Life in Tanzania can be very dramatic...lots of ups and downs, and yesterday was the perfect example. We woke to find that our carefully laid plans for the day would have to change due to measures beyond our control. We spent the rest of the morning and afternoon re-arranging things so that our Web cast with Saint Stephen's and the dedication of the Internet Library at Kichangani would go on as planned. Even though everyone here carries an air of control and calmness there is always an underlying tension that crackles through the air.
At a few minutes before 4:00 our students from Lugalo and their teacher Mr. Riaz arrived at the Global Outreach office for the Web cast. They were joined by the Deputy Mayor of Iringa, our friend the Honorable Monica Mbega, the Regional Educational Officer and several representatives from other area schools. As we wedged ourselves in the call was placed to the United States, and within seconds I was looking at the face of my dear friend and head of Saint Stephen's, Jan Pullen.
After a few opening remarks from Stan, Jan and our school's director of technology Dave Snodgress, the mic was turned over to art teacher Leslie DeZiel for an interactive art lesson on the style of M.C Escher.
Chills ran through me as Leslie introduced the biography of the artist then got the kids right to work. The computer's camera was pointed at her hand as she guided the students through a drawing exercise. She would explain and demonstrate a movement, then ask the students to do the same. I felt as if I was watching an art class back home...the conversation was seamless and the students had no problem following along.
At the end of the lesson the students held up their drawings to a round of applause from both sides of the globe. Lelie asked the students if they had any questions, and one of the Form 6 girls, Victoria, asked if she could explain the meaning behind one of the drawings. As I watched this exchange with trembling hands I kept saying to myself, "This is working, this is LEARNING!" Some of the drawings were quite good and the kids seemed to enjoy the lesson. Lugalo has been without an art teacher for several years but many students cartoon in their spare time. What an opportunity for Saint Stephen's to be able to share our resources with them.
As I said goodbye to my friends at home I broke down into tears. It will be good to be back with my colleagues to share all that I have learned and see their smiling faces in person.
That evening Monica invited the whole team to her home for dinner. We shared a fantastic meal of roast chicken, curried vegetables, creamed spinach with peanut sauce, pineapple and banana compote and talked about the recent news that Barack Obama has secured the Democratic party's nomination. Many Tanzanians (students included) are thrilled to know that an individual of East African descent is in the running to be the President of the United States. It is a true testament to the power of education.
This afternoon is the formal dedication of the Internet Library. We are expecting a crowd of 50 for the presentation, including the Minister, a variety of government officials and heads of schools and students from around the Iringa region.
I am putting the final touches on a video to show the Minister (of yesterday's Web cast) as well as checking last-minute details...looking forward to the moment when we cut the ribbon on the future of education in Iringa...stay tuned!
At a few minutes before 4:00 our students from Lugalo and their teacher Mr. Riaz arrived at the Global Outreach office for the Web cast. They were joined by the Deputy Mayor of Iringa, our friend the Honorable Monica Mbega, the Regional Educational Officer and several representatives from other area schools. As we wedged ourselves in the call was placed to the United States, and within seconds I was looking at the face of my dear friend and head of Saint Stephen's, Jan Pullen.
After a few opening remarks from Stan, Jan and our school's director of technology Dave Snodgress, the mic was turned over to art teacher Leslie DeZiel for an interactive art lesson on the style of M.C Escher.
Chills ran through me as Leslie introduced the biography of the artist then got the kids right to work. The computer's camera was pointed at her hand as she guided the students through a drawing exercise. She would explain and demonstrate a movement, then ask the students to do the same. I felt as if I was watching an art class back home...the conversation was seamless and the students had no problem following along.
At the end of the lesson the students held up their drawings to a round of applause from both sides of the globe. Lelie asked the students if they had any questions, and one of the Form 6 girls, Victoria, asked if she could explain the meaning behind one of the drawings. As I watched this exchange with trembling hands I kept saying to myself, "This is working, this is LEARNING!" Some of the drawings were quite good and the kids seemed to enjoy the lesson. Lugalo has been without an art teacher for several years but many students cartoon in their spare time. What an opportunity for Saint Stephen's to be able to share our resources with them.
As I said goodbye to my friends at home I broke down into tears. It will be good to be back with my colleagues to share all that I have learned and see their smiling faces in person.
That evening Monica invited the whole team to her home for dinner. We shared a fantastic meal of roast chicken, curried vegetables, creamed spinach with peanut sauce, pineapple and banana compote and talked about the recent news that Barack Obama has secured the Democratic party's nomination. Many Tanzanians (students included) are thrilled to know that an individual of East African descent is in the running to be the President of the United States. It is a true testament to the power of education.
This afternoon is the formal dedication of the Internet Library. We are expecting a crowd of 50 for the presentation, including the Minister, a variety of government officials and heads of schools and students from around the Iringa region.
I am putting the final touches on a video to show the Minister (of yesterday's Web cast) as well as checking last-minute details...looking forward to the moment when we cut the ribbon on the future of education in Iringa...stay tuned!
2 comments:
Good morning Paula!
I am enjoying reading about your tales of adventure and learning in our partner school. I will tell you that Mrs. DeZeil enjoyed the art lesson as much as the children did. She came back to the library to share her excitement with me; Leslie was bubbling! It is surreal to think of the learning exchange which is happening.
Stay safe. Come home soon. We miss you.
Sarah
Hi Paula,
Talk about emotional...I am sitting here writing this as tears rolls down my cheeks. I think what you are doing is fantastic for all!
Susan
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