I see that I
haven’t posted on this blog for some time. The months seem to race by and I
keep putting it off… apologies. The first school term will end in a few weeks
and we are just heading into the exam period. That means lots of testing, last
minute assessments and late-night marking. I have been a teacher for quite some
time but the workload, expectations of staff and cultural differences in schools
here are difficult to comprehend. I maintain my classes and after-school activities
and attempt to keep projects going. Collaboration from my Namibian counterparts
is not always forthcoming and the realization that some projects may die out
after I leave is something I expect. Our PC goals are to create sustainable
projects but it isn’t always easy. I’m proud of what I have accomplished and
learned so far. I know that my presence here has made a difference for some
learners and colleagues and that is what matters to me.
I am pleased
at the progress of the library. We now have a mandatory reading period during
the school day and so learners came pouring into the library in February to
borrow books. What delight to see them reading in the corridors and promote
reading in the class!! Many kids at this school cannot read and so seeing other
learners busy with books has encouraged them to check out picture books and
feel part of the group. We have taken on library prefects who help check out
and shelf books and teachers are also coming to the library. This is one
project that I know WILL continue and contribute to the performance of learners
at this school.
My English
and Art classes are coming along. I’m fortunate to have a projector so learners
can take notes from the screen. I didn’t have any art supplies so I used the donated
supplies and some crayons and paint to put together some lessons. I tried to
teach them a tidbit of Art History (!) and showed them photos of Rome/Italy to expose
them to some western art culture. Too bad I don’t have the creative assistance
of my talented cousin, Cyndi! Oh! What we could create!
The other
projects I am working on include the school newspaper, a program for
non-readers, a study skills program for the grade 8 learners, afternoon classes
to help prepare learners for exams, collaborating with the orphanage and
improving the children’s English through song and dance (thanks, Diane!.) On
the weekends, I try to go into the village for walks or go to church to sit in
on the mass in KKG. It is pretty safe and I know my way around now. Most
everyone recognizes me and will say hello… but I’m still waiting for that
invitation to the farm! I lead a very simple life here… no car, shopping or
television to distract me. I wake up in the morning to the most spectacular
sunrises you have ever seen! I need to pinch myself and remember how lucky I am
to have this opportunity to be here in Africa!
Over the
mid-term break in March, I took a 5-day camping trip with some other PCV and we
drove up the northwest coast of the country in a 4x4. It was glorious!! The
area is so remote and we drove past Himba villages and through rivers and
washed out roads. We camped at the Kunene River along the Angolan border and
also saw the Epupa Falls. There was a lot of driving but we saw so much and I
even celebrated my birthday in style! (thanks Jen!) That's Jen, Nathaniel and Andy with me on the trip. Only 1 flat tire and Jen was always ready to test the river water before crossing!
I plan to go
to Luderitz for Easter but haven’t yet made plans for my school break in May.
We should be having some PC regional trainings soon and that will give me an
opportunity to catch up with other PC volunteers and exchange experiences. Down
here in the south of Namibia, we are placed in more isolated sites and don’t
see other PCV very often so I look forward to meeting others.
Enjoy the
photos and I will post others soon!
