This morning Moses hired two motorcycle drivers to bring us to Nyerere Primary School. We just missed their early morning routines, where the students clean the schoolyard. This school has 690 students/25 teachers/6 classrooms - and the principal has a very small cubicle in the back of a classroom. Only Levels 1 and 2 come in shifts, due to their large numbers and limited space. The kindergarten class is held outside with the students sitting on a tarp and the teacher using a small blackboard propped against a tree.
I was informed that under the principal, is the assistant head teacher, and then the person responsible for 'academics' - making sure the teachers complete their daily lesson plans and follow the curriculum. Teachers must also sign in at the principal's office each morning and sign out - to keep track of their hours and attendance. The staff were amazed that I, as a teacher, did not have to show my principal my dayplan everyday.
After visiting a number of classes, the school put on a special performance for me. They set up a table (with tablecloth and flowers) under a large tree with two chairs - one for the principal, and one for me. The teachers sat behind us, and the students sat in front - leaving a space for the presenters. I was then entertained with a very loud and patriotic singing of the national anthem, poetry reading, singing, dancing and even some 'rap' - although it goes by a different name here. Everyone got quite a chuckle over some of the very enthusiastic hip shaking of some students during the dance segments.
Above is a picture of my 'favourite'(I know I shouldn't pick favourites!) student (in blue). Her name is Vaselin. I had her write it down for me because I didn't think I heard her correctly. She did a great job speaking in English in this class, lead the entire class in a song about their goals for the future, and lead another singing group during the presentation. She made a point to come and see me afterwards as well, pushing through the throng of students clamouring for my hand, or trying to touch my hair. (I was a minor celebrity here.)
Below I included a picture of Moses - the owner of Agape Lodge where I am staying. He is a reverend and also the Director of Elephant Thoughts Tanzania. We have many discussions about our two countries and he has done much to make me feel very welcome in his country and his lodge. (Usually he is smiling!)
Awesome!
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