riding A couple of days ago I ventured to a nearby PCV’s home to help her and her community members sew shade netting onto a hydroponics project. On a normal day this would require 3 combis and nearly 30 Rand. Well I had a lucky day and caught a free ride out of my village, 5km to the main road.
From there I had another free ride from the main road to Lebowakgomo. My driver along this 20 km stretch was a well-dressed man in a BMW who works as a facilitator for a mining company. He was a wealth of information. In the area where I live there are approximately 5 platinum mines and 2 chrome mines. He described the issues involved in the business (companies promise to support the village where they mine but don’t give enough, tribal authorities require them to hire unskilled locals, those who work for the company are victims of crime and high-jacking on the way to work, etc.) and that come June a new mine will be opening very near to my home.
Upon reaching Lebo I waited in a coombi for 40 minutes- alone-. (Remember coombis do not leave the rank until they are full and I was short some 14 other passengers) So again I had to walk down the road and find another ride. My driver this time was adorable old man with a receding hairline and afro (resembling bozo, minus the blue and flip and well, you get it). So he asked me questions such as: “Where do you live?” “What do you do?” and after each response he said a sing-song “Alleluia!” hehe. Next he asked if I was a Christian. I told him I was raised Roman Catholic. With this he went into a rather confusing and serious 5 minute tangent on the sign of the cross. Apparently he thinks that when Catholics cross themselves they make the cross sideways because the longer span of the sign of the cross is between your shoulders as opposed to vertically. (Are you following? I had to have him repeat and demonstrate at least 3 times) He had a real issue with this and referred to Catholics as “upside down Christians”. Without any semblance of a smile he offered a solution to this problem. “A person should rather make the shoulder touches nearer to the neck as opposed to the shoulder.” OOOk. . .
. . . so I paid 0 Rand to get there. . .
* * * * * * * * *
Some words/issues that are essential:
- blue pens are for leaners, black pens are for educators only.
- All notebooks must be covered in plastic wrap
- The person who watches over testing learners is called an invigilator
- The answer key is called a memorandum
- White-out is called typex
- Restaurant bills are called slips
- At the end of a sentence you put a full stop, not a period
- Rulers are necessary for most notebook writing
- You cannot draw in pen
- You cannot take notes in pencil
* * * * * *
2 animal stories:
- My tiny kitten had a 10 minute face off with a preying mantis. The mantis spread it’s bottom wings, lifted its front limbs, and let out a few noises of intimidation- but it never backed down from the kitten once.
- I saw a kid (baby goat) eating grass with a pack/herd/bunch of sheep and it let out a few very distinct “baaa’s”!!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Teaching, Ancestors, Tsotsi
Much has happened. I’ll begin with my teaching experiences. So it’s been approximately 10 weeks since I started teaching grade four natural science. It turns out that the “fourth grade slump” is a term that is not exclusively American. The transition from the core 3 subjects (literacy, numeracy, and life skills) to an extensive plethora of learning areas is stressful and difficult for learners.
So I elected to teach this year because I thought I could bring the learner-centered approach that South Africa is stressing in OBE (Outcomes Based Education). I enter the classroom with my positive attitude and perfectly crafted 5E science lesson plans (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate). Only to be met by chaos . . . you see in an attempt to be self-sustainable our school has the teachers responsible for the possession and distribution of materials (pencils, sharpeners, rubbers, pens, rulers). Since I do not have my own classroom each time I enter a room I have to take 5-10 minutes for learners to distribute materials. This seems like a situation where the Classroom Coach (a book that gives the steps required to have effective classroom routines) would work. Well in my classroom it’s never that easy. There are learners talking and pushing each other from chairs because there aren’t enough chairs for 40 learners.
Once the materials are ready for use I struggle with classroom management. With so many kids I can’t keep an eye on them all. Some incidents that have occurred include: breaking a chair, tying a learners shoes to a chair, sleeping, making cats noises. . . EISH! I want to pull my hair out most days. I always say that the learners don’t respect me because they know that I won’t beat them like the other teachers. Last week I had a PC friend, Haley, come and observe me. Her feedback was so meaningful. She brought to my attention that yes, the other teachers beat, but at least they have a discipline plan. I, on the other hand, randomly try different techniques. So far: placing a learner outside the room (which is illegal I found out), making the learner sit in the front, having them stay after class, etc. My plan is that next quarter I will implement a discipline plan with the support of the headmaster. It will include consistent punishment and praise and hopefully lessen the stress I experience in the classroom. Currently this stress makes me want to pull my hair, scream, cry, and generally quit teaching. It’s been very emotionally burdening.
* * * * * * * *
Next topic: Ancestors.
Last week all of SA18 travelled to Blyde River Canyon for our LST (life skills training. . PC likes acronyms). Each of us brought a counterpart from the community or school so we could learn the steps required to begin a secondary project and how to write grants. Secondary projects vary but include: girls/boys clubs, gardens, small business development, computer classes, library projects, etc. I chose to bring Reneilwe Maputha. She is a primary teacher at Mannyetha Primary, also a head of department, mother of 2, Eco-Schools Coordinator, and generally optimistic woman who I enjoy spending time with.
If you remember I wrote about her earlier: see blog “Traditional Medicine.” Based on this cleansing month that she had in December she is still left with a few final ceremonies to free herself of the ancestral curse. Seeing as we were at a beautiful resort with views of the 3 rondevals there was much nature to entice her spirit. One day after our sessions she asked me to join her and Jerrina (PC Kelly’s counterpart) on a walk to the waterfall where she needed to collect holy water. So we walk behind the conference center, over a small bridge, and see a mini waterfall on the other side of a fence. She has her 2 liter bottle ready for collection but clearly she and J were going to have difficulty hoping the fence.
So I offer. She gives me a look. “What?” I say. She says, “Well last night you and Andrew (my partner for 6 months). . .” I say “We what?” She says “You know, did the naughty thing.” Me: “We what?” Her: “You know the silly silly.” Me: “You mean we had sex, so you don’t want me to touch your holy water because you think I sinned?!” Her: “No.” Me: “You think I sinned. . . “
Wow. That was a judgment; one which left me speechless. So I said fine, ok. They weren’t going to be able to hop that fence so I took them around the waterfall and over a different bridge. They didn’t think the stairs were going to go anywhere. I decided to climb solo and wave my scarf when I reached the top. Pleased with my confidence and persistence they followed up and in their dresses climbed over massive mossy and slippery boulders all the way to the waterfall.
Once there Rene took off her shoes and began filling the water bottle in the trickle of the waterfall. She was shocked at the lack of water since after breakfast it was apparently gushing. (I found that hard to believe since there hasn’t been any rain. . ) In any case after five minutes she decided to stand on a boulder while filling up. To cap off the holy water ceremony she stood in the waterfall: completely clothed in the icy waterfall. It was a beautiful sight! You must check out the photos on Picasa.
Later I asked if there are any other ceremonies she must complete. She needs to slaughter a cow by herself and then take the hide to the “East” where she will dig up her ancestor’s bones, talk to them, and then rebury them wrapped in the hide.
Why the water? To drink when she is ill. Now the cruel corker for this story . . . the waterfall was gushing earlier because it is man made . . . of all the natural waterfalls surrounding the facility she chose an artificial one.
* * * * * * * *
Final Topic: Tsotsis
I returned home from LST on Monday afternoon. Upon arriving at Mannyetha the following morning I was told I couldn’t enter in my usual gate. Apparently the school had been robbed Monday night.
The story is as follows: apparently there was a car driving around the village beginning at about 11pm. Come 1 or 2am they cut a hole in the outer fence, then the inner fence. From this point they crept around the school block and used a lock cutter to break in the thick metal security fence. From here they lured, or somehow trapped the night watchman. They bound his arms and legs to a chair and for the next hour or so they vandalized the school. The 2 computer labs were broken into (the burglar doors locks cut and the wooden door locks broken too) and only the nice HP hard drives were stolen. From there they broke into the administrative block where they stole the TV, VCR, 9 computer projectors (valued at R90,000), 12 classroom heaters, all the teaspoons and knives?, the kettle?, and the new flat screen computer/hard drive. They also broke the jojo (massive water tower) for no good reason. By the time the old security man freed himself and ran screaming through the village the men had long left.
The criminals certainly knew where to find the goods. They did not break into the most logical room, the headmasters. Instead they only entered the assistant headmaster’s room where the items were located. Also they didn’t take any of the cords for the projectors or computers. Clearly they have no idea how to use such things. . . they will likely be traded for a single case of beer.
So on Tuesday the police came and took fingerprints and photos of muddy footprints (caused by the jojo spilling). The headmaster called a community meeting. This is how it was learned the people had been around since earlier in the night. Other than that there wasn’t/hasn’t been any new information learned. But upon the end of the school day I returned home and heard a loud ringing. It turns out that Wonderboom has an informal messaging system! Someone rings a large old metal circle by the water pump and people gather! Apparently there was a concern that maybe these people just stashed/disposed of the items in the bush?!! (come on, they go through all this work to leave the items?!) In any case the community felt like they should do their part, which I commend. So hundreds of people made their way out into the bush and travelled from the small mountain to the large one and back to the main road. After 2 hours of walking. . no luck. But I did notice people came back with heads full of sticks for fires. Plus along the entire route people held branches of trees that are full of semi-sweet berries. So it was highly enjoyable for me, even if it turned out to be. . fruitless. HA
I’m saddened by this theft. Unfortunately thieves rob schools everyday. They take computers usually the day they are delivered. One time the thieves broke in a night too early. It seems like it’s always inside jobs. Last night my friend Kelly’s school was broke into and her computers stolen. There isn’t a push to catch these tsotsis. So they continue stealing expensive products that they likely do not know how to operate and then trade them for measly beer. Plus the cops are corrupt here too. . How to we change this cycle? How can we improve the education system when every new tool is promptly stolen? How do we not get frustrated?
So I elected to teach this year because I thought I could bring the learner-centered approach that South Africa is stressing in OBE (Outcomes Based Education). I enter the classroom with my positive attitude and perfectly crafted 5E science lesson plans (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate). Only to be met by chaos . . . you see in an attempt to be self-sustainable our school has the teachers responsible for the possession and distribution of materials (pencils, sharpeners, rubbers, pens, rulers). Since I do not have my own classroom each time I enter a room I have to take 5-10 minutes for learners to distribute materials. This seems like a situation where the Classroom Coach (a book that gives the steps required to have effective classroom routines) would work. Well in my classroom it’s never that easy. There are learners talking and pushing each other from chairs because there aren’t enough chairs for 40 learners.
Once the materials are ready for use I struggle with classroom management. With so many kids I can’t keep an eye on them all. Some incidents that have occurred include: breaking a chair, tying a learners shoes to a chair, sleeping, making cats noises. . . EISH! I want to pull my hair out most days. I always say that the learners don’t respect me because they know that I won’t beat them like the other teachers. Last week I had a PC friend, Haley, come and observe me. Her feedback was so meaningful. She brought to my attention that yes, the other teachers beat, but at least they have a discipline plan. I, on the other hand, randomly try different techniques. So far: placing a learner outside the room (which is illegal I found out), making the learner sit in the front, having them stay after class, etc. My plan is that next quarter I will implement a discipline plan with the support of the headmaster. It will include consistent punishment and praise and hopefully lessen the stress I experience in the classroom. Currently this stress makes me want to pull my hair, scream, cry, and generally quit teaching. It’s been very emotionally burdening.
* * * * * * * *
Next topic: Ancestors.
Last week all of SA18 travelled to Blyde River Canyon for our LST (life skills training. . PC likes acronyms). Each of us brought a counterpart from the community or school so we could learn the steps required to begin a secondary project and how to write grants. Secondary projects vary but include: girls/boys clubs, gardens, small business development, computer classes, library projects, etc. I chose to bring Reneilwe Maputha. She is a primary teacher at Mannyetha Primary, also a head of department, mother of 2, Eco-Schools Coordinator, and generally optimistic woman who I enjoy spending time with.
If you remember I wrote about her earlier: see blog “Traditional Medicine.” Based on this cleansing month that she had in December she is still left with a few final ceremonies to free herself of the ancestral curse. Seeing as we were at a beautiful resort with views of the 3 rondevals there was much nature to entice her spirit. One day after our sessions she asked me to join her and Jerrina (PC Kelly’s counterpart) on a walk to the waterfall where she needed to collect holy water. So we walk behind the conference center, over a small bridge, and see a mini waterfall on the other side of a fence. She has her 2 liter bottle ready for collection but clearly she and J were going to have difficulty hoping the fence.
So I offer. She gives me a look. “What?” I say. She says, “Well last night you and Andrew (my partner for 6 months). . .” I say “We what?” She says “You know, did the naughty thing.” Me: “We what?” Her: “You know the silly silly.” Me: “You mean we had sex, so you don’t want me to touch your holy water because you think I sinned?!” Her: “No.” Me: “You think I sinned. . . “
Wow. That was a judgment; one which left me speechless. So I said fine, ok. They weren’t going to be able to hop that fence so I took them around the waterfall and over a different bridge. They didn’t think the stairs were going to go anywhere. I decided to climb solo and wave my scarf when I reached the top. Pleased with my confidence and persistence they followed up and in their dresses climbed over massive mossy and slippery boulders all the way to the waterfall.
Once there Rene took off her shoes and began filling the water bottle in the trickle of the waterfall. She was shocked at the lack of water since after breakfast it was apparently gushing. (I found that hard to believe since there hasn’t been any rain. . ) In any case after five minutes she decided to stand on a boulder while filling up. To cap off the holy water ceremony she stood in the waterfall: completely clothed in the icy waterfall. It was a beautiful sight! You must check out the photos on Picasa.
Later I asked if there are any other ceremonies she must complete. She needs to slaughter a cow by herself and then take the hide to the “East” where she will dig up her ancestor’s bones, talk to them, and then rebury them wrapped in the hide.
Why the water? To drink when she is ill. Now the cruel corker for this story . . . the waterfall was gushing earlier because it is man made . . . of all the natural waterfalls surrounding the facility she chose an artificial one.
* * * * * * * *
Final Topic: Tsotsis
I returned home from LST on Monday afternoon. Upon arriving at Mannyetha the following morning I was told I couldn’t enter in my usual gate. Apparently the school had been robbed Monday night.
The story is as follows: apparently there was a car driving around the village beginning at about 11pm. Come 1 or 2am they cut a hole in the outer fence, then the inner fence. From this point they crept around the school block and used a lock cutter to break in the thick metal security fence. From here they lured, or somehow trapped the night watchman. They bound his arms and legs to a chair and for the next hour or so they vandalized the school. The 2 computer labs were broken into (the burglar doors locks cut and the wooden door locks broken too) and only the nice HP hard drives were stolen. From there they broke into the administrative block where they stole the TV, VCR, 9 computer projectors (valued at R90,000), 12 classroom heaters, all the teaspoons and knives?, the kettle?, and the new flat screen computer/hard drive. They also broke the jojo (massive water tower) for no good reason. By the time the old security man freed himself and ran screaming through the village the men had long left.
The criminals certainly knew where to find the goods. They did not break into the most logical room, the headmasters. Instead they only entered the assistant headmaster’s room where the items were located. Also they didn’t take any of the cords for the projectors or computers. Clearly they have no idea how to use such things. . . they will likely be traded for a single case of beer.
So on Tuesday the police came and took fingerprints and photos of muddy footprints (caused by the jojo spilling). The headmaster called a community meeting. This is how it was learned the people had been around since earlier in the night. Other than that there wasn’t/hasn’t been any new information learned. But upon the end of the school day I returned home and heard a loud ringing. It turns out that Wonderboom has an informal messaging system! Someone rings a large old metal circle by the water pump and people gather! Apparently there was a concern that maybe these people just stashed/disposed of the items in the bush?!! (come on, they go through all this work to leave the items?!) In any case the community felt like they should do their part, which I commend. So hundreds of people made their way out into the bush and travelled from the small mountain to the large one and back to the main road. After 2 hours of walking. . no luck. But I did notice people came back with heads full of sticks for fires. Plus along the entire route people held branches of trees that are full of semi-sweet berries. So it was highly enjoyable for me, even if it turned out to be. . fruitless. HA
I’m saddened by this theft. Unfortunately thieves rob schools everyday. They take computers usually the day they are delivered. One time the thieves broke in a night too early. It seems like it’s always inside jobs. Last night my friend Kelly’s school was broke into and her computers stolen. There isn’t a push to catch these tsotsis. So they continue stealing expensive products that they likely do not know how to operate and then trade them for measly beer. Plus the cops are corrupt here too. . How to we change this cycle? How can we improve the education system when every new tool is promptly stolen? How do we not get frustrated?
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