I am here!! In fact I have been here for a week and a half. I can’t believe it.
I have been at school with the little girl I am supporting for the last week. Things seem to be going well and I feel we are making good progress already. I have gone in in my true hard handed style and decided she will not come in for break when she wants to but when everyone else does, i.e. when the bell goes. So on Monday I employed a ‘if you don’t come in when Debbie says, i.e. when the bell goes’ tactic then a) I’ll ignore you and b) you will get a time out. Two time outs two days running and the following two days we have had no time outs. The problem is that it takes the other children in her class longer than us now to come back to class. Still, it is good practice for when she returns to England in January.
We are in a class of 5 children. Sounds ideal right? Wrong! You should meet our kids. They have such an attention seeking attitude, which probably isn’t helped by the fact they can gain one-on-one attention from the teacher, and me. They will have to learn, never-the-less I wonder whether they would learn faster if there were more children in the class. I never thought small class sizes could be a problem. I have been proven wrong! Although, the nosie in the class is considerably smaller than that of those I teach in the UK that is for sure. Also, I recon being in separate buildings and not needing corridors between classrooms probably helps too as it means the noise of other classes is more confined. The downside probably is that you feel more separated from the other classes, having said that you can find that in English schools too.
The school doesn’t have a hall. Assembly takes place near the staffroom, which is more like a small corridor with a couple of small tables holding a computer and the microwave/hot drinks selection. At one end is a small sink area. There is hardly any sitting space because everyone has breaks at different points and mostly sit in the outside area, which is covered but staff like to sit on the wall. It is this raised area which is used as a stage on a Monday morning for weekly assembly. Assembly is led by one of the classes and takes a rotation every 6 weeks or so. Parents are welcome to join if they wish.
There are similarities to how the school is run in comparison to English schools, at the same time there is that un-written chilled out African attitude which says ‘we will understand if you are slightly late’. Still there is an understanding of Western principals because it is an international school. There are certain protocols which you would have to adhere to in English schools which are also followed here, such as obtaining permission for each child to have their photo taken when in school. Also staff are expected to arrive in time to greet pupils and parents, if necessary.
The children do not line up to come into class, however as they move between classrooms or at the end of the day they do. Also, there are guards and, as in the UK, children can only leave school premises accompanied by an adult known to the school.
Other than school my life here in Tanzania has been somewhat limited so far. So much time is required focusing on the child I am supporting both in school and out, until her parents are available. Throw in a couple of unexpected afternoons at party’s for school friends and after school play-dates and you have lost more time than you realise just being around other muzungu’s. However, m understanding of different cultures and countries is definitely improving as I get to know a real mix of people from the school. Dutch, finish, Itallian, south African, Austrailian, American, etc. The list is endless, then there are the Tanzanian, arabs etc too.
Although based on the Cambridge IBS, the school holds mostly American teachers, and therefore I am accumulating a lot of Americanisms such as; principal, Eraser, etc.
I would like to say that they are lovely teachers and have been so welcoming and inclusive of me. We all went ‘hiking’ last Saturday which was more like rock climbing than actual hiking. We were out for 4 hours in African heat and none of us thought to sun cream our necks; we are all pealing now :-s It was hard work but well worth the attempt, although I am not convinced how great it was in a skirt but as that was what I was told to bring I followed instructions; I am not sure I would recommend doing that again!
Another fable I can dismiss is that you don’t get colds in Africa – I can prove this wrong as I sit harbouring a cold and sniffling!! This has added to my finding it hard to adapt to life here. I have cried many a tear already and am missing people I love at home. You are all very much on my heart and in my mind. I pray for you all daily and know although I do not know the exact details of what your life entails God does and even if I was with you I could not improve things from what they are. I know God is in control and is protecting me as well as you- sniffles (in any variety or not).
I am so blessed to have a wonderful adopted family over here. Susie is taking particular care of me and I know God has brought us together for a greater purpose.
So let’s see what the next part of the adventure holds.
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