Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Yay!  Today was the first time that students got to use the new science lab at Kwantebeni!  This morning the 11^th grade life science class completed a kidney dissection, and this afternoon the 10^th grade life science class learned basic microscope structures and techniques using a lab that I do at home.  It was AWESOME to see the lab room that we have been working so hard on full of kids engaged in hands-on activities.  I was impressed by their behavior in class (and these classes were big…56 students in the afternoon class!), and they jump at the chance to learn something new.  It was neat to be doing a lab that I created at home and use in my own classroom here in South Africa.  And the students truly seemed to enjoy the lesson and have fun too!  When I was helping a few of the groups learn how to use the microscope, I would get the image in focus and then ask “Ok, who wants to be the first one to see?”  Hands shot up into the air…literally.  And their reactions after looking in the microscope and doing the kidney dissections were great!  I walked away from school today thinking that these activities are just the start to improving their science education.

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July 15, 2009

It was a very rewarding weekend with the children. We had the privilege of seeing one of the older students perform with his dance troop at a community center.  His dance troop was arranged by one of the volunteers at Makaphutu aiming to reach young Africans through dance and music.  Many from the community gathered to watch many different troops perform. It was a loud and exciting time!  It was encouraging to see everyone come together and show support for each other and their talents. There were many different genres of art displayed from hip hop dance, ballet, singing and acting.  We were able to take all of the children from Makaphutu. They enjoyed themselves as well dancing and jumping around to the music. 

The children of Makaphutu and a family from the community gathered for a day at the beach. It was a wild time keeping track of 25 plus kids dancing and splashing in the water. Thankfully there were plenty of adults to keep a watchful eye.  The kids were thrilled to have the opportunity to ride a few of the amusement park rides as well as play video games. 

The kids have been out of school for the past few weeks for winter holiday.  Since many of the children are behind grade wise, study sessions were arranged for a few hours during the day. We worked with the students on basic math facts, reading and uses of punctuation.  While the kids did not readily like winter school, it is reassuring to see them progress in their math and reading skills.

I look forward to the next week while we continue working with the students and do various projects such as painting the cottages and working on finishing up the science lab at the local high school. 

July 22, 2009

We have had a very busy week painting three of the cottages at Makaphutu.  After hard work and a lot of fun, the cottages are a lot brighter and cleaner! The kids had a great time helping out. We utilized them helping clean up the floors and paint the corner areas. They loved having a job and saying that they were participants. 

The kids were so eager to get back to school after their three week holiday.  I was amazed to see so many kids who could not wait to get back to school.  This is definitely not the case for American children or adults for that matter!  The kids returning from family were just as eager to get back to Makaphutu and continue their studies. 

We spend our days helping out at the local schools assisting the teachers with whatever they need. The classroom sizes are quite large compared the classes in America. There are about 45 students in a typical African classroom.  It is difficult for the teachers to give each student the individualized attention that they crave.  Thankfully the students are fairly well behaved and make it easier for the teacher to carry out the lessons.

Homework club is now in full swing.  After school the kids are required to spend an hour doing math and English fundamentals. A lot of the students are not up to grade level and are in need of a lot of extra help with the basics.  We work with the kids completing homework as well as teaching them the new skills that they have not been able to grasp during the regular school day. The kids are not as readily eager to attend Homework Club as they are to attend school. They do their best though and know that in the end it benefits them to complete their homework early. 

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Wednesday, July 08, 2009

So I have just finished my first week in South Africa…and what a week it was!  When I arrived last Wednesday, I was very excited to finally join the TMD group at Makaphutu.  As soon as I arrived, I quickly realized that I was definitely a long way from home.  Just looking out the window on the drive from the airport was fascinating…so many new sights to see…some of them a little hard to take in.  We went to work right away that afternoon at Kwantenbeni High School.  I’m very excited about our project there that involves improving their science classroom facilities…in the end, they’ll have newly painted walls, a new tile floor, new sinks with new plumbing, new posters for the walls, and a new projector too!  As a science teacher, I know the importance of the school’s infrastructure in being able to conduct the labs and hands-on activities that are so important in the field of science.  There’s a lot of work to accomplish for that classroom, but we’re hoping to complete that project in the next few days.

The day after I arrived, we headed out for an adventurous time at a massive wild game park.  This has to be one of the top experiences that I have ever had!  This place was AMAZING!  I felt like every scene I saw was like a painting.  The first day we were there, before we even checked in, we found ourselves surrounded by a herd of about 100 elephants, just quietly watching them in their home…fascinating!  Then came the giraffe, white rhino, cape buffalo, lions, hyenas, baboons, wild dog, warthog, impala, vultures, and many more!  One morning, Euan and I went out with a guide off the main road and deep into the African bush…what a rush!  At one point, we saw hyena on one side and a lion on the other…and yes, hyena really do laugh!  On the last day, we put our vehicle to the test with the 4x4 only trails, and at one point, Angela and I jumped out to chase wildebeest!   The entire game part experience was incredible…never to be forgotten!

And now we’re back at Makaphutu.  Although the game park was a ton of fun, over the last few days  I have been able to spend time with the kids here, which is the real reason I made this trip.  We have started tutoring for a few hours each day to try to address some the kids’ weak areas.  In the morning, I am working with one young man reviewing basic algebra skills...it’s easy to see his desire to learn and his potential to do so.  Even after just a couple of days, I can tell that he is picking up new concepts quickly, and when he gets something, he has a great big smile on his face.  I know that he is struggling in school, particularly in math, and I already wish I could be here full time during the school year to help him out.  All of the kids here are so thankful for the attention we give them, whether it’s during school hours, jumping on the trampoline, going for a walk, reading a book together, or watching a movie at night.  Although in some ways they have very little and there is a great need for more support, I have quickly learned that the kids at Makaphutu have much to give as well.

-Jenna

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Well the last few days have certainly been busy!  On Thursday, we had the opportunity to meet a local couple who have taken in several orphans from their community…imagine parents, twelve children, and two grandmothers living in a small two bedroom house.  And somehow they also manage to run a community daycare from their home for numerous other children and feed numerous elderly people twice a week…once again, doing so much with so little!  They have plans to expand in the future, and just spending a few hours with them shows how loving and loved each member of their family is. 

On Friday, we took the children from Makaphutu and the family above to the beach…what a field trip adventure that is!  I never knew a small bus could hold so many kids!  The weather was perfect and the kids loved playing in the water, having a picnic, and playing games.  By the end of the day, both kids and adults were exhausted…but watching the kids play and have fun was well worth it!

And then finally today, we started out early going to a nearby farmers/craft market.  I loved seeing all of the handmade jewelry and art.  We then went to Lily of the Valley children’s village where more than 100 children live.  The vast majority of the children at Lily are HIV positive.  As soon as you walk in, the kids run to you wanting to play.  One little boy came up to me, arms up in the air, wanting to be picked up.  I didn’t let him down again until we had to leave.  Even though we were there for a few minutes, it’s hard to walk away from these kids.  I had to keep reminding myself that they were well taken care of at Lily…unfortunately many other children are in much worse condition.

Then this afternoon was a complete change of pace.  One of our older kids at Makaphutu has been involved in a dance group lately, and we had the opportunity to attend his group’s dance performance this afternoon.  Three hours of music and dance…everything from zulu dancing, hip hop, lyrical, and spiritual songs…three hours of nonstop energy and the kids loved dancing along!

Next week should be full of working on our projects at Kwantebeni and Makaphutu and more time bonding with our kids of course…stay tuned! 

-Jenna

Monday, July 13, 2009

So today was another work day up at Kwantebeni on the new science room…of course, it started with a long trip to Build-It, the hardware store that Euan has been working with on this project.  And of course, as all projects usually go, just as soon as we thought we had all of the supplies and made it back to the high school, we realized that the plumbing plans had to change and back to the store Euan went…but that’s just a part of doing renovation projects like this.  I spent the majority of the day working on painting the door and window frames.  Ok, so anyone that knows me knows that I am somewhat of a perfectionist…which just had to be thrown out the window on this task.  Nothing was exactly straight…the window sills, walls, window frames, and even the brush edge were all a little crooked.  I decided that the motto for the day was that my paint job might not be perfect, but I was determined to do the best I could in order to make the room better than before.  I am confident that the students and teachers will appreciate the much improved learning environment.

I had a lot of time to think while I tackled the painting, and I started to think that my motto for the painting really applies to all of our volunteer work here.  I know that we may not be able to make the science facility perfect, but we can definitely make it much better.  I know that getting to know the kids at Makaphutu and playing with them a little every day will not make their situation perfect, but the extra hugs and attention we give them surely makes them just a little bit better.  Seeing how widespread severe poverty is here can be overwhelming…town after town, hillside after hillside is filled with what most at home would consider substandard housing…some places in my mind are completely unlivable.  And it’s easy to think that it’s simply impossible to solve the situation…but each one of us can do something to make the situation just a little better.  May not be perfect, but lots of little somethings can start to add up to make a real impact.  I appreciate all of you at home who helped raise funds for these projects.  I hope that in the short few weeks that I have left that I’m able to do as much work as possible just to make anything here just a little bit better after I leave.

-Jenna

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Here’s a summary of this week…painting, painting, painting…and more painting!  That’s been my focus on the science room at Kwantebeni…walls, doors, and windows…and they are looking great!  I should finish on Sunday morning, and Euan should be able to finish the plumbing then too, so hopefully all will be ready to go when school starts again on Monday!  Marisa, the biology teacher I’ll be working with, already loves all that we have done…actually I believe she said that she really couldn’t put into words how she feels about our renovations.  I could tell when she came up to see our progress this week that our work has really boosted her spirits.  It’s nice to revive a teacher who’s doing such great work with kids who really need quality people invested in their education. 

While I was up painting one day, one of the security guards at the school came in to see our progress, and we struck up a conversation about his children who had matriculated from Kwantebeni.  He was telling me about how his father always stressed to him the importance of education and how he has tried to do the same with his children, so that each generation becomes more highly educated and prepared for whatever future career they choose.  His oldest daughter has graduated university with a degree in chemical engineering and his younger daughter is at university studying medicine…I was impressed!   I know that on his salary sending multiple children to university is a major sacrifice. Talking with him felt like talking to one of my student’s parents at home.  Parents all around the world really do want the very best for their children…want them to be better off than they were…and are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to accomplish what they can for their children.  While we were talking, he thanked me many times for the work that Euan and I had been doing over the past few days.  He told me that he will especially remind the girls at Kwantebeni that if I can help renovate a classroom for them, then they can accomplish whatever they want for themselves and their own community.  I came away from our conversation with a big smile.

On Friday, we took all of the Makaphutu kids to Phezulu, a local crocodile farm that also has Zulu dancing and a snake exhibit.  The kids really seemed to enjoy this outing…their favorite part was seeing the crocs and petting a snake!  Just being able to take the kids out on a group outing to see new things is a fun adventure.  But my favorite part was staying afterwards for a Fear Factor lunch…yep, eating crocodile while in a crocodile pit!  And one of the older kids joined us…although he sat on the very corner of his sit and ate quite quickly!  I loved seeing him face his fears…great fun!  

More of our Makaphutu kids came back today from their holiday family visits, so I finally got to meet several kids that have been gone since I have been here.  I’m looking forward to getting to know all of them as much as possible in my last couple of weeks here…the time sure is going by fast!  I’m already wishing I could stay longer, even though I am missing home.  With school starting Monday, I am also excited to get into the classrooms here to see where we can help the most. 

-Jenna

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Well I just finished a long – but wonderful – day!  This was my 2^nd day to work up at Kwantebeni, and I am already loving the experience.  I am working closely with the life science teacher, Mariza, and she’s one busy lady!  Seriously – I thought I was busy at school, but this woman teaches life science to two different grade levels, teaches natural science to two different grade levels, mentors several student teachers (they have seven at the school right now), and handles many other random problems that seem to pop up all the time.  I am trying to help out in any way that I can from working on finishing touches to our science lab to working with the student teachers on their lesson plans for when they are evaluated tomorrow.  For one of the student teachers, we took one of my microscope labs, and I showed them how they can easily and quickly edit my file to adapt the material to their needs.  In a matter of a few minutes, her lesson was ready to go!  Actually, I am really excited for tomorrow…kidney dissection in the morning and introductory microscope lab in the afternoon…and the first time for any class of students to use our new science lab!  My hope is that they are excited by learning science with the hands-on activities that they will be able to do more easily with their improved facilities. Mariza has already selected two 11^th grade students as lab assistants to help with setting up and putting away lab materials…these girls are very excited about these new responsibilities!  It’s awesome to have the opportunity to be involved in this project.

For the past two afternoons, Mariza and I have found time to sit down and share materials with each other.  Yesterday, one of the first things we did was set up her new projector to her laptop.  I showed her how I use my projector in my classroom to show different visuals/illustrations/videos when teaching.  She was speechless…literally.  And I had so much fun being able to share ideas with a teacher who is so appreciative and obviously works incredibly hard to bring the very best to her students.  I shared tons of files for lecture notes, labs, games, etc with her, and she shared some of her favorite resources too.  Each of us at the end will be walking away with new and better materials for us to utilize with our students.  Today I showed her some of the additional supplies that I brought with me for her, and we talked about a few different labs that I want to do with her while I’m here…once again, she was so incredibly excited!  She has asked me to lead a teacher training session in order to share some of my ideas with other teachers in the area (in what she calls her “cluster”), so I am hoping that she is able to set that up quickly…what a great opportunity that will be to meet and share ideas with so many teachers!

And when I get home from Kwantebeni, my day is far from over.  We all are helping students with their homework in the evenings, trying to make sure they are ready for their next day of school.  Most nights, I spend some quiet one-on-one time with one girl reading.  She slowly and carefully reads aloud to me, and we practice repeating many of the words together to help with pronunciation.  Even though reading seems to be a little difficult for her, she has told me a few times that our reading time is her favorite part of her day…awesome.

-Jenna

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We have had such a rewarding week spending time with the kids and enjoying the company of new friends.
Today we went to visit a husband and wife couple in the community who are living the example of being in community by opening up their home to children who have recently lost their parents. Russel and Precious are taking responsibility for 12 children who are not biologically their own. It was such a eye opener to see such loving and giving people sacrifice all they have for children who are such in need.  They live in a very small two bedroom house. The children are so happy and grateful that they walk around with smiles on their faces willing to share whatever they have. The children put on a dance performance that was incredible. They dressed in traditional Zulu clothing and danced with such intensity and fire.  We will be spending another day with this family tomorrow going to the beach.  We are gathering all the Makaputu children as well as Russell and Precious' brood and heading to the coast. What an exciting time that will be!

-Angela

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June 16 Wow, today was the true Test! I woke up at 6AM. It's not that it's a problem, but it was DARK. Technically, it gets darks at 6:00 so it's dark for 12 or more hours. So even at night when I felt that I should be in bed, it was ONLY 7:00. I was able to go on a bus run. We pick up the kids to go to the Creche (preschool)  each morning, while we drop off the kids from the orphanage so they can either go to the primary, intermediate, or secondary school. ALl of the kids love going to school and it's such a sight to see miles and miles of students in uniforms walking down the street to go to school. After school we had some down time, or like the kids say....PLAY TIME. There is a built in trampoline that was donated to them and it is SUPER FUN. Oh my goodness. The kids are teaching me how to do a front and back flip. Here's the thing- my time line is successfully do a front AND back flip before I leave. That gives me seven more weeks! After twenty minutes of jumping, I just couldn't take anymore. You feel like you are flying, and it's UNNATURAL for humans to fly! Spending the time with the kids today was precious and I am grateful for each moment. June 22 Inkazamulu Sawubona Friends! I went to "work" at school for the first time today! The students, teachers, and everyone in between tried to talk to me, but thought I was ignoring them. No...not that...I just had NO idea they were talking to me. It just so happens, I'm not too good with Zulu yet. I do have the basics down though. You know, the ones that are important to kids like "yes", "no", "sit down", "hello", "goodbye", "thank you" and "good". I'm learning though. The primary school, Inkazamulu is grade R (kinder) to grade 4. I visited just about each class and it was interesting to see the difference in the English levels. Some of them just nodded to EVERYTHING because they didn't understand. Others, just spoke in Zulu whether you could understand it or not. Of course they laughed at me because in their minds, how could a person with dark skin NOT speak Zulu. We started off the day in Assembly. The kids come together to sing songs and pray before the day begins. The singing is lovely. They all hold a tune! American Idol- look out! After that, they start their lessons. The kids actually SIT down, RESPOND, stay ENGAGED and PAY ATTENTION in class. Wow....I only see that on black and white TV, Like Leave it to Beaver and Andy Griffith. Now once 10:30 hit, it's time for LUNCH BREAK, and that's a whole different story. The kids serve themselves soup/vegetable and rice. It's quite impressive how they manage themselves during this time. They only have 30 minutes to eat and play all wrapped into one. Believe me, it's quite a sight to see them use whatever materials they have available to play soccer or games during this time. Some of the students wanted me to continue helping them in math. By watching them today, I Learned something that I'd like to share with you: Although the teaching styles and way of life is different in Africa, they have a system that works. In these schools, social and life skills are just as important as academics. It's a wonderful thing when you want to raise life long learners and productive citizens at the same time. I'm actually picking up my own pointers! June 25 The computer teacher at Inkazamulu told me about other schools that have a need and how she works with others to help as well. She is studying to become a social worker. I have met many women who go to school for Social Work. She told me that helping others helps her deal with her own problems and issues because she knows that the problems out there are bigger than her own. I have to agree that there is a sense of duty, accomplishment, worth...( I don't know the word that I'd like to use, but there is a feeling that "wow, I can do something to make others happy and make life easier for them") Life is so much more than what YOU can do for yourself and how to spend your time. It's also about helping others and doing for them. This reminds me of what happens after break time. Each class has a day where the students "PICK UP PAPER" This is a part of their life skills lessons. They go around and leave the campus absolutely spotless. I wish our kids in the States would do that. I would just be glad if people didn't throw their trash out of windows at least. Not too much to ask, huh?!? I love spending time with the kids. They have so much energy and just so happy. You say, "Do you like school?" The answer is always amanzingly "YES" while nodding with excitement. They know how important having an education is. There is such a gap between many children here. I discussed with one of the teachers how we might see a change in the next few years as this generation gets older and become leaders because of the work they are doing today. Tomorrow, we have a teacher training and I hope it goes well. I want to help the teachers find effective ways to teach English to the students. They struggle with it, since it is their second language. Just today, I was speaking to a bunch of wide eyed kids who had NO idea what I was saying when I was intsructing them on how to use the computer program PAINT. However, when I break in Song and Dance....I am speaking their language! They taught me a song that will forever stay in my heart: Is there Anybody here, who Loves my Jesus. Is there Anbody here who loves my Lord. I want to know....I want to know....DO you LOVE MY LORD. Stand Up and Shout, if you love my Jesus. Stand up and Shout, if you love my Lord. I want to know...I want to know..DO YOU LOVE MY LORD. We sang and danced the song at least 15 times. TRUTHFULLY. They had fun and so did I. I can't wait til tomorrow. What a bonding experience.   Krystlita Si estuvieras a punto de morir sólo pudieras hacer una llamada telefónica, ¿a quién llamarías y qué le dirías? ¿y qué estás esperando? - Stephen Levine

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We have been at work installing tile on the concrete floor at the high school for the past 3 days and things are progressing well!  The students who are coming to winter school (the schools are on holidays for three weeks) peer in the window with great excitement to see the progress.  It gives one such a feeling of fulfillment when you can see other benefiting from the hard work put in place way before we arrived.  We will help with painting the kindergarten school on Wednesday and begin our painting of the entire Makaphutu Children's Village next week.  We will have much help form the kids and other volunteers as it is quite a mammoth task. 

Most of my day is taken up with running around checking on prices, buying supplies and generally going crazy trying to organize things.  My department head form Berkner High has arrived and this has alleviated some of the stress so she has been a great help thus far.  

This week starts the winter school for the children at Makaphutu, we will be tutoring and helping with the areas in which they struggle.  The school will run form 10 to noon and 4pm to 6pm for the next two weeks.  Each age group has their own room and will receive assistance form a teacher who is certified for teaching their age level.  I am thrilled to see this taking place and look forward to the results.  

FYI, the high temperature here in the Valley of 100 Hills is about 78!  Just an added bonus in light of everything else... 

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Having arrived in South Africa just 4 days ago things have gone at a breakneck speed!  I am really thankful for the donations because we now have a way to meet the needs of the school, all be it a small part of their needs.  Next week we will be  working on getting things going at the Children's Village with painting and cleaning up the interiors of the cottages. 

This year we are remodeling a classroom at the high school and making it into a science room.  We are going to refinish some of the wood top desks, paint the walls, install sinks for lab work and buy some 7 tables with chairs for practical labs in their life sciences, biology, chemistry and physics classes.  This will be a shared lab but a singular use lab.  Currently there are no such science facilities at kwaEntenbeni High.  All the work will take place while the students (here they refer to students as learners) are on winter holidays for 3 weeks.  I am really looking forward to getting that done and then to witnes the reaction from the learners when they return will be quite awesome.  Check back here for the photos soon. 

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What an incredible year for TMD!!  We raised more money this year and have more teachers going to Souht Africa than ever before!  We will write about our experiences here and share some of the work we are doing. We will blog about our painting of the Children's Village, the teacher training workshop and the various improvements to kwaEntenebeni high school. 

Check back soon as we will be there from June 17th through August 10th.  

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Much as in the way Stephanie has summed up her experience I find it difficult to get a firm grasp on the conflicted feelings I have.  On the one hand it was great to see old friends again (both at the school and the children's village) and work on strengthening those relationships and developing new ones.  While on the other hand I feel as if there is still so much to do and a number of things were left undone due to the lack of time.  So I shall look forward to next year and taking up some of those issues in the interim to see if we can’t accomplish them before our next trip: with your help this should be quite possible. 

Some of the highlights of this trip include: tutoring on an ongoing basis for 15 students in science and maths at Kearsney College, a relationship with Kearsney College to foster a twin schools program involving Berkner High School in the US and KwaNtebeni High School in SA., soccer fields should be finished by next month due to a donation from Build It in Bothas Hill and various donations to the Lilly project, attending the long awaited opening of the new clinic at Lilly of the Valley and all teachers at their respective school got accolades of praise from all those who interacted with them, great job folks! Finally, the relationships that we have all developed have changed us in many regards.  

My love of the Zulu people only solidifies the Ubuntu (sense of community) spirit within me.  I could go on and explain how it is that such a people, so down trodden during the Apartheid years, could still have such joy in their hearts and an appreciation of assistance from a white guy, but that would belie the magic in the interactions that I had.  So I shall illustrate:I was fortunate enough to be invited to be invited to a Zulu celebration on my last day.  This is a great honor as a local man had donated a cow (which was slaughtered outside the school two days before) and the entire community had been invited to attend.  To give you some sort of idea how big a thing this was I was informed that even traditional Zulu marriages are no longer celebrated with the slaughter of a cow since it is way too expensive.  So here I was, the only white guy at the school on a Saturday morning and totally enjoying the experience, as it unfolded.  First I was told to be there at 9am with the drinks I got donated and the party would start at 10am.  Well I got to watch the preparation of cows’ feet, the cutting up and boiling of the head and the stewing of the entrails since the formal speeches did not get going until 12pm.  Bear in mind I had a 5pm flight to catch.  Mr. Gwala (the principal) kicked things off and so began the marathon of speeches and music that was not close to being over by 3pm.  Don’t get me wrong, it was great to hear folks speak, Teachers Making a Difference was talked about quite a bit (I only got little bits of the story as my Zulu is way rusty) and the accolades for the choir teacher and what he managed to do with the Choir came flowing from each speaker I heard.  Mr. Blosi took the KwaNtebeni choir to the state and then the national finals and won 2nd place, in the entire nation!!!!  What an accomplishment for a rural school, for ANY school.  So at about 3pm I was whisked out of the hall (meeting still in progress) and told I had to eat some of the food before I went.  I wolfed down some items placed in front of me that would have made Fear Factor proud!  :)  I then had just 30 minutes to get to Grant's house, pack and make it to the airport... which I did but with no time to spare... It was an amazing celebration, and wonderful time and an absolute boost to my determination to do more, get more and accomplish more in the coming year... and with help of folks like you I am sure we can get this done...!!

Thank you again for all your support and watch this space for further info.  If you would like more info on how to come join us next year, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   and we will set you up with the application process.

Till then,Cheers

Euan

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The funny thing about teaching in Africa is that you never know what changes will come in the next day. I came in to Kwantenbeni this morning and was expecting to go one way when in fact it was changed to a completely different direction.  I am currently helping the 12b class get caught up on where they should be.  In order to do this I have taught several lessons (as outlined in my last blog) and continue to do prep for the remainder.  However, this morning they have decided to pull the 12b class in to finish their practical (hands on project they had to do in order to graduate) and as such I was needed to cover a few classes.  One class being Technical Drawing (TD) which was incidentally one of my worst subjects in school – EVER!  I shall head off there in a few minutes and see how much I can remember form my schools days (yes I know it was many moons ago!).

Good news is that the other science teacher, Mariesa should be back tomorrow, she has made it safe from the UK and so I shall look forward to catching up with her in regards to curriculum.  I have also managed to setup a meeting with the science teacher at Kearsney College (Elite private school about 4 Miles from the school) to work on the relationship between Kwantenbeni and Kearsney in regard to tutoring assistance.  Last year’s finals had no students achieving an A or B average in science.  To contrast, math’s had 6 A’s and about 12 B’s out of 97 students who sat for the exam.  We are hoping that with help from Kearsney we can rectify these results and give the added teaching dimension that the top level students need in order to achieve greater results.  Only time will tell but the meeting on Thursday is a great step in the right direction.

Yesterday we were invited to witness the opening of a clinic at Lilly of the Valley (LOV).  This is the sister orphanage to Makaphutu and is in fact run buy Wade’s (runs Makaphutu) brother Warren about 15 miles from Makaphutu.  I got to meet with a few folks from the board, Dennis (president Rotary club Hillcrest and board member of Makaphutu) and touch base with the President, Noel and CEO, Steven with more meeting to come.  Sharon Clack is an amazing woman!!  She is an ex pat South African now living in L.A. and has been there for about 14 years.  Like me she had a desire to help out here in South Africa and about five years ago set about forming Lilly of the Valley Endeavors (LOVE).  She had incredible vision and it was that vision that was realized in the opening of the clinic yesterday.  Not only did Sharon and her church in the US raise the capitol to build the clinic (about $110,000) but they just donated an entire 40 foot container full of medical supplies and equipment (about $200,000 worth).  All this was done during a rather difficult economic time in Southern California and she shared with us all the challenges she faced and the nay sayers who said it could not be done owing aforementioned difficulties.   It was an incredibly uplifting story! 

The choir from LOV sang to end the opening and I can say it was one tear jerking performance.  The “Jesus loves me” song left not a dry eye in the clinic.  I have attached the video for your enjoyment.  Unfortunately I had to film it using my digital camera so the video quality is not the greatest but the sound is great!! 

Euan Blackman

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Howzit! Cassie and I have been helping at Inkazimulo Junior Primary School. About eight of our kids from Makaphutu Children’s Village attend the school.  Last week we were in Grade 1 classrooms. Most of the day is taught in Zulu, except for the English lessons. This definitely creates a few challenges! However, our teachers are great about translating for us, so we never feel lost.  

Our first few days were some of the most memorable thus far. Many of the children from the community had never met a white person before our visit. This resulted in a lot of pinching and touching of our faces to see what our skin felt like.  A couple of the kids in my class would crawl on the floor when the teacher wasn’t looking to touch my feet. At lunch we sit outside and the kids surround us and watch us eat our lunch while they eat theirs. They are so curious! A few brave souls come and try to say hello and we also may feel a tug at our hair, but we enjoy it at school.  Needless to say we definitely feel like we are, for the first time in our lives, the minority. It is a very humbling experience and is sure to be one of many. 

Last Thursday I arrived at school and was told that I would be teaching by myself in a Grade 1 classroom. The teacher was gone to a workshop and they don’t have a substitute teacher system like in the states. Thankfully Stephanie had come to school for a visit. She stayed with me in the classroom and we used her knowledge of educational songs to keep the kids engaged. I was able to teach (get through) a math lesson on addition and then the teacher next door came in and explained their Zulu worksheet and went back to her students. We stayed and monitored. It was an interesting day trying to communicate with our limited Zulu and their limited English.  Overall, we got through the day with no injuries (hooray!) and the kids left with smiling faces! I love it here and I am enjoying every learning moment! 

Amber Millar

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The creche has two paid teachers that share responsibilities throughout the day. One teacher comes from 8:45-11:00, and the other teacher comes from 10:30-1:30. The creche is located in the cottage right next to the one where Cassie, Amber and I are staying so it only takes me about 30 seconds to walk to work in the mornings. Nora said when she arrived there were not a lot of educational things on the walls so she made an alphabet poster and some theme posters. I added a few posters, cards, and games of my own to be used in the creche. When I arrived I noticed that the children love having their pictures taken so we have started using that as an incentive to work and follow directions. I love observing them while they work. There is one little girl who is really smart and helps us translate from Zulu to English. I would probably be lost without her. I am having a wonderful time getting to know the children in the creche and helping the teachers and Nora form a discipline system and structure for them.

Stephanie Martin

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Today was my first day where I was asked to teach an actual lesson.  Up until now I have been observing a student teacher as the science teacher is still stuck in London (having lost her passport) and no one know when she might be back!  SO with no one to observe the student doing his teaching the task has befallen me for now;  I can’t complain, just another interesting footnote on the resume. 

Today’s lesson is a new addition to the curriculum, the industrial method of Cloro-Alkali production within South Africa.  Not a bad topic, it involves some redox reactions (showing the oxidation and reduction of the various products) and the drawing out of the electrolytic process via three different methods.  I was somewhat impressed with the knowledge level the kids have risen to since I was last there.   It appears Mariesa has done a good job in the intervening year.  However, there are still a number of students (learners) that are behind the curve and will require quite a bit of remediation.  This was exemplified in that no student got above a C grade in the finals last year. 

I spoke with Mr. Gwala, the principal, about the issues of infrastructure at Kwantenbeni High School.  I am hoping that together with Berkner High and Teachers Making A Difference that we can help in meeting some of those needs.  One of the major ones is to tar (asphalt) the dirt walkways between the classroom blocks which could also double as a netball court and a basketball court. 

There are so many things we could be doing to help improve the lives of those here, and it takes so little money to get some major projects done that I am always thinking of ways in which to make it happen regardless of funding.  I will be donating $100 toward the fund of getting the tar done, it would be great if others wanted to join in and together we could make the difference. 

I look forward to the rest of teaching next week, I get to go back and assess the students on the work that I taught today, so perhaps when next I write I will have some good news in that they all passed my little quiz… J

Till then,

Salagashle.

Euan Blackman

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Today was my first day where I was asked to teach an actual lesson.  Up until now I have been observing a student teacher as the science teacher is still stuck in London (having lost her passport) and no one know when she might be back!  SO with no one to observe the student doing his teaching the task has befallen me for now;  I can’t complain, just another interesting footnote on the resume. 

Today’s lesson is a new addition to the curriculum, the industrial method of Cloro-Alkali production within South Africa.  Not a bad topic, it involves some redox reactions (showing the oxidation and reduction of the various products) and the drawing out of the electrolytic process via three different methods.  I was somewhat impressed with the knowledge level the kids have risen to since I was last there.   It appears Mariesa has done a good job in the intervening year.  However, there are still a number of students (learners) that are behind the curve and will require quite a bit of remediation.  This was exemplified in that no student got above a C grade in the finals last year. 

I spoke with Mr. Gwala, the principal, about the issues of infrastructure at Kwantenbeni High School.  I am hoping that together with Berkner High and Teachers Making A Difference that we can help in meeting some of those needs.  One of the major ones is to tar (asphalt) the dirt walkways between the classroom blocks which could also double as a netball court and a basketball court. 

There are so many things we could be doing to help improve the lives of those here, and it takes so little money to get some major projects done that I am always thinking of ways in which to make it happen regardless of funding.  I will be donating $100 toward the fund of getting the tar done, it would be great if others wanted to join in and together we could make the difference. 

I look forward to the rest of teaching next week, I get to go back and assess the students on the work that I taught today, so perhaps when next I write I will have some good news in that they all passed my little quiz… J

Till then,

Salagashle.

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Today was my first day where I was asked to teach an actual lesson.  Up until now I have been observing a student teacher as the science teacher is still stuck in London (having lost her passport) and no one know when she might be back!  SO with no one to observe the student doing his teaching the task has befallen me for now;  I can’t complain, just another interesting footnote on the resume. 

Today’s lesson is a new addition to the curriculum, the industrial method of Cloro-Alkali production within South Africa.  Not a bad topic, it involves some redox reactions (showing the oxidation and reduction of the various products) and the drawing out of the electrolytic process via three different methods.  I was somewhat impressed with the knowledge level the kids have risen to since I was last there.   It appears Mariesa has done a good job in the intervening year.  However, there are still a number of students (learners) that are behind the curve and will require quite a bit of remediation.  This was exemplified in that no student got above a C grade in the finals last year. 

I spoke with Mr. Gwala, the principal, about the issues of infrastructure at Kwantenbeni High School.  I am hoping that together with Berkner High and Teachers Making A Difference that we can help in meeting some of those needs.  One of the major ones is to tar (asphalt) the dirt walkways between the classroom blocks which could also double as a netball court and a basketball court. 

There are so many things we could be doing to help improve the lives of those here, and it takes so little money to get some major projects done that I am always thinking of ways in which to make it happen regardless of funding.  I will be donating $100 toward the fund of getting the tar done, it would be great if others wanted to join in and together we could make the difference. 

I look forward to the rest of teaching next week, I get to go back and assess the students on the work that I taught today, so perhaps when next I write I will have some good news in that they all passed my little quiz… J

Till then,

Salagashle.

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