Teaching in Tanzania

I mentioned earlier the problem of resources here for teachers and students. Yesterday I erased the blackboard and then was talking to the students for awhile and when I turned back to the blackboard to erase something, I discovered the eraser was missing. I thought I was having an episode of early-onset dementia. Suddenly a student, Queen, ran out of the classroom and when I asked another student where Queen was going, she said Queen was getting me the eraser. Well, it turns out that all of the four teachers teaching at that time share the eraser! Apparently, another teacher has sent a student in to get the erasor while my back was turned, and sure enough about ten minutes later the teacher next door came in and asked to use the eraser. Today I am in town and planning to buy one for each classroom. Also, there is nothing on the walls. Not a slip of paper or worn out picture. Almost no books for students, and of course no electronic equipment. Yet the students are serious about their educations. They are smart and constantly surprise me with their insightful opinions and knowledge.

I really caused a ruckus in the teacher's room the other day when I announced that I was an atheist (well, they asked me). Pandemonium prevailed for quite a while as my colleagues, fanning themselves vigorously, shouted out questions and exclamations. It didn't occur to me at the time that I was in a Christian High School (one of my buddies at CCS pointed that out to me when I got home!) They calmed down when, by way of explanation, I pointed out that there were many people who called themselves Christians or believers, who were guilty of committing heinous crimes; so that believing was not exactly the criterion for a moral life. I brought up our boy George and the head matron, said to everyone in a tone oozing with sympathy, "Oh, yes, That's why she says such things!" It's really great fun to hang out with colleagues here, on the other side of the world, and share ideas and opinions. We agree that we are learning a lot from each other.

Next week I will continue with my civics class for 9th graders, English with 10th graders, and I'll add on a composition class with seniors. It's such an incredible experience to work with these students. I feel truly blessed, although it's is painful to witness the hardships that they face. My 10th graders have lofty aspirations for their futures. They want to be doctors and pilots, lawyers and politicians (one girl insists she will become president one day) engineers, teachers, religious leaders, mechanics, nurses and computer scientist. They love American rappers (I think they will be thrilled when I start doing music with them) and movies and all things American, especially the people. The girls seem more determined to succeed than many of the boys. My heart is so full of hope fore them.

Maybe I like them so much because they fight each other to grab my things at the end of class and at least four of them escort me to the teacher's room after each period. I feel like a screen celebrity or something.

Some of the folks at home base tell me they can help be download some photos, so when I get back from the Maasai village on Sunday, I will try to post some photos of the wonderful people we have met in Tanzania. You will be very jealous.

Until then...