Teaching in Kibera

Good afternoon everyone from Kibera

I have now completed 4 days of teaching and every lesson I take I feel more confident and comfortable with the children. I have been teaching English to Standard 6, which I really enjoy as their English skills are quite good and you can hold a half decent conversation with them.
Ive already had the ardous task of teaching Science, which I find a little difficult as science just wasnt my 'thing' at school. Lets just say the science text book is my best friend. (I was learning myself as I was going through the exercises)
Speaking of text books this is a major issue at St. Johns as there are basically none available for the students. This makes teaching very difficult. You go through heaps of chalk writing exercises on the board.
After surviving Science, I thought things would be easier... well I was wrong.. I next had Bible Studies. I felt a little uncomfortable because Im not a regular church goer (though I am a Christian) so I felt like a bit of a fraud. (No offence to anyone) It was another case of learning on the job. I tell you what, this teaching assignment has enabled me to expand my general knowledge of the world. I think I do a good job of bluffing my way through classes where I have fairly limited knowledge of the subject. My favourite subject to teach by far is Maths, I always have a ball when I teach this to the Standard 5 children. They really get into the subject and we have so much fun going through the exercises. (Not surprisingly, this was also my favourite subject at school!) The Principal takes them also for Maths classes out of school hours and he was impressed by how well they were picking up Maths from me. (I must be doing something right.. I dont think he would say the same thing about Science or Bible Studies)
I have been very fortunate over the last couple of days, the mothers who prepare the food for the children at lunch also make me traditional African meals. I am addicted to chapata and ugali, and I love the fact that you can use your hands!! (But I dont think my stomach would agree to that!)
Ive also been playing games with them during break times and after school. The other day I tried gallantly to teach them tunnel ball (to only the grade 5 & 6) Then the whole school wanted to get involved, so I had 340 kids trying to play. In a word it turned 'chaotic' so I just gave up on that idea.. it was fun while it lasted.
Today, I was teaching them rugby on our small dirt field. This also started organised but turned to 50 kids running around trying to tackle one another, it was very funny to watch!
Things havent been all rosy, we have heard that there are some guys that think we need to be mugged. So today we took a different route to get to school. (Dont fret Mum, its all ok) I actually just think its funny and what Ive been told it has all been sorted out now. Its just another case of your skin colour playing against you in a very poor area. Overall the teachers, parents and the community have been so good to us, they have nothing but are always wanting to feed us and shake our hands and say "How are you?'. It is still a strange experience when random people come up to and shake your hand ask 'How are you?'. Like everything in life you take the good with the bad!
Ive nearly finished a week and I must admit I am really going to miss this place when I leave next Friday.
I hope you enjoy the pics and post a comment.
Troy