Ringing the School Bells

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!