Yes, we do have a working internet connection in our own use now, so there are no more excuses. After today, we will update this blog regularly. Promise.
The only remaining problem is that we get to experience so much here every day,
and we would love to share everything with you, that instead of a blog update
we would love to write a book about each day. We have so many photos, so many
notes, so many thoughts and memories already.
About this week:
On Monday we visited the 3 schools we hadn't visited yet.
All those schools, Mirongo, Mabatini and Iseni, are newcomers in the project.
We were warmly welcomed by the children everywhere we went and at times the
students got so enthusiastic in the welcome ceremonies and handing out the
presents that we had to skip a part of the ceremony before things got dangerous
for the kids.
On Tuesday we had our first seminar day here. Over 50 people
showed up, which was good because we were able to share ideas together and
listen to the representatives of each school evaluate the current situation in
their schools. The representavives of the project steering team were also
present and the teachers from Mutimba teacher's college did a great job as
translators in the groupwork stage. The group discussions were run in mixed
groups and the groups completed a list of the things that they would like to
see being improved. After presenting the results we had the people from each
school get back together, discuss the main things that and choose 5 + 5 things
from the lists - things that the schools want us to work on while we are here,
and also in the future. Five things about teaching methods and techniques and 5
about guidance, councelling and student support.
On Wednesday we started our work at the lovely school of
Igoma. We spent 2 days there attending classes, meeting students + staff and
disussing the current situation in the school and their experiences with this
project so far. The teachers, Ira and Kaisa, also demonstrated some teaching
methods and gave some new ideas on how to teach students in large groups while
also paying special attention to the children who have learning problems. Ira
even had the teachers play bingo at our meeting as a demonstration of learning
by playing -method and to show how a little game can also improve the focus and
overall atmosphere in class even after a long day.
Ira and Kaisa introduced some methods they would like the
teachers to consider in the future. They also included using students as
assistant teachers, which they also demonstrated in a math groupwork. Jasmine
and Ilpo came up with suggestions of their own, things they would like to see
being improved or at least considered in the school. One of the main things was
starting a school library, which a lot of students hoped to get. When we go
back to Igoma in 2,5 weeks, we are planning to have a bunch of books with us
and donate them to the representatives of the students.
We also learned a lot during those 2 days. For example,
Igoma has done a great job involving the students in the decision-making and
problem-solving processes inside the school. That is definitely something we
are going to introduce in our schools when we get back.
After 2 wonderful days in Igoma we have had 3 days off. We
have used those days getting to know the city better, and we like it more and
more every day. We have also had valuable time to digest our experiences from
week 1 and be fully prepared for what is to follow. Next week we'll go to the
schools of Mirongo and Sahwa and will again spend 2 days in each school. We are
already looking forward to it!
Text and photos by Ira sipponen & Ilpo Rantanen
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