What to say about my last two days except that shopping in the African Markets is not as much fun as shopping back home. Eveything is about negotiating and bargaining. Not something I want to do every where I go. From the fruit stands, to the taxi rides, etc. I caught myself bargaining for 30 minutes for something as little as 60 cents; with the exchange it just seems larger. Every 1 US $ is equivalent to 1650 shillings here. So when my bill came up to 90,000 shilllings I figured cut it in half like I used to do in Cuba. I gave her 45, 000 she laughed in my face and took back her things. Ok, I said 55,000 nothing, no response. Finally her last price was 89,000. She basically took off 60 cents. In reality it cost me 56$ but 60 cents is a pinapple or mango for breakfast.
I took my first matatu today and my first boda boda yesterday. The matatu's are minivan taxis and cost 50 shillings basically 30 cents. The boda boda's are motorcylce taxis, best to take during the day no street lights at night, they cost 1500 shillings about 90 cents. I prefer the boda boda's they're faster and get passed traffic a lot better. Also, the matatu's get really jammed pack, what's supposed to hold 15 usually holds about 20-25 people on a good day. It's even worse when they see a 'mzungo' (white person) in it, then you really see them run in to catch a matatu with us. Driving in Uganda is like you've never seen before. First of all when you cross the street you look from right to left and not vice versa so let me tell you how surprised I was when my first attempt almost got me killed. Secondly, there are no driving regulations, or stop lights or stops of any kind. Everyone drives in which ever directions will get them there the fastest.
Supper is awesome. Hadija, our cook, makes great suppers. Ususally vegetarian, like eggplants, kale, sweet potatoes, rice, pasta, peas in curry, fried bananas, samosa (chick peas wrap)..... I know, some of you would proabably never touch it, but it's really good. The only thing that worries me is their eggs. They're not refrigerated and my usual scrambled egg is no longer yellow but white. Fruits are exceptionally good, we go through pineapple and mangos like crazy.
My sleeping quarters are really nice. I wish I could download the pics for you but this internet cafe has the slowest running internet. I sleep in a really big room by myself, I have my own washroom, and private balcony.
What else, the kids well they're great! I'm learning to step back a let others run the show, something I'mnot comfortable doing for some reason. I find it hard to let the African teachers teach because everything is so rote, and dry and the kids lose interest easily. We're taking them on a field trip on monday they're so excited, some of them have never left their small shanty town of Namuwongo or taken public transportation before.
I leave on an African Safari tomorrow with the teachers, Murchison Falls. So this will be my last blog till Monday night.
Miss you all,
Sandra
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Day 5 : Power failure
To all my avid readers who read my blog religiously and comment, thank you, I'm sorry I couldn't write yesterday, we had no power. I'm told this is common to lose power 2-3 times a week to save energy I think.
Where do I begin. A lot has happened in two days, some things I'm excited about and some things I'm shocked at. I'll start with the shocking one first. My thoughts about this teaching experience, was really not what I expected at all. I was told that the two African teachers that were hired are the teachers and we simply are there as helpers. Well for those of you who know me well, I can't just sit back and watch the show. So I offered my suggestions to modify the first part of the teaching as a whole group instruction rather than breaking them up into groups. I was expecting a routine of some kind but there wasn't I I suggested that put into place a set routine. First, circle time, there wasn't any, no calendar, no days of the week, months of the year nothing. Not many songs either. The children learn by repetition and sitting down, nothings hands-on. BORING! Lillian and Rona, the two African teachers, were very happy with my suggestions of circle time, only my teacher friends will truly appreciate what that means. It all afternoon for Tania and I to set it up, we wrote out the songs by hand, the calendar, the weather graph, everything, it looked awesome.
THE SHOCK happened when two little girls came in late and they were not given their snack because they were late. First of all, I'm all for discipline, but these are poor children who hardly have any food and can't tell time and they were being punished for tardiness? I lost it. The other three teachers have been there for 4 weeks now and I guess got used to the idea, I was apauled. plater took the in the back and gave them some food. When I asked Lilian what was the reason behind it, she said ' to teach them a lesson' . ' They know school starts at one', she said. Then I asked the obvious question but how do they know when one is? She then answered: 'The mosque nearby ring the bell at noon, or when the goats come down the hill '. Personally I would be tardy every day if I had to wait for the goats and would definitely starve. At this point I let it go, there was no point in arguing.
SHOCK 2: One little by, my favourite, yes I know it's not good to play favourites but he really is the smartest 6 year old ever. He was calling out so teacha Rona had him raise his hands for 10 minutes in the air as a punishment. Well, I'll tell you he remembered very quickly to raise his hands after that. Back home, I'm sure that would fall under child abuse.
SHOCK 3: Julius forgot to do his homework, something we call detention here in Africa is running around the school till you drop. I could go on and on, one kid came in dirty, god for bid, they do live on the street you k now, he was punished too. I know they're trying to teach life lessons because they have no parents to take care of the but come on a little compassion, I then thought if they only knew better and then I was told by my colleagues better under whose terms. I think right is right and wrong is wrong no matter the culture. I guess not.
This morning I sat back and watched the the teaches do the calendar routine and sing the alphabet song with picture and sound recognition. It went very smoothly and the teachers were proud to use it. So my presence did teach them something. Of course i couldn't stop there I had to get to the bottom of this discipline or what I call classroom management. I told them about the traffic light system I used back home. Everyone starts on green and as they misbehave or call out they move down the traffic light. If they get to red they don't get a sticker at the end of the day. S It worked remarkably, there was no more pushing at recess, calling out, etc..Te teachers were so pleased and quite shocked. I cross my fingers that I'll never see the discipline I saw yesterday ever again. I could never teach here under these circumstances.
Where do I begin. A lot has happened in two days, some things I'm excited about and some things I'm shocked at. I'll start with the shocking one first. My thoughts about this teaching experience, was really not what I expected at all. I was told that the two African teachers that were hired are the teachers and we simply are there as helpers. Well for those of you who know me well, I can't just sit back and watch the show. So I offered my suggestions to modify the first part of the teaching as a whole group instruction rather than breaking them up into groups. I was expecting a routine of some kind but there wasn't I I suggested that put into place a set routine. First, circle time, there wasn't any, no calendar, no days of the week, months of the year nothing. Not many songs either. The children learn by repetition and sitting down, nothings hands-on. BORING! Lillian and Rona, the two African teachers, were very happy with my suggestions of circle time, only my teacher friends will truly appreciate what that means. It all afternoon for Tania and I to set it up, we wrote out the songs by hand, the calendar, the weather graph, everything, it looked awesome.
THE SHOCK happened when two little girls came in late and they were not given their snack because they were late. First of all, I'm all for discipline, but these are poor children who hardly have any food and can't tell time and they were being punished for tardiness? I lost it. The other three teachers have been there for 4 weeks now and I guess got used to the idea, I was apauled. plater took the in the back and gave them some food. When I asked Lilian what was the reason behind it, she said ' to teach them a lesson' . ' They know school starts at one', she said. Then I asked the obvious question but how do they know when one is? She then answered: 'The mosque nearby ring the bell at noon, or when the goats come down the hill '. Personally I would be tardy every day if I had to wait for the goats and would definitely starve. At this point I let it go, there was no point in arguing.
SHOCK 2: One little by, my favourite, yes I know it's not good to play favourites but he really is the smartest 6 year old ever. He was calling out so teacha Rona had him raise his hands for 10 minutes in the air as a punishment. Well, I'll tell you he remembered very quickly to raise his hands after that. Back home, I'm sure that would fall under child abuse.
SHOCK 3: Julius forgot to do his homework, something we call detention here in Africa is running around the school till you drop. I could go on and on, one kid came in dirty, god for bid, they do live on the street you k now, he was punished too. I know they're trying to teach life lessons because they have no parents to take care of the but come on a little compassion, I then thought if they only knew better and then I was told by my colleagues better under whose terms. I think right is right and wrong is wrong no matter the culture. I guess not.
This morning I sat back and watched the the teaches do the calendar routine and sing the alphabet song with picture and sound recognition. It went very smoothly and the teachers were proud to use it. So my presence did teach them something. Of course i couldn't stop there I had to get to the bottom of this discipline or what I call classroom management. I told them about the traffic light system I used back home. Everyone starts on green and as they misbehave or call out they move down the traffic light. If they get to red they don't get a sticker at the end of the day. S It worked remarkably, there was no more pushing at recess, calling out, etc..Te teachers were so pleased and quite shocked. I cross my fingers that I'll never see the discipline I saw yesterday ever again. I could never teach here under these circumstances.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Day 4 - Meeting the children
Tania and I went to the supermarket to get some breakfast, fresh pineapple, mangos, and passion fruit which we then mixed in yogourt and corn flakes. It was delicious. On our way many people stared, they looked angry at first but once we said hi they answered back with a smile. Some hissed, and hackled at us, I was told this is there way of getting our attention. Personally, a simple hi would have been enough. Everyone is very kind and want to say hi. Not at all what I expected.
The driver arrived at 11:15 a.m to pick us up, his name was Kenneth. He drove us to the orphanage school where I met with Anny the coordinator, and the two teachers Lilliane, and Rona.
I showed them my version of kindergarten literacy and they loved the material and jumped on the ADORE reading program song. Once I set up the alphabet and Tania and I made a calendar and wrote up the songs, it was time to begin. The children arrived one by one in the rain. Tania was right, very hard to distinguish who was who. I'm so used to going by the colour of hair and eyes, but when they all have shaved heads, brown hair and eyes, what do you go on? Clothing for today, tomorrow will be another day.
They all greeted me with big smiles and instantly called me Teacha Sandra. There were 31 children in all more girls then boys age range 5-10. I sat down to watch, big mistake, three girls came at me with combs and wanted to brush my hair. I thought it was cute at first but then the thought of lice came to my mind and I stopped them instantly. I think I'll wear my hair pulled back tomorrow.
There wasn't much of a program set into place so I offered my suggestions of circle time and they took to it right away. Snack was given to them early on, juice and a doughnut for many of them had not eaten since yesterday.
Many speak English but their mother tongue is Luganda. Recess time was fun, I took out my new phone which was given to me as a gift from my sister and Kelvin, thank you, I played some songs for them and they danced for me. The little ones were so cute, they tried to teach me their Calypso dancing but it will definitely take a few more days before I get the rhythm.
Before I knew it, it was time to leave. The ladies of the in need home serve us tea and doughnuts at the end of the day. I' starving and can't wait to see what our cook Hadija made for us.
What a great first day can't wait for tomorrow!
Will write again soon.....
Sandra
The driver arrived at 11:15 a.m to pick us up, his name was Kenneth. He drove us to the orphanage school where I met with Anny the coordinator, and the two teachers Lilliane, and Rona.
I showed them my version of kindergarten literacy and they loved the material and jumped on the ADORE reading program song. Once I set up the alphabet and Tania and I made a calendar and wrote up the songs, it was time to begin. The children arrived one by one in the rain. Tania was right, very hard to distinguish who was who. I'm so used to going by the colour of hair and eyes, but when they all have shaved heads, brown hair and eyes, what do you go on? Clothing for today, tomorrow will be another day.
They all greeted me with big smiles and instantly called me Teacha Sandra. There were 31 children in all more girls then boys age range 5-10. I sat down to watch, big mistake, three girls came at me with combs and wanted to brush my hair. I thought it was cute at first but then the thought of lice came to my mind and I stopped them instantly. I think I'll wear my hair pulled back tomorrow.
There wasn't much of a program set into place so I offered my suggestions of circle time and they took to it right away. Snack was given to them early on, juice and a doughnut for many of them had not eaten since yesterday.
Many speak English but their mother tongue is Luganda. Recess time was fun, I took out my new phone which was given to me as a gift from my sister and Kelvin, thank you, I played some songs for them and they danced for me. The little ones were so cute, they tried to teach me their Calypso dancing but it will definitely take a few more days before I get the rhythm.
Before I knew it, it was time to leave. The ladies of the in need home serve us tea and doughnuts at the end of the day. I' starving and can't wait to see what our cook Hadija made for us.
What a great first day can't wait for tomorrow!
Will write again soon.....
Sandra
Day 3 part two- My arrival to Uganda
I made it, I'm alive and well. I was actually quite surprised of the weather when I got off the plane in Entebbe. It was barely 15 degrees and the sun was starting to set at 7pm. My first scare was the baggage claim. Not really what I expected. The first load of baggages arrived and of course mine was not on it. I waited patiently as they unloaded the second, third and fourth. By the fifth trolly I started to worry. Finally I saw my bag and headed out to the parking lot where I saw many people holding signs with names on it. Of course no one had one with my name on it, I was a little worried. I was approached by many people who wanted to give me a ride I kindly refused and kept waiting. Finally, Hannah (the coordinator of the GFIC house) came up to me and said she figured it was me since I was the only white, blond haired, blue eyed girl there.
We took a cab which are called special hires, and drove an hour in the dark to Kampala. Hannah briefed me quickly and soon enough we arrived to the GFIC house (global forum for international cooperation). In other words this is a house that is rented by Concordia University students who are spreading awareness through numerous organizations.
The house was not at all what I expected, it wasn't bad at all. There are 20 beds and so far I sleep in a bottom bunk and a room to myself. Tania, Myriam, and Hannah share a room, and Dori and Judy share the the other. I was starving and dying for a shower. It was like living in a dorm all over again.
I unpacked and realized I didn't bring enough winter clothing, who would of thought Africa to be this cold. I wet to bed early, thought it was a good idea, but obviously I did everything else but sleep. With the time difference I finally fell asleep when the roosters starting crowing and it was time to get up.
We took a cab which are called special hires, and drove an hour in the dark to Kampala. Hannah briefed me quickly and soon enough we arrived to the GFIC house (global forum for international cooperation). In other words this is a house that is rented by Concordia University students who are spreading awareness through numerous organizations.
The house was not at all what I expected, it wasn't bad at all. There are 20 beds and so far I sleep in a bottom bunk and a room to myself. Tania, Myriam, and Hannah share a room, and Dori and Judy share the the other. I was starving and dying for a shower. It was like living in a dorm all over again.
I unpacked and realized I didn't bring enough winter clothing, who would of thought Africa to be this cold. I wet to bed early, thought it was a good idea, but obviously I did everything else but sleep. With the time difference I finally fell asleep when the roosters starting crowing and it was time to get up.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Day 3 - Johannesburg
Okay so I arrived in Johannesburg well rested early this morning at 8 am. It's a six hour difference from MTL. I don't think I've ever eaten, drank and slept as well as I have in the last two days.
I board my final plane to Uganda in three hours, finally! Everyone is very friendly and helpful. I decided to stay in the airport this time since it's cold, 10 degrees and I don't have that much time to venture off this time. I know mom you're happy about his decision.
I was surprised to see how many white people live here. Lots of mistresses and rich business men are in these VIP lounges. I know this because...ok I don't have real facts but it's hunch.
Well it's time to eat again, I find that's all I've been doing eating and sleeping. It's exhausting!
I will try to write as soon as I'm settled in Kampala.
Miss you all....
Sandra
I board my final plane to Uganda in three hours, finally! Everyone is very friendly and helpful. I decided to stay in the airport this time since it's cold, 10 degrees and I don't have that much time to venture off this time. I know mom you're happy about his decision.
I was surprised to see how many white people live here. Lots of mistresses and rich business men are in these VIP lounges. I know this because...ok I don't have real facts but it's hunch.
Well it's time to eat again, I find that's all I've been doing eating and sleeping. It's exhausting!
I will try to write as soon as I'm settled in Kampala.
Miss you all....
Sandra
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