Hi All!
I am now safely back in the land of Aus and already Tanzania feels like a dream. I honestly can’t describe what an amazing experience and journey living in Tanzania was! I don’t think I will ever be able to put my experience into words. I literally had the time of my life-filled with beautiful scenery, beautiful people and a beautiful way of life. I feel so incredibly lucky to have been given the opportunity to live a completely different life for 6 months; filled with new people and new experiences. I can guarantee that my trip was definitely not my last to such a wonderful part of the world. I’m sure I will call Africa home once again, in the future.
I’m sorry I didn’t write in my last few months-things got incredibly busy and I was having too much fun just living the experiences, I didn’t have time to report on them. Now that I’m home, however, and have a little more time on my hands, I thought I better write one last entry to let you know of all the awesome things I did in those last few months of my time in Africa.
Firstly, the Library got finished, WOOHOO! We finished it on our last day in Ikwiriri, so a pretty solid effort on everyone’s behalf. Thankyou to everyone back home who kindly donated to this project, it really meant a lot to the students and staff at Ikwiriri Secondary School. You have no idea what a difference it will make!
I also wrote another set of exams for my beautiful students’ annual exams, which they sat in late November-and then proceeded to pull a few late nights getting them marked so I could hand them back on Form one’s final day of school for the year; Dec 2nd. A bit of a sad day, saying goodbye to some of the most beautiful, inspirational and amazing people I have ever met!
After a few hectic days spent cleaning, packing and saying more goodbyes, we said our final goodbye to Ikwiriri on December 4th and hit the road. We got a driver to drive us to Dar Es Salaam (as we had WAY too much stuff to try and fit on the bus!) and our headmaster accompanied us, which was a nice way to finish up our time as the “Mzungu teachers” at Ik.
Dec 5th we jumped on the bus headed for Uganda, which was a lovely 32 hour bus trip! We spent a few days in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, where we went and crossed the equator and visited a few orphanages. One was called Mlisada, which is a home for street children and I can guarantee every single one of us was so moved by the kids there! They raise all their money by playing a brass band (of 2nd hand instruments), dancing and doing acrobatics. Every child is encouraged to find their special talent and use this to raise money for the home. They put on a great big concert for us and then we were asked to get up on stage while every single kid came up and hugged us! One of the most touching experiences of my whole time in Africa.
After Kampala, we headed up to Jinja-the source of the Nile! An absolutely beautiful part of the world! On our first day there, a few of us tried the local delicacy-grasshoppers (don’t recommend it, they were disgusting) and then headed out for a leisurely horse ride around the Nile. We spent our second day watching the more brave ones of the group bungee jump (me, not being one of them), and then did a little exploring. That night we decided to do a booze cruise along the Nile at sunset-all you can eat and drink in two hours. It got messy! Especially after we smuggled the grog off the boat. Was a very fun night!
Best hangover cure-white water rafting! The next morning, we headed out for a day on the water. Was so much fun and seriously adrenalin pumping! The rapids were fairly extreme at times, rafting up to grade 5’s. I highly recommend it to anyone who gets the chance, was really fantastic!
After a tiring day of white-water rafting and a boda-boda (a motorbike of sorts) ride I’d rather forget-we boarded the bus for Rwanda, ready to trek some Mountain Gorillas! Had a bit of fun at the border after we were informed we couldn’t get visas into the country (thankfully we got ourselves out of that situation and EVENTUALLY were able to buy them) and then got into the country, only to find out that our Gorilla trekking permits STILL hadn’t been secured. So we weren’t off to a great start. However, all worked out in the end and we were able to go Gorilla trekking-which was an incredible experience! We literally had a man out the front with a machete, creating a track for us through the jungle while we followed the ‘Ntambara ‘ family of Gorillas. They are the most amazing creatures and watching them made it evident just how closely related we are to them! We were able to get really close to them which was awesome. Loved it!
Also, while in Rwanda, we visited the Rwandan Genocide Memorial; which was a very sobering experience. Before entering East Africa, I must confess I knew very little about the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 so between the book “Emergency Sex and other Desperate Measures”, some other little bits and pieces I read from other places and my visit to this memorial; I was given a real education. Was so hard to grasp that something this horrific happened in my lifetime! The effects are still evident, you still see and meet people who are survivors of this horrific event; often with amputations and disabilities to show as a result.
After Rwanda, I headed back to Jinja for a night, to break up the trip a bit and to meet up with Ross; with whom I finished my travels. Had a very relaxing time there, and struggled to get on yet ANOTHER bus back to Tanzania. Once in Tanzania, we had a bit of a stop off in Moshi, where we met back up with Angus and Alex as well as some of Ross’ friends from Morogoro International School. Here we visited Mt Kilimanjaro, one of Tanzania’s most famous landmarks. Then it was time to head back to Dar Es Salaam to pack, do some last minute shopping and board the plane back to Australia.
Two days, four flights and one car trip later, I arrived back in the little town of South West Rocks on Christmas Eve to surprise Mum. It was fantastic to be back to spend Christmas with my wonderful family. 2010 has now come to an end and, so, the next phase of my life begins; whilst last year really did bring me the most amazing experience, I look forward to 2011 and what it will bring.
Thankyou to everyone who read this and supported me! You really do mean the world to me :D
Over and out
xx
Monday, January 17, 2011
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Exciting news!
Hey guys,
Just a quick update as have some exciting news I'd like to share with you all! After months of trying to work out what to do with the money people kindly donated to us; Connie and I finally came up with the idea of building a library and, after a few discussions with headmaster and a meeting with the district education officer, we have just found out it has been approved! So with a short 6 weeks left of placement, we are going to attempt to build a library so that the students actually have access to the books that, at the present, are shoved in corners of storerooms covered in dust! This entails: putting a ceiling on a room (inc. fans and lights), building shelves and fixing windows and the door (all of which we will employ and supervise a local 'fundi' to do) while we will take on the jobs of painting, decorating as well as sorting, cataloging , dusting and buying books! All of this while we are still teaching! So, needless to say, I expect to be fairly busy up until the end of placement...but am so excited (and a little anxious) to get started!
Anyway, will update you all a little later as to how it is getting on...but just wanted to share this exciting news with you! Hope you're all happy and healthy!
xx
Just a quick update as have some exciting news I'd like to share with you all! After months of trying to work out what to do with the money people kindly donated to us; Connie and I finally came up with the idea of building a library and, after a few discussions with headmaster and a meeting with the district education officer, we have just found out it has been approved! So with a short 6 weeks left of placement, we are going to attempt to build a library so that the students actually have access to the books that, at the present, are shoved in corners of storerooms covered in dust! This entails: putting a ceiling on a room (inc. fans and lights), building shelves and fixing windows and the door (all of which we will employ and supervise a local 'fundi' to do) while we will take on the jobs of painting, decorating as well as sorting, cataloging , dusting and buying books! All of this while we are still teaching! So, needless to say, I expect to be fairly busy up until the end of placement...but am so excited (and a little anxious) to get started!
Anyway, will update you all a little later as to how it is getting on...but just wanted to share this exciting news with you! Hope you're all happy and healthy!
xx
Thursday, September 30, 2010
My travels!
Thought it about time to update you all once again!
Where to begin...
Last few weeks of school were quite full-on and, for the first time, I felt like a true stressed-out teacher! In true African style, my week of revision before exams didn't happen as the school decided other things, such as making me sit through a FOUR hour staff meeting all in Swahili so I didn't understand a word of it anyway, having all the girls in the school forcefully pregnancy tested so they could be kicked out if they tested positive and student elections (yes, in Africa it takes a WHOLE day) were much more important. I also had to not only write the Form 1 English exam, but also type it up and photocopy and staple 240 copies! Of course the photocopier at the stationary shop in Ikwiriri couldn't quite handle the capacity so I had to do it in lots and between black-outs and public holiday's...I was beginning to wonder if I would have them done in time! But, never fear, I got there in the end and felt the weight lift off my shoulders as I stapled the last of the papers! (There was some serious celebrating that weekend).
The following week was exams so Connie and I helped supervise (yet another experience that makes you go "whoa...I'm actually a teacher!") which, for the main part was fairly uneventful (apart from some sneaky attempts at cheating), although a snake in one of the form 3 classrooms led to me nearly being trampled by a stampede of students! Form 1 sat their English exam on the Thursday and I think I quite possibly was more nervous than they were! Have already marked the first 3 sections (out of 4) and am interested to get the last section marked and see how the students went as a whole. That will be my job for Sunday, as I get back to Ikwiriri this Saturday.
So after the stress of having to be a 'real' teacher, Connie, Alex, Angus and myself headed up to Arusha for a 4 day Safari of Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro Crater! A totally surreal and magical experience, loved every second of it! Am running out of internet time and am rushing so may miss some out but we saw: elephants, waterbucks, zebras, giraffes, wildebeast, impalas, dik diks, warthogs, monkeys, vultures, ostriches, baboons, mongoose, lions and lionesses, cheetahs, a leopard (up a tree, eating a gazelle!), hyenas, jackals, hippos, thomsons and grants gazelles, secretary birds, buffalo, kopes, flamingos etc. Was really awesome!
Connie and I got granted a second week off school so we have spent this week on Zanzibar Island, looking at some of the slave history here, doing PLENTY of shopping and today we went to Prison Island and saw, fed and patted Aldabra Giant Tortoises; which are apparently the 2nd largest tortoises in the world (one was 185 years old and he was HUGE!) and went snorkelling. So are having a fantastic time!
Living it up in the food department too, as there are these gardens right down by the waterfront, called Forodahani Gardens, and of a night time they come alive with food markets. We have gone there every night for dinner! For all you seafood lovers out there, be jealous, as they have every type of fresh seafood imaginable and it costs next to nothing! I personally, however, have become addicted to Zanzibar pizzas-which are these conconctions of pastry, veggies, cheese, egg, mayonaise and, in my case, beef; and they are SO good. Follow that up with a 'pizza' (they arent anything like a normal pizza) of nutella and banana topped with sweetened condensed milk and chocolate topping and you have one hell of a dessert! Have been going to the same pizza guy all week and he's become a little fond of me so tonight (as it is my last night in Zanz) I get my banana and chocolate pizza for free! Pretty excited about that (even though they cost all of about $1.50 AUS anyway, lol). Then we will leave Zanzibar tomorrow, stay in Dar the night and head back to Ik on Sat to get all organised for school on Monday.
Have been in Tanz for over 100 days now, I cant believe it! Time is flying! Only have 9 more weeks of teaching and then it will be all over :( Am going to miss my students SO much when the time comes for me to leave. But am pushing that out of my mind at the moment.
Anyway, am just about to run out of net time so must leave it there!
Alisha
Where to begin...
Last few weeks of school were quite full-on and, for the first time, I felt like a true stressed-out teacher! In true African style, my week of revision before exams didn't happen as the school decided other things, such as making me sit through a FOUR hour staff meeting all in Swahili so I didn't understand a word of it anyway, having all the girls in the school forcefully pregnancy tested so they could be kicked out if they tested positive and student elections (yes, in Africa it takes a WHOLE day) were much more important. I also had to not only write the Form 1 English exam, but also type it up and photocopy and staple 240 copies! Of course the photocopier at the stationary shop in Ikwiriri couldn't quite handle the capacity so I had to do it in lots and between black-outs and public holiday's...I was beginning to wonder if I would have them done in time! But, never fear, I got there in the end and felt the weight lift off my shoulders as I stapled the last of the papers! (There was some serious celebrating that weekend).
The following week was exams so Connie and I helped supervise (yet another experience that makes you go "whoa...I'm actually a teacher!") which, for the main part was fairly uneventful (apart from some sneaky attempts at cheating), although a snake in one of the form 3 classrooms led to me nearly being trampled by a stampede of students! Form 1 sat their English exam on the Thursday and I think I quite possibly was more nervous than they were! Have already marked the first 3 sections (out of 4) and am interested to get the last section marked and see how the students went as a whole. That will be my job for Sunday, as I get back to Ikwiriri this Saturday.
So after the stress of having to be a 'real' teacher, Connie, Alex, Angus and myself headed up to Arusha for a 4 day Safari of Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro Crater! A totally surreal and magical experience, loved every second of it! Am running out of internet time and am rushing so may miss some out but we saw: elephants, waterbucks, zebras, giraffes, wildebeast, impalas, dik diks, warthogs, monkeys, vultures, ostriches, baboons, mongoose, lions and lionesses, cheetahs, a leopard (up a tree, eating a gazelle!), hyenas, jackals, hippos, thomsons and grants gazelles, secretary birds, buffalo, kopes, flamingos etc. Was really awesome!
Connie and I got granted a second week off school so we have spent this week on Zanzibar Island, looking at some of the slave history here, doing PLENTY of shopping and today we went to Prison Island and saw, fed and patted Aldabra Giant Tortoises; which are apparently the 2nd largest tortoises in the world (one was 185 years old and he was HUGE!) and went snorkelling. So are having a fantastic time!
Living it up in the food department too, as there are these gardens right down by the waterfront, called Forodahani Gardens, and of a night time they come alive with food markets. We have gone there every night for dinner! For all you seafood lovers out there, be jealous, as they have every type of fresh seafood imaginable and it costs next to nothing! I personally, however, have become addicted to Zanzibar pizzas-which are these conconctions of pastry, veggies, cheese, egg, mayonaise and, in my case, beef; and they are SO good. Follow that up with a 'pizza' (they arent anything like a normal pizza) of nutella and banana topped with sweetened condensed milk and chocolate topping and you have one hell of a dessert! Have been going to the same pizza guy all week and he's become a little fond of me so tonight (as it is my last night in Zanz) I get my banana and chocolate pizza for free! Pretty excited about that (even though they cost all of about $1.50 AUS anyway, lol). Then we will leave Zanzibar tomorrow, stay in Dar the night and head back to Ik on Sat to get all organised for school on Monday.
Have been in Tanz for over 100 days now, I cant believe it! Time is flying! Only have 9 more weeks of teaching and then it will be all over :( Am going to miss my students SO much when the time comes for me to leave. But am pushing that out of my mind at the moment.
Anyway, am just about to run out of net time so must leave it there!
Alisha
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
About time...I know!
My Lonely Planet guidebook begins its description of Tanzania by saying “Let Tanzania get its grip on you and you won’t be able to shake loose. There’s a magic to this country, an alluring equanimity and simplicity, a natural magnificence that all only begin to take hold slowly. But, once they do, they never let go.” The longer I am here, the more true this becomes! The everyday normalities that, at first, I thought were crazy, absurd or down right ridiculous; are now moments that just make me appreciate and love Tanzania all the more!
Tanzania is a beautiful country-with it’s main form of beauty coming from the people and their way of life. If you think Australia is friendly, you should come here! Everyone is so welcoming, it gets to the point here where you’re almost offended if someone doesn’t say hello. Our 20min walk into town highlights this more than anything. Connie and I are constantly greeted and usually not just with a fleeting ‘hello’. People stop, shake hands and have a conversation (a short one in our case as our Swahili still isn’t great) before continuing on their way.
Walking into town has become one of our favourite things-no matter what kind of day we have had; the constant cry of ‘shikamoo’, ‘mambo’ and ‘mzungu’ by the kids is guaranteed to put a smile on our face. Since visiting the Primary School and introducing ourselves, a lot of kids now know our names so we get a constant ‘Alisha, Connie, Alisha, Connie’ the whole way. Makes us laugh!
Town, itself, is really cool and somewhere we always enjoy visiting. We get all our fruit and veggies from the markets and then food like rice, beans, sugar etc from the ‘supermarket’ (which is really just a 3 walled small room with the food along the walls and a man to serve you). They are in huge bags and they weigh out how much you want.
Town also contains the most AMAZING fresh juice place (fresh passion fruit juice is incredible!), next to which is our ‘chef’ (for want of a better word) who cooks us up chips and goat meat kebabs (chipsi na mishkaki) which we treat ourselves to once a week. Is our weekly dose of meat so, needless to say, we love it! However, Ramadan has just begun here so it looks like it may be a month before we get it again :(
The lifestyle over here takes a little getting used to, but not at all in a negative way. The pace of life is much slower, no one is ever in a rush and being ‘late’ is non-existent (you learn patience pretty early on!). Ibra (one of the Primary School teachers we have become friends with) often tells us we walk too fast and wants to know why Westerners always seem to be hurrying. Rushing to do something over here is just unheard of! It’s also not unusual here to spend hours doing a single job; like doing washing or preparing and cooking a meal (took us 3 hours just to make and cook chapattis the other weekend!).
As school only goes until 1:10pm, I was a bit worried about being bored of an afternoon; but Connie and I find plenty to keep ourselves busy. Cooking, cleaning, planning lessons, trying to kill the rat that thinks I should share my bananas with it (and it is one smart rat!), visiting students houses, having students over, going into town, attending football (you aren’t allowed to call it soccer over here) matches, having cooking lessons, visiting the Primary School and having dancing lessons (we’ve only had one so far but we were pretty terrible! We just can’t shake our booty’s like they can. So much fun though!) and hanging with the local kids who come around to use Connie’s soccer ball so they can give their home-made one's (of HEAPS of plastic bags wrapped tightly into a ball with string) a break; successfully takes up most of our time.
Teaching is going well. Can’t believe I’m already in my fifth week! It’s flying by-have been in Tanz nearly two months already! Took a little while to get into the swing of teaching but think I’m getting there slowly. It’s hard work but rewarding and the students (most) are absolutely awesome! There really is nothing quite like walking into a classroom and having 50-60 students yell out “Good morning Madam!”. Is definitely something I will miss when I leave!
My students have exams in 4 weeks time (which I’m responsible for writing AND marking) so am looking forward to getting a bit of a better idea as to their ability and what they are struggling with; as with such big classes it can be hard to gauge. Is strange to start thinking about what I will examine them on; makes everything feel all the more real. At the moment I still sort of feel like I’m role playing being a teacher or something, rather than actually being one!
After exams, we get a one week holiday; at which time a group of us are planning to do a 4 day safari of Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Should be awesome, I’m really looking forward to doing some more travel! So, at the moment, Alex and I are in the midst of contacting lots of different companies and getting quotes etc for it. Exciting stuff!
There are so many moments here where you’re reminded of what a different country you are in-from things such as watching men in town make furniture completely by hand (without a single power tool) (their bodies show it!!!) to seeing men ride past our house on bicycles with logs over 3m long and probably close to 100kg strapped on the back. Then there are things like seeing women with babies strapped on their backs by khangas, a few kids at their feet and a 20L bucket of water balanced on their head; on their way back from the well and moments such as squeezing that one extra person on the Daladala, even though it means they are half hanging out the door!
As a running joke between the group of volunteers over here, we have decided to document these crazy, funny and special moments; so have started a collection of ‘you know you’re in Africa when…’ sayings. We are quickly building quite a list! Will have to write a few on here every now and then for all you folk back home :)
So, all in all, I am loving Tanzania more and more everyday! Miss home and life back in Aus but wouldn’t trade this experience for anything!
I hope you’re all well and are enjoying whatever path you have chosen to take!
Alisha
Tanzania is a beautiful country-with it’s main form of beauty coming from the people and their way of life. If you think Australia is friendly, you should come here! Everyone is so welcoming, it gets to the point here where you’re almost offended if someone doesn’t say hello. Our 20min walk into town highlights this more than anything. Connie and I are constantly greeted and usually not just with a fleeting ‘hello’. People stop, shake hands and have a conversation (a short one in our case as our Swahili still isn’t great) before continuing on their way.
Walking into town has become one of our favourite things-no matter what kind of day we have had; the constant cry of ‘shikamoo’, ‘mambo’ and ‘mzungu’ by the kids is guaranteed to put a smile on our face. Since visiting the Primary School and introducing ourselves, a lot of kids now know our names so we get a constant ‘Alisha, Connie, Alisha, Connie’ the whole way. Makes us laugh!
Town, itself, is really cool and somewhere we always enjoy visiting. We get all our fruit and veggies from the markets and then food like rice, beans, sugar etc from the ‘supermarket’ (which is really just a 3 walled small room with the food along the walls and a man to serve you). They are in huge bags and they weigh out how much you want.
Town also contains the most AMAZING fresh juice place (fresh passion fruit juice is incredible!), next to which is our ‘chef’ (for want of a better word) who cooks us up chips and goat meat kebabs (chipsi na mishkaki) which we treat ourselves to once a week. Is our weekly dose of meat so, needless to say, we love it! However, Ramadan has just begun here so it looks like it may be a month before we get it again :(
The lifestyle over here takes a little getting used to, but not at all in a negative way. The pace of life is much slower, no one is ever in a rush and being ‘late’ is non-existent (you learn patience pretty early on!). Ibra (one of the Primary School teachers we have become friends with) often tells us we walk too fast and wants to know why Westerners always seem to be hurrying. Rushing to do something over here is just unheard of! It’s also not unusual here to spend hours doing a single job; like doing washing or preparing and cooking a meal (took us 3 hours just to make and cook chapattis the other weekend!).
As school only goes until 1:10pm, I was a bit worried about being bored of an afternoon; but Connie and I find plenty to keep ourselves busy. Cooking, cleaning, planning lessons, trying to kill the rat that thinks I should share my bananas with it (and it is one smart rat!), visiting students houses, having students over, going into town, attending football (you aren’t allowed to call it soccer over here) matches, having cooking lessons, visiting the Primary School and having dancing lessons (we’ve only had one so far but we were pretty terrible! We just can’t shake our booty’s like they can. So much fun though!) and hanging with the local kids who come around to use Connie’s soccer ball so they can give their home-made one's (of HEAPS of plastic bags wrapped tightly into a ball with string) a break; successfully takes up most of our time.
Teaching is going well. Can’t believe I’m already in my fifth week! It’s flying by-have been in Tanz nearly two months already! Took a little while to get into the swing of teaching but think I’m getting there slowly. It’s hard work but rewarding and the students (most) are absolutely awesome! There really is nothing quite like walking into a classroom and having 50-60 students yell out “Good morning Madam!”. Is definitely something I will miss when I leave!
My students have exams in 4 weeks time (which I’m responsible for writing AND marking) so am looking forward to getting a bit of a better idea as to their ability and what they are struggling with; as with such big classes it can be hard to gauge. Is strange to start thinking about what I will examine them on; makes everything feel all the more real. At the moment I still sort of feel like I’m role playing being a teacher or something, rather than actually being one!
After exams, we get a one week holiday; at which time a group of us are planning to do a 4 day safari of Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Should be awesome, I’m really looking forward to doing some more travel! So, at the moment, Alex and I are in the midst of contacting lots of different companies and getting quotes etc for it. Exciting stuff!
There are so many moments here where you’re reminded of what a different country you are in-from things such as watching men in town make furniture completely by hand (without a single power tool) (their bodies show it!!!) to seeing men ride past our house on bicycles with logs over 3m long and probably close to 100kg strapped on the back. Then there are things like seeing women with babies strapped on their backs by khangas, a few kids at their feet and a 20L bucket of water balanced on their head; on their way back from the well and moments such as squeezing that one extra person on the Daladala, even though it means they are half hanging out the door!
As a running joke between the group of volunteers over here, we have decided to document these crazy, funny and special moments; so have started a collection of ‘you know you’re in Africa when…’ sayings. We are quickly building quite a list! Will have to write a few on here every now and then for all you folk back home :)
So, all in all, I am loving Tanzania more and more everyday! Miss home and life back in Aus but wouldn’t trade this experience for anything!
I hope you’re all well and are enjoying whatever path you have chosen to take!
Alisha
Monday, July 19, 2010
Found internet in Ikwiriri!!!
Hi all,
so after a bit of searching...Connie and I have found internet in Ikwiriri which is excellent as it means I will have more contact with home than I was expecting.
Will start with the rest of my travels and then will update you all on whats been happening since I have been back.
On the Thursday night, we all went and stayed in the Maasai camp and it was SOOO awesome! Stayed in huts made of mud and cow dung, on beds of sticks and cow hide! Was a real experience. Fun for a night but not sure I could live like that my entire life! Learnt lots about the maasai culture and their history, which was really good. Went for a walk and saw all the plants they still use as natural medicine and elephant and zebra poo but none of the actual animals :( Although we did see zebras from a distance the day we left! Also learnt how to start a fire using sticks and elephant dung (very useful back in Australia, lol) although us girls werent quite as good at it as the Maasai men (suprise suprise). So had a lovely time there. Got to shower outside with the most stunning views surrounding me, was very cool!
We got back to Arusha from the Maasai camp Fri and began our journey home Sat! Had an 8 hour trip to Morogoro on the Sat and then stayed with Marie, Pheobe and Ross the night there! From there we had to catch 3 busses to Ikwiriri which took ALL day, so we didnt get back here until dark.
Monday school started so we headed up there and worked out classes, timetables etc. I am teaching form 1 english-there are 4 streams (classes) with about 60 in a class so have about 240 students in total. As they are in form 1, it is their first year of secondary school so they have VERY basic english (if any at all). I teach each class 3 times a week, for 80 mins at a time so teach 12 a week in total (although headmaster already wants me to pick up more subjects!). School goes from 7:30am until 1:10pm which means we get afternoons to ourselves to do housework/tutor students etc which is good. There are 740 students at Ikwiriri Secondary School and only 9 permanent teachers!!! So its hugely understaffed.
Had the rest of last week to write our schemes of work for the term (which is a semester in Aus) and get ready and prepared to teach, which was so good because I was pretty scared about teaching. Was hard to prepare lessons though as had no resources other than a syllabus!
Today was the first day of teaching. Got to school about 7:20 and then Connie and I had to introduce ourselves in assembly. Was quite funny as we can only speak a little swahili so half our introduction was in swahili and then it turned into english when we didnt know anymore. I started off the day with form 1b english, followed by 1d and then a break before form 1a last period. Didnt get off to the greatest start, had nowhere near enough planned and had overestimated their english level so the first 2 periods included a fair bit of improvisation. So planned a whole different lesson for my last period of english and it went ALOT better! Being a teacher is hard work but Im really enjoying it so far! There are, of course, the disruptive students but there are some very dedicated students as well, who work incredibly hard.
When I first got to Ikwiriri, I struggled with the concept that it was going to be my home for the next 6 months but its starting to sink in and Im liking it more and more everyday. The students are great, the teachers are lovely and the people in the local community are very friendly. Communication is still very difficult, however. But we are finding ways around it. I've realised that the best way to make it feel like home, even if only temporary, is to have lots to do with the people so thats what we have been doing. We always have students round and little kids come around and we play with the ball with them. Is lots of fun! On the walk from our house into town we pass so many gorgeous kids who never fail to put a smile on Connie and my's face. Its definately my favourite thing about walking into town!
Other interesting things:
I killed my first scorpian the other day! Was so scared! I cant even kill spiders back home and here I was faced with a scorpian. And they DONT die easily!!! Took a fair bit of whacking. But eventually I won the battle and could sleep peacefully knowing that it wasnt going to sting me during the night. Pretty sure Connie thought it was hilarious to listen to as she lay in her safe, comfortable bed!
Also, I had my first up close and personal run-in with a rat/mouse (I keep telling myself it was only a mouse) last night. Went to go to the toilet and when I shut the door I saw it on the top of the door, we were pretty much looking into each others eyes. Was so scary! The only way to get it out was to open the door but it was on it! So i quickly grabbed the door and flung it open and practically climbed up the wall until it ran out. Then I called Connie to see if she could see it, but we didnt know where it had gone (I pretty much make Connie deal with all those kinds of things, I dont know what I'd do without her!). Took about 10mins for my heart to go back to a normal rhythm I reckon.
Anyway, best be off. So, in essence, that is what I have been up to so far! Cant believe it has been a month since I left Australia.
Missing everyone back home!
Alisha,
xx
so after a bit of searching...Connie and I have found internet in Ikwiriri which is excellent as it means I will have more contact with home than I was expecting.
Will start with the rest of my travels and then will update you all on whats been happening since I have been back.
On the Thursday night, we all went and stayed in the Maasai camp and it was SOOO awesome! Stayed in huts made of mud and cow dung, on beds of sticks and cow hide! Was a real experience. Fun for a night but not sure I could live like that my entire life! Learnt lots about the maasai culture and their history, which was really good. Went for a walk and saw all the plants they still use as natural medicine and elephant and zebra poo but none of the actual animals :( Although we did see zebras from a distance the day we left! Also learnt how to start a fire using sticks and elephant dung (very useful back in Australia, lol) although us girls werent quite as good at it as the Maasai men (suprise suprise). So had a lovely time there. Got to shower outside with the most stunning views surrounding me, was very cool!
We got back to Arusha from the Maasai camp Fri and began our journey home Sat! Had an 8 hour trip to Morogoro on the Sat and then stayed with Marie, Pheobe and Ross the night there! From there we had to catch 3 busses to Ikwiriri which took ALL day, so we didnt get back here until dark.
Monday school started so we headed up there and worked out classes, timetables etc. I am teaching form 1 english-there are 4 streams (classes) with about 60 in a class so have about 240 students in total. As they are in form 1, it is their first year of secondary school so they have VERY basic english (if any at all). I teach each class 3 times a week, for 80 mins at a time so teach 12 a week in total (although headmaster already wants me to pick up more subjects!). School goes from 7:30am until 1:10pm which means we get afternoons to ourselves to do housework/tutor students etc which is good. There are 740 students at Ikwiriri Secondary School and only 9 permanent teachers!!! So its hugely understaffed.
Had the rest of last week to write our schemes of work for the term (which is a semester in Aus) and get ready and prepared to teach, which was so good because I was pretty scared about teaching. Was hard to prepare lessons though as had no resources other than a syllabus!
Today was the first day of teaching. Got to school about 7:20 and then Connie and I had to introduce ourselves in assembly. Was quite funny as we can only speak a little swahili so half our introduction was in swahili and then it turned into english when we didnt know anymore. I started off the day with form 1b english, followed by 1d and then a break before form 1a last period. Didnt get off to the greatest start, had nowhere near enough planned and had overestimated their english level so the first 2 periods included a fair bit of improvisation. So planned a whole different lesson for my last period of english and it went ALOT better! Being a teacher is hard work but Im really enjoying it so far! There are, of course, the disruptive students but there are some very dedicated students as well, who work incredibly hard.
When I first got to Ikwiriri, I struggled with the concept that it was going to be my home for the next 6 months but its starting to sink in and Im liking it more and more everyday. The students are great, the teachers are lovely and the people in the local community are very friendly. Communication is still very difficult, however. But we are finding ways around it. I've realised that the best way to make it feel like home, even if only temporary, is to have lots to do with the people so thats what we have been doing. We always have students round and little kids come around and we play with the ball with them. Is lots of fun! On the walk from our house into town we pass so many gorgeous kids who never fail to put a smile on Connie and my's face. Its definately my favourite thing about walking into town!
Other interesting things:
I killed my first scorpian the other day! Was so scared! I cant even kill spiders back home and here I was faced with a scorpian. And they DONT die easily!!! Took a fair bit of whacking. But eventually I won the battle and could sleep peacefully knowing that it wasnt going to sting me during the night. Pretty sure Connie thought it was hilarious to listen to as she lay in her safe, comfortable bed!
Also, I had my first up close and personal run-in with a rat/mouse (I keep telling myself it was only a mouse) last night. Went to go to the toilet and when I shut the door I saw it on the top of the door, we were pretty much looking into each others eyes. Was so scary! The only way to get it out was to open the door but it was on it! So i quickly grabbed the door and flung it open and practically climbed up the wall until it ran out. Then I called Connie to see if she could see it, but we didnt know where it had gone (I pretty much make Connie deal with all those kinds of things, I dont know what I'd do without her!). Took about 10mins for my heart to go back to a normal rhythm I reckon.
Anyway, best be off. So, in essence, that is what I have been up to so far! Cant believe it has been a month since I left Australia.
Missing everyone back home!
Alisha,
xx
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Hello from Arusha!
Hey Hey,
Another update. Im doing well...trying to update lots now as I know that I wont have as much of an opportunity once i get to placement.
Can't believe how fast the holidays are going! After a 12hr bus trip (with no air conditioning or open windows!!) we FINALLY arrived in Arusha and got a bit of a shock as its really cold here. Arusha is up near the Kenyan border and is home of Mt Kilimanjaro. It is so much prettier than down south (where Im placed) as is very mountainous and lush up this way (whereas its very flat and dry down south unfortunately). Arrived at Arusha Backpackers at about the same time as the 4 Waamuzi guys (Alex, Angus, Cindy and Candice) so was really nice as the 4 Kilombero girls were already here so the 10 of us have been able to hang out.
On Monday all 10 of us went to St Judes which was just AWESOME. Had the best day there! Its incredible to think one Aussie girl with a dream did something that amazing!! I've read the book but its about 100x better in the flesh. And so much more has been done since the book was written. Was a real shame though as Gemma, the lady who started the school, was in a meeting all day so we couldnt meet her. But was still a really great day and we got to look around and go into some of the classes and have lunch with the kids (the best rice and beans I have had so far in Africa!). I have a lot of respect for such a person, it is so obvious how many lives she is changing every single day! I spoke to a form 1 girl (approx yr 7) and she spoke really good english, whereas at Government schools like Ikwiriri, form 1 students cant speak english at all or very very little. She is giving kids that are so poor and disadvantaged and, thus, would have no hope otherwise, a real start in the world and a chance to really do something with their lives. It is so admirable, I dont think I could ever do something like that!
We decided not to go on Safari as was taking too long to organise etc so we were running out of time and found out that September (which is when we next have hols) is when the migration happens so is the best time to do safari so will wait until then. So yesterday (Tues) Casey, Alex and I went for a waterfall walk which was really fun but hard work! My thigh muscles are feeling it today. We walked from about 10am until 6pm with only a short stop for lunch. It involved a few hour up hill walk, a very steep drop down the mountain with a tiny, muddy path cut through it to get down there (and then get back up), then a barefoot walk through the freezing water for about an hour until we arrived at the bottom of a stunning waterfall. Reminded me quite alot of rainforests in Australia. Then we turned around and walked all the way back. Was a fun day and our guide, Moody, was cool.
Today we have had a lazy day, just lounging around and going out for meals. Went to a little gelato bar for lunch (what a find!) and had spinach and ricotta ravioli with pesto sauce (YUMM!) and then double choc gelato and Alex and I got a chocolate brownie takeaway for later because it looked too good to resist. So has been a real indulgent day.
Tomorrow we are heading off to a Masai camp where we are staying overnight which Im really looking forward to. Have already spoken to some Masai which I found interesting so it will be amazing to go and live with them in their village for a night and see their culture and customs in action.
Will get back to Arusha on Friday and then will leave for Morogoro on Saturday to begin the journey back to Ikwiriri.
Well thats about it at the moment,
Alisha
Another update. Im doing well...trying to update lots now as I know that I wont have as much of an opportunity once i get to placement.
Can't believe how fast the holidays are going! After a 12hr bus trip (with no air conditioning or open windows!!) we FINALLY arrived in Arusha and got a bit of a shock as its really cold here. Arusha is up near the Kenyan border and is home of Mt Kilimanjaro. It is so much prettier than down south (where Im placed) as is very mountainous and lush up this way (whereas its very flat and dry down south unfortunately). Arrived at Arusha Backpackers at about the same time as the 4 Waamuzi guys (Alex, Angus, Cindy and Candice) so was really nice as the 4 Kilombero girls were already here so the 10 of us have been able to hang out.
On Monday all 10 of us went to St Judes which was just AWESOME. Had the best day there! Its incredible to think one Aussie girl with a dream did something that amazing!! I've read the book but its about 100x better in the flesh. And so much more has been done since the book was written. Was a real shame though as Gemma, the lady who started the school, was in a meeting all day so we couldnt meet her. But was still a really great day and we got to look around and go into some of the classes and have lunch with the kids (the best rice and beans I have had so far in Africa!). I have a lot of respect for such a person, it is so obvious how many lives she is changing every single day! I spoke to a form 1 girl (approx yr 7) and she spoke really good english, whereas at Government schools like Ikwiriri, form 1 students cant speak english at all or very very little. She is giving kids that are so poor and disadvantaged and, thus, would have no hope otherwise, a real start in the world and a chance to really do something with their lives. It is so admirable, I dont think I could ever do something like that!
We decided not to go on Safari as was taking too long to organise etc so we were running out of time and found out that September (which is when we next have hols) is when the migration happens so is the best time to do safari so will wait until then. So yesterday (Tues) Casey, Alex and I went for a waterfall walk which was really fun but hard work! My thigh muscles are feeling it today. We walked from about 10am until 6pm with only a short stop for lunch. It involved a few hour up hill walk, a very steep drop down the mountain with a tiny, muddy path cut through it to get down there (and then get back up), then a barefoot walk through the freezing water for about an hour until we arrived at the bottom of a stunning waterfall. Reminded me quite alot of rainforests in Australia. Then we turned around and walked all the way back. Was a fun day and our guide, Moody, was cool.
Today we have had a lazy day, just lounging around and going out for meals. Went to a little gelato bar for lunch (what a find!) and had spinach and ricotta ravioli with pesto sauce (YUMM!) and then double choc gelato and Alex and I got a chocolate brownie takeaway for later because it looked too good to resist. So has been a real indulgent day.
Tomorrow we are heading off to a Masai camp where we are staying overnight which Im really looking forward to. Have already spoken to some Masai which I found interesting so it will be amazing to go and live with them in their village for a night and see their culture and customs in action.
Will get back to Arusha on Friday and then will leave for Morogoro on Saturday to begin the journey back to Ikwiriri.
Well thats about it at the moment,
Alisha
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Hi all,
Just a quick update.
Zanzibar was beautiful! Had the best time there. Spent the first night in Stone town and went and did a rainforest walk where we got to see red colobus monkeys which was really cool. We then went up and spent the next three nights in Kendwa in the north and stayed right on the beach! The place we stayed at was REALLY nice and it even had...wait for it...running HOT water! So I got to have my first hot shower since arriving in Tanzania. Was perfect timing, too, as the weather wasnt great up there so it was a little cold which made you appreciate the hot water even more!
While in Kendwa we went Kayaking and snorkelling and met some masai men who we spent a fair bit of time with! They were just the most lovely people and their culture and customs are just so unique and interesting. Every night we would go down to the beach to have our milkshakes and we'd sit around the bonfire discussing everything from religion to politics to marriage and even female circumcision (masai are known for female circumcision) with them. I was very impressed as they spoke AMAZING english and Paulo, the guy I spent most of my time with, was REALLY well educated! Was so nice to not have the communication barrier that is normally present when trying to speak to Africans.
Got back to Dar Es Salaam yesterday and the ferry ride back was HORRIBLE! About 80% of the people on the boat were sea-sick! Was the longest few hours ever! The Kilombero girls left to go to Arusha today so Connie and I are spending the morning doing a few jobs we needed to get done and then this afternoon is headmasters brother-in-laws wedding.
We will then leave for Arusha tomorrow (the bus leaves at 5am so we have to get up at 3:30am!!!!) and then on Monday Connie, Ellie, Casey, Jess, Claire and myself are going to visit the school of St Judes (some of you may have read the book-its a school started up and run by an Aussie woman from near Armidale) which Im really looking forward to. Then hopefully Connie, Alex and I will do a safari from Tues until Fri and then will travel back down to Morogoro to visit the people placed there on Sat then back to Ikwiriri on Sun.
Well better leave it there,
hope you're all happy and healthy and enjoying life!
xxx
Just a quick update.
Zanzibar was beautiful! Had the best time there. Spent the first night in Stone town and went and did a rainforest walk where we got to see red colobus monkeys which was really cool. We then went up and spent the next three nights in Kendwa in the north and stayed right on the beach! The place we stayed at was REALLY nice and it even had...wait for it...running HOT water! So I got to have my first hot shower since arriving in Tanzania. Was perfect timing, too, as the weather wasnt great up there so it was a little cold which made you appreciate the hot water even more!
While in Kendwa we went Kayaking and snorkelling and met some masai men who we spent a fair bit of time with! They were just the most lovely people and their culture and customs are just so unique and interesting. Every night we would go down to the beach to have our milkshakes and we'd sit around the bonfire discussing everything from religion to politics to marriage and even female circumcision (masai are known for female circumcision) with them. I was very impressed as they spoke AMAZING english and Paulo, the guy I spent most of my time with, was REALLY well educated! Was so nice to not have the communication barrier that is normally present when trying to speak to Africans.
Got back to Dar Es Salaam yesterday and the ferry ride back was HORRIBLE! About 80% of the people on the boat were sea-sick! Was the longest few hours ever! The Kilombero girls left to go to Arusha today so Connie and I are spending the morning doing a few jobs we needed to get done and then this afternoon is headmasters brother-in-laws wedding.
We will then leave for Arusha tomorrow (the bus leaves at 5am so we have to get up at 3:30am!!!!) and then on Monday Connie, Ellie, Casey, Jess, Claire and myself are going to visit the school of St Judes (some of you may have read the book-its a school started up and run by an Aussie woman from near Armidale) which Im really looking forward to. Then hopefully Connie, Alex and I will do a safari from Tues until Fri and then will travel back down to Morogoro to visit the people placed there on Sat then back to Ikwiriri on Sun.
Well better leave it there,
hope you're all happy and healthy and enjoying life!
xxx
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