"Be an opener of doors for such as come after thee."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Imagine . . .
Imagine standing on the side of the road for an unknown period of time waiting for a broken down van to pull over and pick you up. Imagine climbing inside with twenty others in a space designed for twelve. Imagine a bumpy ride followed by a two mile walk. Imagine arriving at a school with no water or electricity. Imagine carrying smoldering charcoal on a sheet of tin into the 'faculty room' on chilly days and helping even the kindergarten students to do the same in their classrooms. Imagine using pencils sharpened with razor blades and paper covered with a film of dust for all of your planning. Imagine your students sharing four to a book and not complaining. Imagine the same trip home. And. . . imagine doing it all for "what the school can afford to pay you." This is the life of a teacher in rural Kenya. Do they complain? Never. What do they yearn for? Resources and current information.
Just fifteen minutes . . .
What we can access in a few minutes, they wait years to receive. However, at Paranae Primary, two out of six teachers are now able to use an internet cafe somewhat near their homes from time to time. Their wish? To have someone with whom they can communicate and a source to ask questions about any number of subjects. Teachers' manuals are not available for most subjects and particularly for Grade Eight students preparing for testing, this is a dilemma. The tests are given in English which is the third language of the Maasai. Homonyms and homophones, which occur with regularity on these exams, are difficult even for fluent English speakers.
How many hours each day do you sit at your computer? Fifteen minutes of that time could make a difference in the lives and teaching of these wonderful and dedicated men and women. Establishing a connection with a fellow teacher and responding to their questions with a simple, "I think I can help you," creates a more supportive environment.Whether you are a novice, veteran, or retired teacher, your knowledge and a bit of time will make a difference. Please respond to the Contact page or email Janine Evans at JEvans1812@gmail.com. We can't wait to hear from you!
How many hours each day do you sit at your computer? Fifteen minutes of that time could make a difference in the lives and teaching of these wonderful and dedicated men and women. Establishing a connection with a fellow teacher and responding to their questions with a simple, "I think I can help you," creates a more supportive environment.Whether you are a novice, veteran, or retired teacher, your knowledge and a bit of time will make a difference. Please respond to the Contact page or email Janine Evans at JEvans1812@gmail.com. We can't wait to hear from you!
Read Janine's blog, My Name Is Naserian, at http://jevans1812.wordpress.com/