First day of work
Hello everyone
Well, I have completed my first day of teaching work with Oasis Africa at St Johns Primary School in Kabira and Im exhausted!!!
This morning we went up to Oasis Africa to have a meeting with the guys and to go through what to expect at the school and from the students. I took the local matatu to Kabira where I was met by the Principal who walked me to the school. (This I should add takes 30 mins) All you hear when you are walking through Kabira is 'mzungu' and 'how are you?' , though I have picked up a few Swahili words so I can at least be polite and answer everyone. As you can probably imagine you do stand up, especially me being 6 3 with blonde tipped hair. (I havent exactly tried to blend in:) ha )
The principal took me around to introduce me to all the classes and teachers and they seemed excited about me helping out over the next two weeks. (Though he keeps saying Im a teacher back home and this is far from the case!) The students and teachers were especially excited today as it was the first day in their new school building. Lunch was still being served at their old school building so I went for a walk to see them and how good it is that the students are being fed. In the afternoon I took Grade 6 for English, and they are so attentive, Im used to my students in South Africa that love to play up. These guys were very quiet and attentive, which made teaching so much easier. So we went through a few excerises and their English is considerably better than the students I taught in SA. I want to organise a penpal school in Australia, so if there are any primary school teachers I would love to hear from you so I can get my students to write to you and vice-versa.
I must admit I was relieved to hear the school bell, as first days are always emotionally sapping affairs. One of the girls from the baby class who follows me around, started crying when I was leaving this afternoon. She is the cutest child ever, but dont worry I wont be doing an Angeline!
Well, that is it for me today. A quick rundown of my first day of teaching.
I hope everyone is well, today was the first overcast day we've had since Ive been here.. though its a lot warmer than what I hear Melbourne has been like!
Signing off.
Troy
Well, I have completed my first day of teaching work with Oasis Africa at St Johns Primary School in Kabira and Im exhausted!!!
This morning we went up to Oasis Africa to have a meeting with the guys and to go through what to expect at the school and from the students. I took the local matatu to Kabira where I was met by the Principal who walked me to the school. (This I should add takes 30 mins) All you hear when you are walking through Kabira is 'mzungu' and 'how are you?' , though I have picked up a few Swahili words so I can at least be polite and answer everyone. As you can probably imagine you do stand up, especially me being 6 3 with blonde tipped hair. (I havent exactly tried to blend in:) ha )
The principal took me around to introduce me to all the classes and teachers and they seemed excited about me helping out over the next two weeks. (Though he keeps saying Im a teacher back home and this is far from the case!) The students and teachers were especially excited today as it was the first day in their new school building. Lunch was still being served at their old school building so I went for a walk to see them and how good it is that the students are being fed. In the afternoon I took Grade 6 for English, and they are so attentive, Im used to my students in South Africa that love to play up. These guys were very quiet and attentive, which made teaching so much easier. So we went through a few excerises and their English is considerably better than the students I taught in SA. I want to organise a penpal school in Australia, so if there are any primary school teachers I would love to hear from you so I can get my students to write to you and vice-versa.
I must admit I was relieved to hear the school bell, as first days are always emotionally sapping affairs. One of the girls from the baby class who follows me around, started crying when I was leaving this afternoon. She is the cutest child ever, but dont worry I wont be doing an Angeline!
Well, that is it for me today. A quick rundown of my first day of teaching.
I hope everyone is well, today was the first overcast day we've had since Ive been here.. though its a lot warmer than what I hear Melbourne has been like!
Signing off.
Troy
posted by Troy Aitken | 7:45 AM
3 Comments:
Troy, thanks for all you are doing to set up the new school site - you have a big heart !
I can't wait to see the children again.. wow - 360 kids now? please send them my love to the OA team there, the children and the principal and teachers!
We are sending more resources this week and gaining more support from people by the day here in Australia. We will try to approach a primary school about your pen-pal idea. That is brilliant.
Send through any pics of the new site!
Hey mate,
You're really not missing much in melbourne...the mornings are averaging 5 degrees not that enjoyable....Enjoy the sun while you can. Everyone is good, team blitz still waiting to post a win at the new stadium (on the other side our new uniforms are by far the sickest so that makes up a bit.) Started my new job at Fosters and am loving it. Keep up the good work and take care.
Walshy
Hi Troy,
I've been reading through all your blogs and checking out all the pics. Looks like you are having a great time and getting to see amazing things and meet amazing people.
Keep the blog coming. It's great.
Nat
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