Mags in Kenya: August 2012

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Asante Sana from Maggie and Kizimani

Thank you very much!

I want to thank everyone for your support and generous contributions of books, school supplies, math supplies and curriculum, clothing, shoes, prayers for health, and general well wishes for my amazing trip to Kenya this August. The teachers at the Jamii school in Eldoret were overwhelmed with the amount of books and supplies we were able to bring to them. The staff development on both reading and math were very well received and

they have many more topics they would welcome staff development on, so there are plenty of opportunities for future work! August 2013 here I come.

The current goal for Jamii is to complete the purchase of land for a new school that will utilize used shipping containers, much like the Haruma slum's New Dawn school pictured below where I taught art classes to high school age students.

There is already a contact lined up for the containers if we can raise the needed funds for the land. Maybe by next year??

Here is the land for the future Jamii school.. It is now their field for games. They walk about 20 minutes to get there.

One classroom of five and six year olds has 63 students in a space one fourth the size of my American classroom. Wouldn't that be great to see these children housed in larger classrooms with actual floors to keep the mud at bay and to better house supplies and curriculum?

Your outpouring of love and generosity toward these students in Kenya was one of the many wonders I experienced on this journey. For all of us with Kizimani, and especially from me... Asante Sana!

For more information on Kizimani, please go to http://kizimani.org

Friday, August 24, 2012

Lasts

Remember the art trunk not making it to New Dawn? The next day I made sure that trunk made it over to the other trunks being packed that day. I made sure that trunk made it onto a van. I made sure I was in that van that had that trunk. We arrive at New Dawn and...the back hatch is jammed and won't open. Seriously?? Thanks to Dale who noticed the shovel was blocking something. Finally got it open after about 20 minutes and so, yes, I had my trunk and taught art with all the materials.

Cutest Jamii students ever...

Just liked the building...don't ask me why.

Jamii teacher Mr. Kariuki wrote and created a special dedication acrostic for EVERY person on our team. Amazing!

Goodbye Kenya!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Monday, August 20, 2012

On Safari!!

The Oserian wildlife preserve, near Lake Naivasha, is an awesome 18,000 acres of beautiful scenery and great views of animals. Warthogs were everywhere as were antelopes and gazelles of all sizes.

Through the Chui gate and into the preserve...though we never saw one!

Beautiful acacia trees around every turn.

Close encounter with a giraffe who was waiting for us as we came around a bend.

Staying put for one last photo op!

Zebras and Gnus (wildebeest) were roaming throughout the preserve.

White rhinos! They are hoping to obtain some black rhinos to aid in their preservation.

More giraffes...a mama taking her turn keeping watch over the herd's youngsters.

At the watering hole.

Typical view of landscape.

Impala in the bush.

Erin got to see her Oryx!

Candelabra trees were also everywhere. They call them euphorbia...some are over 100 years old. The milky sap is used for a glue!

Hippos hanging out at the lake within the preserve.

Safari dreams come true!

Heading back...so sad to leave our safari behind...

...Except for the fact that we went to the Oserian's five star lodge for a five star lunch and some five star R & R.

We are lobbying for staying here next year for the safari part of the trip instead of the roadside inn we were at that had the disco bar next door blaring until 4 am, the dogs fighting the opposite direction, and the mosquito ridden rooms with nets full of holes...big ones. What do you think?

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Teaching teachers in Eldoret

Fraternity. That is what one of the teachers called the staff development sessions we had together.

The large guest house compound where we stayed while in Eldoret had a newly built conference room, complete with projector and screen, where I was able to set up my workshop. Hallelujah!

The teachers came in the afternoons after school and we had about two to three hours together each day. The first day we discussed reading comprehension and the use of read alouds to model comprehension strategies. I wasn't sure what to expect, but they were so receptive and eager. It was an incredible blessing to show them the hundreds of books we brought along, thanks to so many of you!

The next two days were spent making Rekenrek math racks, exploring the many uses and strategies for developing number sense with them, as well as exploring the use of strategies for learning addition and subtration facts. I also taught them many of the lessons developed by Barbara Blanke for the Rekenrek. Thank you Barbara!

The third day was mostly spent playing the many math games donated by the Math Learning Center. They were so appreciative and thankful for all the materials we brought.

I was even able to provide a few Number Corner Lessons and materials!

I was so blown away by their receptivity to the materials and to the style of teaching that I was presenting. These teachers were wanting to learn new teaching strategies because they were first and foremost concerned for their students and were desirous to provide instruction that would be engaging for all their learners. They understood the need for concrete materials for young learners, and the only reason they hadn't been using manipulatives to teach with was because they didn't have any!! Now they do!

I said there was plenty more materials stored in my basement! They have already requested additional training and gave me ideas of what topics they would like covered. So I guess I'll have to come back next year! Especially since I didn't get around to the place value lessons!

Angels at the Gate

You are never really prepared to enter the gates of Jamii to see over 300 children all gathered together chanting "Hello teachers! You are welcome! Welcome to our school!" It was truly one of the highlights of our trip. Every morning we come, this is how we are greeted. When we enter a classroom the students all say "Welcome Teacher!"

The classrooms are constructed of corrugated metal sheets covering a simple wood frame (by wood, I mean large branches). In the picture above the door to the last classroom is directly behind the teacher in red. The classroom is to the right in the picture. This space, which is about one fourth the size of my classroom in Sherwood, houses 63 five and six year olds.

I can't begin to tell you how adorable they are. Their teacher Veronica is truly amazing. In fact, all the teachers are amazing. They are all there because they have incredible hearts for these children, most of whom would not be able to attend school. The school is gaining in its reputation in the slum community of Langas. So much so that a Muslim family now sends their children to Jamii, with full knowledge of the Christian environment and teachings.

There are seven women and seven men on staff at Jamii, which was started by Esther and Basilus, friends of Miriam. Alex, the level three teacher, told me he has been to five other schools, but here at Jamii, he says it is his second home. Each day he comes to school he says he envisions two angels standing on each side of the gate, watching over the children of Jamii.

It is truly a miraculous place..these teachers provide love, education, and hope in the midst of hopelessness.

On the last day we were there, the students performed several songs and put on a play about Noah's Ark that we had helped them put on. The performance was held at the church near by where Esther and Basilus attend. The families of the children came to see and they all really seemed to enjoy it.