I'll be heading over to the classrooms in a moment.
After a week's orientation, we're now ready to get down to business. I put the final touches on some things last night, managing to get a good night's sleep. And now a new chapter begins.
My only concern at this point is timing. No bell, no bell ringer sauf moi.
Other than that, all systems go (with the inevitable unknowns, of course).
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Alas
My internet connection here is soooooo sloooooow that I won't be able to post any pictures or video of our opening days until I (1) find the time to drive the 14 kilometres into town and (2) find the time to post them once there (the connection there is only slightly better).
Look for them!
In the meantime, I must say that these days have probably been among the most challenging in my life! At times I feel invigorated by the challenge and at other times -- to be honest -- I feel utterly overwhelmed. We are starting the school under-staffed which makes things more challenging than they should be. In part this is my fault, especially regards a secretary. I didn't want to hire a secretary when we were working out of the parish offices because there would have been no room -- and now I have to wait until February 13th!
I'm also struggling with being a boarding school. Who is responsible when for the children? I'm posting this now as a break. My day started at 5:30 a.m. to prepare for 6:30 a.m. Mass. I managed to eat lunch standing up and even managed a twenty minute nap and a twenty minute dinner, but other than that I have been busy with school business until 9:00 p.m. All the days have been like this -- and my companion Kizito has been just as busy and I know Sossy (who is splitting his time between duties here and at the parish) is equally busy. We pray that the pace changes before it kills us.
What is keeping me going is having met our students. What a wonderful group they are, full of promise. And how much I am enjoying being with these young people!
Today we chose student leaders, following a talk by me about leadership. I asked students to share examples of leaders who led with the interest of others in mind -- the answers were telling: Nelson Mandela; Martin Luther King, Jr.; Julius Nyerere; and Jesus Christ. After some talk about the characteristics that distinguished these leaders, I announced the dorm prefects and the classroom captains. Young Sixbert, who is not so confident with his English, came up to me with another student complaining of his unworthiness (and the other student was pushing his own candidate). I assured Sixbert that he was chosen because the obvious qualities of leadership were apparent and that he had the support of all the adults -- I added that the fact that he didn't feel up to the job was itself a commendation!
More stories to come. Thanks for all the support.
Look for them!
In the meantime, I must say that these days have probably been among the most challenging in my life! At times I feel invigorated by the challenge and at other times -- to be honest -- I feel utterly overwhelmed. We are starting the school under-staffed which makes things more challenging than they should be. In part this is my fault, especially regards a secretary. I didn't want to hire a secretary when we were working out of the parish offices because there would have been no room -- and now I have to wait until February 13th!
I'm also struggling with being a boarding school. Who is responsible when for the children? I'm posting this now as a break. My day started at 5:30 a.m. to prepare for 6:30 a.m. Mass. I managed to eat lunch standing up and even managed a twenty minute nap and a twenty minute dinner, but other than that I have been busy with school business until 9:00 p.m. All the days have been like this -- and my companion Kizito has been just as busy and I know Sossy (who is splitting his time between duties here and at the parish) is equally busy. We pray that the pace changes before it kills us.
What is keeping me going is having met our students. What a wonderful group they are, full of promise. And how much I am enjoying being with these young people!
Today we chose student leaders, following a talk by me about leadership. I asked students to share examples of leaders who led with the interest of others in mind -- the answers were telling: Nelson Mandela; Martin Luther King, Jr.; Julius Nyerere; and Jesus Christ. After some talk about the characteristics that distinguished these leaders, I announced the dorm prefects and the classroom captains. Young Sixbert, who is not so confident with his English, came up to me with another student complaining of his unworthiness (and the other student was pushing his own candidate). I assured Sixbert that he was chosen because the obvious qualities of leadership were apparent and that he had the support of all the adults -- I added that the fact that he didn't feel up to the job was itself a commendation!
More stories to come. Thanks for all the support.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Mwanzo ni Mgumu
The beginning might be difficult, but it is satisfying.
Today we began our week's orientation. I was up late last night waiting for power to return so I could get some important items taken care of -- it didn't return. Today I woke up a little after four, hoping it would be on, but it wasn't. That was the least of the snafus, but we managed to recover from all of them.
The students have been very patient, indeed -- and I hope to match their patience with my own understanding as they deal with starting their education at a school still underconstruction.
In any case, it is almost ten at night and I am very ready for bed. As difficult as the day was, it was satisfying. Will post pictures soon.
Today we began our week's orientation. I was up late last night waiting for power to return so I could get some important items taken care of -- it didn't return. Today I woke up a little after four, hoping it would be on, but it wasn't. That was the least of the snafus, but we managed to recover from all of them.
The students have been very patient, indeed -- and I hope to match their patience with my own understanding as they deal with starting their education at a school still underconstruction.
In any case, it is almost ten at night and I am very ready for bed. As difficult as the day was, it was satisfying. Will post pictures soon.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Sneaking Away
Came to print something in anticipation of our students arriving in one hour. Ready or not (in some ways ready, in some ways NOT), here they come.
In fact, some have been waiting since ten this morning -- registration does not begin until 2.
That's the word from these parts.
Whew. Pictures to follow!
In fact, some have been waiting since ten this morning -- registration does not begin until 2.
That's the word from these parts.
Whew. Pictures to follow!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Nipo Ihumwa!
I am now a resident of Ihumwa! We moved tonight. Mind you, I haven't moved all my things -- I packed as if I were going on a long business trip. There are books and clothing still remaining in town.
But here I am. When I arrived I raced around to all the workers, exclaiming to them in Kiswahili: "I am no longer a guest, I'm a citizen of this place!" (Sasa si mgeni; mimi ni mwenyeji)
It is very relaxing here right now as the sun sets. The birds are singing beautifully, and it is very peaceful. The only downside so far? Bad Internet -- we'll see if I can manage to post these words.
But here I am. When I arrived I raced around to all the workers, exclaiming to them in Kiswahili: "I am no longer a guest, I'm a citizen of this place!" (Sasa si mgeni; mimi ni mwenyeji)
It is very relaxing here right now as the sun sets. The birds are singing beautifully, and it is very peaceful. The only downside so far? Bad Internet -- we'll see if I can manage to post these words.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
It's Looking Good
Our friends the deputy chief zonal inspectors returned today -- at the request of the chief zonal inspector of schools. They themselves left content after their last visit, but the CZI was not entirely satisfied.
They returned today to find everything they had seen earlier but in better order (simply because we're that much closer to the commencement of school). They also saw a "Potemkin laboratory," set up with benches and stools and some chemicals in the preparation room. (The set will be struck tomorrow.)
Long story short: One inspector asked where he might acquire a nifty bunk-bed like ours and the other was absolutely giddy (her son will be a student). I'm hoping it is not another false start.
They returned today to find everything they had seen earlier but in better order (simply because we're that much closer to the commencement of school). They also saw a "Potemkin laboratory," set up with benches and stools and some chemicals in the preparation room. (The set will be struck tomorrow.)
Long story short: One inspector asked where he might acquire a nifty bunk-bed like ours and the other was absolutely giddy (her son will be a student). I'm hoping it is not another false start.
Falling...
...into place, many things. As Sunday approaches, I am actually feeling more comfortable with our situation. Will everything be in place? Absolutely not. Will it be a dire situation, though? I don't expect so, and in fact I think generally we're on top of things -- or at least no most of what we're not on top of!
As I recall, there's a Donald Rumsfeld quotation about knowing what you don't know. I realize that the nature of a surprise is that it cannot be anticipated. At the same time, I think one of the things I do pretty well (at the expense of sleep) is to imagine various possible scenarios and design programs and structures to meet as many different eventualities as possible.
We've had meetings the last two days among Kizito Busobozi, SJ (have I mentioned his arrival? a great assignment by the provincial to our place for which I am very thankful), Sr. Maria, the director of boarding; and Sr. Beatrice, the matron -- and today we were joined by Sr. Immaculata, the nurse, and Mr. Thomas Warema, the patron. The meetings were meant to plan the arrival of the students on Sunday and then also the schedule of events during the following orientation week.
The arrival of Kizito and St. Maria, et al., poses one challenge for me, however. After working on so many things alone, I am out of practice re: delegating to others things to be done. I had to remind myself of that today and turn over the orientation week plans to the folks, who will plan it with the teachers and divvy up responsibilities.
Other good news is that the details of my trip to the US are coming together. So far, three different friends/family have agreed to host small gatherings of folks, which gatherings will provide me the chance to introduce/update folks about our project.
In other news, tomorrow night will be my first night at Ihumwa. Our provisional residence is not quite ready -- but given that there are so many here who have so much less, a few nights with just a bed and no other furniture should not be so very difficult to manage (I hope).
As I recall, there's a Donald Rumsfeld quotation about knowing what you don't know. I realize that the nature of a surprise is that it cannot be anticipated. At the same time, I think one of the things I do pretty well (at the expense of sleep) is to imagine various possible scenarios and design programs and structures to meet as many different eventualities as possible.
We've had meetings the last two days among Kizito Busobozi, SJ (have I mentioned his arrival? a great assignment by the provincial to our place for which I am very thankful), Sr. Maria, the director of boarding; and Sr. Beatrice, the matron -- and today we were joined by Sr. Immaculata, the nurse, and Mr. Thomas Warema, the patron. The meetings were meant to plan the arrival of the students on Sunday and then also the schedule of events during the following orientation week.
The arrival of Kizito and St. Maria, et al., poses one challenge for me, however. After working on so many things alone, I am out of practice re: delegating to others things to be done. I had to remind myself of that today and turn over the orientation week plans to the folks, who will plan it with the teachers and divvy up responsibilities.
Other good news is that the details of my trip to the US are coming together. So far, three different friends/family have agreed to host small gatherings of folks, which gatherings will provide me the chance to introduce/update folks about our project.
In other news, tomorrow night will be my first night at Ihumwa. Our provisional residence is not quite ready -- but given that there are so many here who have so much less, a few nights with just a bed and no other furniture should not be so very difficult to manage (I hope).
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
This Close
We're $2,200.00 from having sufficient funds for another mess o' books for our library. Maybe you can help us reach our goal of $15,000.00. A hearty thanks again for all those folks who helped us to get this far.
There are many other things we need help with, of course. We could especially use help getting us off the ground with our agriculture project. We need to build animal sheds (for cows, chickens, goats, pigs, and rabbits) -- and assistance with the initial purchase of breeding livestock as well, need to install drip irrigation for our table vegetable gardens, and need to buy high quality seed.
Also, if anyone knows of folks who might be interested in helping us get a vineyard off the ground (we're in the "Napa Valley" of Tanzania -- I prefer to think of it as the "Paso Robles" of TZ, myself), give us a jingle.
I'm writing this entry as a distraction from what I should be doing, which is clerical work that desperately needs to be done in preparation for Sunday's arrival of our students. (Happily I think I finally have hired a competent secretary.)
So much to do before them -- and I'm a bit paralyzed by it all.
There are many other things we need help with, of course. We could especially use help getting us off the ground with our agriculture project. We need to build animal sheds (for cows, chickens, goats, pigs, and rabbits) -- and assistance with the initial purchase of breeding livestock as well, need to install drip irrigation for our table vegetable gardens, and need to buy high quality seed.
Also, if anyone knows of folks who might be interested in helping us get a vineyard off the ground (we're in the "Napa Valley" of Tanzania -- I prefer to think of it as the "Paso Robles" of TZ, myself), give us a jingle.
I'm writing this entry as a distraction from what I should be doing, which is clerical work that desperately needs to be done in preparation for Sunday's arrival of our students. (Happily I think I finally have hired a competent secretary.)
So much to do before them -- and I'm a bit paralyzed by it all.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Some Photos of SPCHS @ OLQP
The multi-purpose hall (a little out of focus)
The girls' dormitory with the matrons/patrons residence to the right.
In the foreground is the second classroom wing; behind it is the completed wing.
Staff housing; using TZ system: ground floor will be temporary administrative offices; first floor will be available to faculty; second floor will be temporary Jesuit community.
The library, recent work has been slow in order to concentrate on the other buildings so they can be ready to welcome students on 23 January -- (gulp) nine days away!
A Panoramic View
I have so much to do to prepare; but even though I'm overwhelmed and burdened with majukumu I am so excited that I have to take the time to post these updates!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Danger of What We're Doing
When education is framed as the answer to all the ills of a country and the principal means for its development, the consequences can be devastating. This commentary on the recent riots in Tunisia and Algeria gets it just about right, I think.
Our hope is to frame the importance of education in more humanistic terms regarding the development of the person. I hope this will bear fruit re: integration rather than the alienation that is beginning to be apparent even here.Societies on both sides of the Mediterranean suffer from what one might call diplomatosis. This dangerous disease is caused by the assumption that, since a modern economy requires educated people, the more educated people it can call upon—as measured by the average number of years in school—the more productive that economy will be. On this view, education is in itself the motor of growth, and the demand for educated labor will automatically keep up with, if not outstrip, the supply.
The story of the young Tunisian Mohammed Bouazizi, whose suicidal self-immolation was the spark that set Tunisia aflame, is instructive. He was 26 and had a degree in computer science. Like 200,000 other university graduates in Tunisia (in a population of 10 million), he could not find a job. He then tried selling fruits and vegetables from a stall. However, he did not have bureaucratic permission to do this—such permission being bestowed by other university graduates, lucky or well-connected enough to have found jobs in the public-sector bureaucracy. The police constantly harassed him because he didn’t have the requisite licenses. It is said that he set fire to himself when a policeman spat in his face.
No policy could be more dangerous, more certain ultimately to produce a social explosion, than to educate young people for many years and deny them first the opportunity to earn a living that they believe is commensurate with their education, and then the opportunity to earn a living at all. But this is the policy that many countries persist in following on both sides of the Mediterranean.
Malkia wa Amani: Utuombe
Queen of Peace: Pray for us.
Here are some photos of the statue sculpted by Patrick Loti, a Ugandan artist specializing in religious art. I think Patrick has done an outstanding job, and I cannot wait for the arrival of the statue to our campus.
Immediately after passing the porter at the OLQP gate, the visitor encounters a roundabout (also known here as a kipilefti). This statue of OLQP will welcome visitors to the campus.
The funds were provided by the wonderful matriarch of a family I know in California. Her generosity will also provide a life-sized carved wooden crucifix for our chapel. Too often we get so concerned about goodness and truth that we forget the importance of beauty.
Here are some photos of the statue sculpted by Patrick Loti, a Ugandan artist specializing in religious art. I think Patrick has done an outstanding job, and I cannot wait for the arrival of the statue to our campus.
Immediately after passing the porter at the OLQP gate, the visitor encounters a roundabout (also known here as a kipilefti). This statue of OLQP will welcome visitors to the campus.
The funds were provided by the wonderful matriarch of a family I know in California. Her generosity will also provide a life-sized carved wooden crucifix for our chapel. Too often we get so concerned about goodness and truth that we forget the importance of beauty.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Whew!
We just had the visit of two deputies of the Zonal Chief Inspector of Schools at the school. Though things are a bit rough around the edges still, they were very impressed by what we're trying to accomplish.
Their boss had me worried -- very worried, in fact. I was worried that we wouldn't pass inspection and therefore couldn't get our school registration number, but it seems as if it is all a go now. We will be able to open on 23 January and do so legally (if not comfortably)!
**Later**
In fact, the ZCIS has provided us some bumps. I wouldn't call it silliness, but they are rather small hoops for us to jump through before our folders are forwarded to the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.
Their boss had me worried -- very worried, in fact. I was worried that we wouldn't pass inspection and therefore couldn't get our school registration number, but it seems as if it is all a go now. We will be able to open on 23 January and do so legally (if not comfortably)!
**Later**
In fact, the ZCIS has provided us some bumps. I wouldn't call it silliness, but they are rather small hoops for us to jump through before our folders are forwarded to the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.
Monday, January 10, 2011
An Account of the Challenge of Schooling in Tanzania
This article captures the reality of classrooms here in Tanzania.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
What a Marvelous Day
I was scheduled for the "outstation" Mass today. This is the Mass that takes place in the small church in a village nearby village; we have responsibility for the pastor and sacramental care of the Christians there. I was scheduled, but I had to back out and ask Sossy to take it. Why? Because I found out that our nine pallets of books and computers were set to arrive sometime in the morning.
Andrea came over and we headed to PEN Trust's warehouse, which as it happens is not so far from the Church where I was to have celebrated Mass. The tractor-trailer had gotten stuck in the mud, so the 7 men hired to unload it had to walk some distance. After unloading some pallets destined for other schools, the truck managed to break free of the mud (with lots of help from the men who unloaded it) and headed to our school.
The video below captures the unloading at Miyuji, the truck's liberation from the mud, its arrival at our classroom building, and the unloading of the boxes.
Thank you to all who played a part in this, whether by financial assistance or otherwise. Awabarki Mungu Mwenyezi!
Andrea came over and we headed to PEN Trust's warehouse, which as it happens is not so far from the Church where I was to have celebrated Mass. The tractor-trailer had gotten stuck in the mud, so the 7 men hired to unload it had to walk some distance. After unloading some pallets destined for other schools, the truck managed to break free of the mud (with lots of help from the men who unloaded it) and headed to our school.
The video below captures the unloading at Miyuji, the truck's liberation from the mud, its arrival at our classroom building, and the unloading of the boxes.
Thank you to all who played a part in this, whether by financial assistance or otherwise. Awabarki Mungu Mwenyezi!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Another Wedding
Today you'll find another short clip of a band, but today's band is a drum band. It gives you a sense of the local drumming among the Wagogo, the people of this area, known for their drumming. The audio isn't great.
I love these bands. Alas, I seem to be part of a minority; most seem to prefer loud scratchy organ music (which, to be honest, I can hardly abide -- especially in comparison to the incredible beauty of the rhythms of the drums). But that's just me.
I love these bands. Alas, I seem to be part of a minority; most seem to prefer loud scratchy organ music (which, to be honest, I can hardly abide -- especially in comparison to the incredible beauty of the rhythms of the drums). But that's just me.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Interior of the Multi-Purpose Hall at St. Peter Claver HS
Construction of the multi-purpose hall is almost finished. This video shows folks putting the finishing touches on the hall -- principally getting the terrazzo finished.
A Wedding Parade Begins
I only had 15 seconds of video remaining but you get a sense of how the post nuptial Mass events unfold.
Walimu
That's the plural for "teacher." I write the plural because I am thinking about two teachers.
One is my hero Mwalimu Nyerere, the "Father of the Nation." His writings are an inspiration -- and his life of service for the benefit of others is an example. The other is Jason Raley, who directed my dissertation at UCSB, Jason whom I asked to be my director about this time of the year nine years ago.
Well, I've been very interested in howt the national devotion to the memory of Julius Nyerere gets played out relative to notions of schooling. I have some ideas and have informally collected data. How nice to find out that Mwalimu Jason has cooked up a pretty wonderful idea for a panel at the American Anthropological Association's annual meeting next November in Montreal.
And how nice that the provincial here thinks this is a worthwhile endeavour. And how nice that my niece Susan is getting married to Brett at the end of that week!
One is my hero Mwalimu Nyerere, the "Father of the Nation." His writings are an inspiration -- and his life of service for the benefit of others is an example. The other is Jason Raley, who directed my dissertation at UCSB, Jason whom I asked to be my director about this time of the year nine years ago.
Well, I've been very interested in howt the national devotion to the memory of Julius Nyerere gets played out relative to notions of schooling. I have some ideas and have informally collected data. How nice to find out that Mwalimu Jason has cooked up a pretty wonderful idea for a panel at the American Anthropological Association's annual meeting next November in Montreal.
And how nice that the provincial here thinks this is a worthwhile endeavour. And how nice that my niece Susan is getting married to Brett at the end of that week!
The Things, The Things
I just got word that there's another delay with our container of books.
This is an email from my friend Andrea who with another friend Mungwe have an NGO that helps coordinate such things:
This is an email from my friend Andrea who with another friend Mungwe have an NGO that helps coordinate such things:
Mungwe just heard from our clearing agent and it seems that while our container was going through the scanner the truck behind it rear ended our truck and knocked the scanning equipment off kilter - so after getting the insurance info taken care of we are still waiting for our scanning results - therefore the truck will most likely leave Dar late this evening or early tomorrow morning.
It Doesn't Take Much for Nature to Be Thankful
The rain has brought green to our campus. The red bug below is one of my favourites -- it has crab like pincers.
Jesuit Residence and Chapel
The Jesuit Residence and the Chapel are slated to be completed in early June. If you can make it to Dodoma for our dedication on 4 June 2011, you are most welcome!
Classroom and Library
The first wing of the classroom building is for all practical purposes finished -- just cleaning, getting the furniture in, etc., remains.
My one disappointment is with the chalk boards. Here classroom boards are simply painted walls. I want good quality porcelain boards that will last. I have yet to see a quality chalkboard here. I investigated using "whiteboards" but it seems the same problem exists here as elsewhere -- people using permanent markers instead of the dry-erase markers.
The library will not be completed until August is my guess. Until then, we will use two classrooms for books. My guess is there won't be another high school library in the country like ours when completed. (Not that I'm bragging or anything!)
My one disappointment is with the chalk boards. Here classroom boards are simply painted walls. I want good quality porcelain boards that will last. I have yet to see a quality chalkboard here. I investigated using "whiteboards" but it seems the same problem exists here as elsewhere -- people using permanent markers instead of the dry-erase markers.
The library will not be completed until August is my guess. Until then, we will use two classrooms for books. My guess is there won't be another high school library in the country like ours when completed. (Not that I'm bragging or anything!)
Views of the Dormitory Area
Engineers and architect meet just outside the boys' dormitory:
Below is the boys' dormitory -- 4 students per room (bunk beds -- or double-deckers as they are known here), 20 rooms per hall, 4 halls per wing, 2 wings. You can do the math:
The matron/patron residence is for all practical purposes complete. The Ivrea sisters will stay in the residence on the right. The patron (yikes! still to be hired!) will live along with some of the single male teachers on the right.
Below is the boys' dormitory -- 4 students per room (bunk beds -- or double-deckers as they are known here), 20 rooms per hall, 4 halls per wing, 2 wings. You can do the math:
The matron/patron residence is for all practical purposes complete. The Ivrea sisters will stay in the residence on the right. The patron (yikes! still to be hired!) will live along with some of the single male teachers on the right.
Scenes of the Multi-Purpose Hall
This first snap is from the perspective of the Jesuit Residence:
This one is of the preparation of the terrazzo -- the second floor you see with the rails is an indoor recreation area, located over the kitchen.
You can see folks with a grinder in the upper right of this picture, polishing the terrazzo. The building is very light and airy (this picture was taken on a cloudy day) -- we'll very rarely have to use lights.
This one is of the preparation of the terrazzo -- the second floor you see with the rails is an indoor recreation area, located over the kitchen.
You can see folks with a grinder in the upper right of this picture, polishing the terrazzo. The building is very light and airy (this picture was taken on a cloudy day) -- we'll very rarely have to use lights.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Who's to Complain?
Well, me. Some weeks back I asked folks to join me in praying for a rainy season that is actually rainy. We’ve had three good rains. Yesterday I mentioned to someone that we could use more – and soon. Well, it arrived this evening, starting with thunderstorms and now just a very steady, soaking rain – the kind farmers love.
But our books are supposed to arrive from Dar tomorrow and access to our temporary library will be super lorry-sinking muddy. Be careful what you pray for.
I’m going to have the books stored at the warehouse of our friends Mungwe and Andrea, who direct an ngo that’s been helpful to us: the Poverty Eradication Network Trust.
This is the latest in quite a journey for these books (and 40 desktops). The most recent incident was at the Dar port, where they arrived before the New Year. The container did not show up on the ship’s manifest. It was there, clearly, but there was no accounting for it. That problem was cleared up today.
My friend Franck kindly had his clients donate to St. Peter Claver's account at Books for Africa at Christmas. Their generosity combined with the generosity of Toledo friends and the Andrews McMeel Universal Foundation means that we will have another partial container on its way very soon! Our library will be well-stocked – and I guarantee it will also be well used.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Mungu Ibariki Tanzania
Since New Years Eve I have Tanzania's national anthem in my head.
It has to be among the most beautiful national anthems. Part of its beauty is not only the tune but that it is a prayer that Muslims and Christians regularly pray together. Pretty cool.
It has to be among the most beautiful national anthems. Part of its beauty is not only the tune but that it is a prayer that Muslims and Christians regularly pray together. Pretty cool.
God Bless Africa
1.
God Bless Africa.
Bless its leaders.
Let Wisdom Unity and
Peace be the shield of
Africa and its people.
Chorus :
Bless Africa,
Bless Africa,
Bless the children of Africa.
2.
God Bless Tanzania.
Grant eternal Freedom and Unity
To its sons and daughters.
God Bless Tanzania and its People.
Chorus :
Bless Tanzania,
Bless Tanzania,
Bless the children of Tanzania.
Testing
Today I tested three students for our remaining places. Two of them made it.
I promise to catch folks up on all our happenings (not completely halcyon happenings) ASAP.
In the meantime, Laura has provided us with some snaps of our second testing day.
Not as many students as we'd hoped for, but there were enough students who did well to help us on our way to our goal of 140 students.
Teacher David Mukasa (history and geography) keeps an eagle-eye on the students.
After the exams we took some desks outside and corrected the mathematics portion of the test (Laura and Sean had already corrected the English and Kiswahili).
You'll note in the pictures of the students taking the examinations that there were two nuns. Often times sisters here in Tanzania enter the convent only as Standard Seven leavers (primary school graduates). The sisters you see in the picture are in their thirties. Unfortunately, we could not offer them a place but we hope to help them prepare for next year's examination.
My dream would be to have a convent for sisters in this situation so that they would not be subjected to the indignity of having to live in dormitories with 14-year-old girls as one among them (which is the common practice here). I know that is a little projection re: cultural values, but at its root is a respect for women religious.
I promise to catch folks up on all our happenings (not completely halcyon happenings) ASAP.
In the meantime, Laura has provided us with some snaps of our second testing day.
Not as many students as we'd hoped for, but there were enough students who did well to help us on our way to our goal of 140 students.
Teacher David Mukasa (history and geography) keeps an eagle-eye on the students.
After the exams we took some desks outside and corrected the mathematics portion of the test (Laura and Sean had already corrected the English and Kiswahili).You'll note in the pictures of the students taking the examinations that there were two nuns. Often times sisters here in Tanzania enter the convent only as Standard Seven leavers (primary school graduates). The sisters you see in the picture are in their thirties. Unfortunately, we could not offer them a place but we hope to help them prepare for next year's examination.
My dream would be to have a convent for sisters in this situation so that they would not be subjected to the indignity of having to live in dormitories with 14-year-old girls as one among them (which is the common practice here). I know that is a little projection re: cultural values, but at its root is a respect for women religious.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Heri ya Mwaka Mpya
Happy New Year!
I've been without internet since early New Years Eve. I'll catch people up on the Dodoma doings as the opportunity presents itself -- very busy these days.
I've been without internet since early New Years Eve. I'll catch people up on the Dodoma doings as the opportunity presents itself -- very busy these days.
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