MEETING THE STUDENTS

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10th July 2015 – 7:46am

It was during a chemistry lesson that I was invited to speak to a group of students. I was not only surprised with this opportunity that  was given to me, but I was also impressed by the students’ confidence and the type of questions that they asked. And one question in particular that struck me was: “How can you inspire us?”

Wow! I took a deep breath and I said: “Well, I have been a teacher for 20 years, but more than that I have been a student for my entire life. It means that I learn something new every day. Yes, some people have inspired me and  encouraged me to pursue my dreams. So like you, I still have dreams and it is impossible to predict about our tomorrow. What I know is that, you have to live your present life to the full and you need to give the best of yourself in everything you do. Be honest, try hard, be wise and critical. But above all, be yourself! Find out about your talents and explore them.  Whatever you do, do it with love.”

Again I took my breath, caught a glimpse of the whole class, but they were staring at me:

“In fact, I only can be myself! I hope I can share with you who I am and my life experience.  Life is wonderful and usually full of surprises. And  as an example here I am, my first time in Africa, Ruhuha, at GS Rango.”

SWEEPING TIME

If you happen to be an early bird like me, your eyes and ears can catch the beauty of the first hours every morning. While the birds are singing in the trees that surround GS Rango, Ruhuha, this lady is sweeping the sparkingly clean walkway with a traditional short broom. It seems that the short-stocked broom has been part of the nation and the culture for a long time.

Well,  I thought I had also to try it myself. Why not?

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READING

Rwanda provides a unique perspective on how to continue to move towards its development to accomplish 2020 vision. The aim is to transform the country “into middle – income nation in which Rwandans are healthier, educated and generally more prosperous.”The switch to English can be challenging, but reading regularly will bring a significant number of benefits to the young people and their education.

Regularly, I used to meet the students  in the school library to explore the books available, as well as to help them to choose a suitable reader level that they could both read and understand.

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SCHOOL GARDEN

The school grows a garden with different vegetables and fruits for its own sustainance. It is a type of labour that often young people can look down on as a punishment. But by teaching agriculture the younger generation will support and improve farming and living in Rwanda.

I was able to identify most of the leaves except the “dodo.” Dodo is an African indigenous vegetable that is grown and harvested in the wild.  I had it everyday for my luch in the school. It was picked from the school garden, rinsed, chopped and cooked with beens, banana and meat. Delicious and healthy! I love it.

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Tomato – urunyanya
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Onion – igitunguru

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Papaia – paw paw

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Banana – igitoki ( plantation) and umuneke (ripe banana)

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Orange – icunga

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MY SCHOOL PLACEMENT

8th July 2015

5:30am – It is time to get up! The loud sound of my neighbour’s radio announces this.  I have plenty time to get ready and walk that long large street of Ruhuha to get to my placement school. It takes me approximately 30min to get there.

I am taking a world map and a small globe that travelled with me all the way from Scotland to Ruhuha in Rwanda. I might use them as I visit all the classes in the school.

imageThis is Groupe Scolaire Rango, a secondary school.

MOBILE PHONE

07th July 2015 – 17:24

Surprisingly, almost every adult has a mobile phone in Rwanda. In fact some people have more than one. It seems that this tecnology has taken over this part of the world. The variety of services available through mobile phones is impressive. Among so many things you can do with your mobile,  here you can buy credits for your electricity. However, in case of a power cut you have easy access to a place where you can charge your mobile.

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A DAY FULL OF FIRST TIME

07th July 2015 – pm

It was a day full of first time experiences in a foreign land.

*Delivering my luggage,

*Finding out about the new neighbourhood,

*Meeting the headmaster of my school placement,

*Visiting the local Education Secretary,

*Going to a local restaurant,

*Buying drinking water,

*Decision making and decision taking,

This is my first day in Ruhuha and the blue building is my reference point. I live just up that street.

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This blog aims to share my personal and professional experience in Rwanda

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