Hamjambo!
We are now 3 days into our placements and are settling in well. The children are great, so happy and affectionate. They are very accepting of my poor Swahili (which is improving slowly). I am getting to know the teacher better, he is a kind and accepting man - although he was totally shocked that I live with my boyfriend! Apparently they are much more conservative over here.
We are now 3 days into our placements and are settling in well. The children are great, so happy and affectionate. They are very accepting of my poor Swahili (which is improving slowly). I am getting to know the teacher better, he is a kind and accepting man - although he was totally shocked that I live with my boyfriend! Apparently they are much more conservative over here.
He explained that the children pay 5000 shillings a month (the equivalent of less than 2 pounds 50p) but that many are too poor to pay. He lets them come anyway which is more generous than many schools I've heard about where children are simply sent home if the parents cannot contribute.
I have brought some supplies with me but I am not allowed to donate them to the school as it is the mission of CCS to empower the community rather than donate. I understand this as we often see the damage done by volunteers giving out presents that cannot be replaced.
I think I am lucky with my placement. Some volunteers are placed in schools with 70 children in a class. Corporal punishment is commonplace. One girl is at the district hospital and has witnessed some horrible things that I won't go into on here. However, everyone is rising to the challenge and we are all agreed that on our third day, we are settling in nicely.
Anyway, got to go as we are exploring the local cuisine tonight! We are off on a safari at the weekend so more next week....
Kwa Heri xx
6 comments:
Im shocked that you live with me too!!
x
Hi Aim.
Sounds really cool! I wanna go travelling again, wah!! The weather here is still really grim if that helps at all...
PS - according to this website, I'm a blogger! Weird..
xx
Sandspider who are you? Reveal yourself!x
Just one thing.. why was he shocked you live with Mills? It sounds related to the fact that they can't all afford school, but I don't get the link?!... Glad alls well! ;o) x
Fantastic to read your blog Aims (after finally managed to find it!)
Sounds like a once in a lifetime experience which you are really relishing.
Keep us updated, I can't actually believe you're there, what an inspiration!
Aim xx
Hey Aims,
Sounds like your having an amazing time!
Glad to hear you managed to squeeze in time for a safari.
Look forward to hearing more about your Africa adventures on the Skoda road trip.
Monz xxx
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