And because it was a Saturday, more than half the students didn't come. So, we adjusted our plans, shifted materials as needed between classrooms and created a number of "home-made" instruments.
Lance Chamberlain, our resident missionary on assignment to Jamii to implement a music curriculum, was on hand to help lead the kids in songs and making "joyful noises" with their instruments.
After lunch we gathered with the staff to present our gifts to them. We brought student recorder flutes for Lance to use in the music program, coat hooks for each classroom to help keep student belongings organized and off the often muddy floors, and personal gifts to the teachers.
The ladies received scarves and jewelry and the men received caps and ties. These teachers have so little in general so just knowing we thought of them and brought a little gift was very much appreciated.
Many of the teachers are new as several have left for higher paying jobs or were lured away by other schools. Despite the hardships at Jamii, it is known for good teaching and a nurturing environment. Its main dilemma is that the directors Basilus and Esther have such huge hearts and committed themselves years ago to educating students from the slum where they live, regardless of student ability to pay school fees. This just doesn't happen anywhere else. The teachers are generally just as committed, and while most students do pay tuition, the result is still lower wages than at most other schools. Sometimes that burden is just too much for teachers and their families and they need to go elsewhere.
Teacher Irene is new this year and teachers Class 2. I was lucky to be with her and just loved her smile and presence with the students. She was fabulous. Later Lance said he'd hoped I would meet Irene because he has been so impressed with her as well and thought I would connect with her. Yep.
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