed through the system and sent to the next grade after having repeated a grade. So we have some 18 year-old grade 8 learners. These kids weren’t taught basic phonics and don’t recognize letters so they can’t read in any language. They try to follow lessons and take notes but in the end, they don’t pass the exam. The system and their parents or guardians have failed them but schools don’t have programs or specialized teachers in place to deal with this issue. I started with 10 kids and we made some progress this month but they need regular sessions for a full academic year to make any real improvements. I do notice their confidence and motivation have increased significantly. I think they just appreciate the attention and time that an adult can give them and they see they can learn and follow a lesson or textbook. I’m worried that this program will not continue as my colleagues tell me there aren’t the resources.
We had some fun art classes as we celebrated July 4 and drew flags and learned about Independence Day. It was great to get a little Peace Corp Goal 2 in there and teach some American culture. I also taught them ‘Hotel California’ and had the kids listen to the song as we sang along. It was another culture lesson about music appreciation and some history of California. All they wanted was for me to sing it and make a fool of myself! In return, they sang some Nama songs and danced for me. These kids have such rhythm.
At the end of July, we had the Matric Farewell or Graduation trip for the grade 12 learners. There are only 18 of them (and 20 teachers) and we all went to Swakopmund near the ocean for the weekend. What a crazy bus ride! I think it takes less time to fly to the US then it did to get to the ocean! All the stops, snacks, drinks, loud music, kids (and teachers!) drinking too much….but it was a lovely occasion on Saturday and the kids were so dressed up! For some, it was the first time to see the ocean…even some teachers. We had a braai at the beach (Yes! They are stirring the stew with a stick) and then we saw the aquarium and climbed Dune 7. A very exhausting 2 days!
After that, I stayed in Windhoek for 2 weeks for my Closure of Service and other training sessions as a Resource Volunteer. I received my Peace Corps certificate and was confirmed that my final day in country would be 28 September. I had hoped to travel a bit but instead, I will return to California and start getting acclimated and catch up with family and friends. Oh! Yes! I do need to look for some work, too.
I have tried to keep this blog to educate others about my host country, my community and the work I do here. I have kept a scrap book and personal journal as well. So many lasting memories with Namibians and I have learned so much about myself and my family and friends too. I am not the best photographer and I haven’t managed to catch all the moments but it has been truly rewarding and challenging. I took some pictures of my village and the structures most people live in.
I wouldn’t say the Peace Corps has been the most difficult thing in my life, but it was definitely one of those ‘to do’ things on my list. Now, I know….I have a better idea of how I want to direct my life, professionally and personally. It will be scary and daunting at times…so much has happened in the USA since my departure, but I’m excited to start a new chapter. I look forward to visiting everyone who has encouraged me along this crazy experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment