When I left the states, I had three
programs in mind.
1-Tutoring the sponsored kids
2- Teaching basic skills to kids in
Tegotatoo who can't afford school fees
3- “School-wide” Literacy Program
at Tegot Atoo Primary School
Then, I learned of a Bible club that
had been started just outside my house for the neighborhood kids.
Teamed with some Ugandan friends, I was asked to continue this class.
Then what about the girls at the Zion Project that I grew to love in
2009. They are reading and speaking English now but are struggling in
math... might I tutor them sometimes too? Time is easy to fill.
Slowly and carefully I am trying to plan out these programs.
TegotAtoo Primary School (Levels 1-7)
Much has improved since I last saw this
school. Right before I left in 2009, they got a new headmaster. They
have gotten some more teachers, have somewhat of a library (with ECM
help), and have made general school improvements. The teachers now
have accommodations at the school so they don't have to commute –
teacher attendance has gone up. Some things haven't changed. P1
(level one) had over 150 kids during first term; it has fallen to
just over a hundred. While the P1 teacher is great, she is only one
person. P2 has just under 90 students. I've enjoyed getting to know
these teachers – I pray I can keep a positive relationship with
them as I try to supplement with some methods different than what is
in their curriculum.
Starting Small – Leaving room for
growth
Sponsorship Tutoring
Many of the sponsored kids are
struggling in school (this is not just sponsored kids but reflected
in non-sponsored kids as well). Their report cards reflect their
difficulties. During “Saturday Club” the older kids have begun
receiving help. Last Saturday, I began taking the lower levels (1-4).
Day one- introduction and assessment. All but three can write their
name. Some have a grasp on letters. Only one could read a simple
sentence. A good start, I'm looking forward to seeing their growth.
Unschooled Kids Class
I have not started this class but have
begun making arrangements. I have spoken with the pastor of the local
church and have gotten permission to use the building during the
week. This Sunday I will go pray with them (attend church service)
and make an announcement to the parents both inviting their kids and
explaining the purpose of the class. Maintaining that just because I
want to get to know you, does not mean I can pay the school fees for
your entire family, can be difficult.
School-wide Literacy
I had a meeting with the
headmaster. I wanted to offer myself as help but give room for the
school to tell me what they needed and what they wanted it to look
like. My parameters were that I do not want to take the place of
anything they are already doing – only to supplement it; and as
such, I don't plan on following their syllabus. I let him know that
my “specialty” is with the younger kids. I am starting small here
too, which is good because it is nearing the end of their school year
(think calendar year with 3 terms). We can revisit my role in a few
months. The headmaster was seemingly quick to decide that I would
teach P1&2 on Wednesdays and P7 on Saturdays. I have had one
class for each so far.
P1&2... Almost 200 kids!
Unfortunately the teachers were not informed of the decision made by
the headmaster and I caught them a bit by surprise yesterday. They
adjusted and told their kids to come back after lunch. Usually these
kids have a shorter day than the rest of the school so I am
technically meeting them after school. They were excited to see what
class with the “munu”, “white person”, was going to be like.
After lunch we crammed into a classroom with no desks. Their regular
teachers stayed to help – likely also out of curiosity. It seemed
to go well and pray that my relationship with these teachers remains
positive. We can learn from each other. The Ugandan curriculum does
not teach the alphabet in whole or do much with phonics. We'll see
how this goes!
P7... (You want me to teach what?!
But they're teenagers!) Ok, so this class made me a bit nervous. We
had a short first class during which I spoke to a silent group of
teens staring at me until I gave them an assignment. I got a writing
sample from them. It seems that we will be working on their English.
The more I think about it, the more I get excited for this class.
Reading groups, role play, grammar time... Yay! Hope they're ready
for this.
Pece Bible Club
I live in Gulu in an area called Pece
(Pech-eh) in a neighborhood called African Quarters. Here, under a
mango tree, some African friends and I will be meeting the
neighborhood kids on Mondays at 4. We met together for a short time
to make the announcement, sing songs, and play games. I am excited to
be ministering directly in the area where I live. These kids can be
pretty “stubborn” and their constant demands tiresome, pray for
us as we meet!
