Set Down the Tools: Day 3

The buzz around town has been concerning the nationwide strike of teachers which started on Wednesday.  Teachers have set down their tools and students have either been sent home or attempt to teach lessons themselves.  Last night I watched news coverage of a crowded classroom absent of a teacher.  One student stood before them conducting a lesson.  Public teachers are demanding a fair wage from the government.  Currently, teachers earn the equivalent of about $150 per month, a hardly liveable wage given the current inflation.  Common items (like sugar) have doubled in price.  The President (since 1986) is unwilling to see the importance of teachers to the countries future.  Many teachers have grown tired of keeping silent and are now standing in solidarity demanding changes to the current education system.

Myth Busters: Africa Edition

"Americans can't ride bikes!" was the claim of a group of senior 6 students as we discussed ways of transportation in the States.  Their understanding isn't completely off-base.  They assumed most Americans drive from point A to point B which most do, unlike here where few drive and most either "foot" (walk) or bike.  It is not uncommon to see someone pedaling a bike with a bed frame balanced on the back, seemingly defying the laws of physics!  One can even hitch a ride on a bicycle taxi.  Of course, I quickly set out to prove their statement a myth.

At first I was given a student's bike that was way too big for me.  I would have needed a boost to get onto the seat which was up to the middle of my torso!  Oh the woes of being vertically challenged.  A smaller bike was found, but it was still a struggle to get on gracefully especially wearing a skirt.  After much laughter and some student assistance I managed to get on it and start pedaling.  I rode around the courtyard to the sound of students laughing and cheering.  Myth busted!

"We're here because of the dream"

I asked Ishmael (a chemistry and biology teacher) why he continues to come back day after day to St. Peter's College in spite of the challenges this start up school faces.  His reply revealed his passion for transforming young people through education.

"Many of my friends in the city think I'm crazy!  Why would I leave teaching at a school with plenty of resources to come here?  My colleagues and I are here because we have a common dream.  To bring about change in this rural district.  To empower the youth.  To give them hope for a better future.  Because of this vision we will continue on lacking infrastructure and materials.  Even on little pay.  This staff is hardworking and determined."

Ishmael is from a surrounding village and knows first hand the struggles students face in rural schools.  He struggled through Pallisa schools.  He has returned here to provide a different experience for students than his own.  The staff here at St. Peter's College are striving to establish the school as the best in the area.  Already since it's opening last year St. Peter's has established a name for itself in the community.  No doubt the strong and passionate staff and quality of instruction has contributed to this.  Additionally there is a significant student culture/attitude that prevails.  The phrase "Be Opposite" is heard frequently among students and in student-teacher interactions.  This means for students to counter their negative surroundings.  To be change in their environment.  When others quit, you continue on.  When others complain, you encourage.  As a result students become more driven and focused.  They challenge each other and grow as a result.  They are establishing character which will help carry them towards their futures.  These students are grateful for the time and energy their teachers are pouring into them (Mon-Sat 8a-5p and some evening sessions for 80 boarding students).  I would be too!

First Things First

The title of this post reflects the motto of St. Peter's School Amusala.  Simon, the director told me it reminds students to set goals and priorities in order to be successful.  Yesterday was my first day with students.  Unfortunately, another staff member's father passed away and a group of about 50 students and the headmaster traveled to the funeral in a neighboring district (40kilometers away).  The remaining students stayed behind for a half day with me.  I did a group discussion with students giving them the opportunity to get to know me and I them.  They had many questions about America and I asked them what it's like to be a teenager in Uganda.  Much like teens in the States, Ugandans love music.  Some of their favorite hip-hop and R&B artists include Jay-Z and Rihanna.  Students asked that I teach them a song.  The first song that came to mind was Don't Stop Believing.  We had a blast learning the lyrics and students enjoyed laying down the rhythm.  It was very Glee like.  I'll be sure to record it once we perfect it.

Students are preparing for subject exams (mid-terms) on Wednesday so we spent the rest of our time reviewing biology and chemistry.  The senior 4 (junior equivalent) had many great questions.  At the end of our study session they were grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to my future review lessons.  Students will be taking exams till the 29th.

The biggest challenge for students and myself will be the language barrier.  English is the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th language for students with village languages being their primary.  I assured them we will struggle together, me with Auteso (local language) and students with English (spoken in schools here).

I'm looking forward to spending more time at St. Peter's the next 3 weeks.  The students' enthusiasm for learning is refreshing! 

"You are most welcome!"

On Saturday morning I arrived in Uganda after traveling by bus overnight from Nairobi, Kenya.  In total the journey lasted 13 hours, 2 of which were spent at the border anxiously waiting for the bus to clear customs and take us back on.  A couple of fellow passengers assured me this was not the norm and began to grow impatient.  This only fueled my anxiety as Africans are some of the most patient people I know!

Prior to leaving Nairobi I received news that the friend who I would be visiting in Pallisa, Uganda had just lost his mother.  I would be arriving just in time for the funeral, my first African funeral.  I arrived at my friend Simon's family compound which now hosts St. Peter's School Amusala as he and his family have moved to Kampala (capital city of Uganda) and was warmly greeted by Simon.  He then ushered me into a sea of people.  There was close to 500 and more would visit in the coming days.  To my surprise I was asked to speak briefly on behalf of the non-profit Simon works for and of which I have volunteered.  The day was a great reflection of how Simon's mother touched many in this rural community.  I was fortunate to be a part of this time with the family and friends.  I was introduced to many people and spent time entertaining some of the younger children.  After winding down over a cup of tea with Harriet (Simon's wife) I headed back the 3 kilometers into the center of town and to the inn where I will be staying for a much needed nights rest.

Pay Your Way

Imagine not attending school, not because you would rather hang with your friends, sleep in, or play the latest video game, but because you/your parents are unable to pay the required school fees.  This is a common occurrence for many kids in east Africa.  Students and their families here in Kenya and Uganda know the importance an education plays in a person's life.  Education is power.  For many it is a way out of extreme poverty.  It is an opportunity to gain skills and knowledge to be able to make a difference in their communities.  To give back.

In many African countries secondary education (and sometimes primary) is not funded by the government, but entirely by the people.  In Kenya, the government has moved towards funding all schools, but unfortunately this funding is sparse and fails to come close to meeting the school's needs.  While in Kenya I spoke with a principal and science teacher at a private neighborhood school founded 6 years ago.  Parents choose to send their kids to private school hoping for a better education than what is offered in the government funded public schools.  Betty Mutegi (the principal) informed me that it costs $300,000 to run the school for a year.  Students struggle to pay fees which in turn pay teacher salaries.  In addition, students pay for uniforms and textbooks.  Walking away from the conversation I felt overwhelmed.  This is not an isolated case, but is the problem of many schools in the region.  Several days later I sat down with a Kenyan friend of mine, a local community development workers and asked, "How can people help the education system here?"

He had an incredibly valid point.  "Many school administrators ask for funds for the school, but what will they be for?  Desks, materials, and textbooks?  If students are unable to attend school it will have been for nothing.  Desks will be empty, textbooks unused, and there will be no need for teachers.  Provide an opportunity for school fees to be paid.  Get the kids in the classroom."

In the U.S we take education for granted far too often.  Although we have many similar problems to schools around the world, everyone has the opportunity to attend school, even college.  Would you participate more actively in your education if you knew it wasn't a guarantee?

High Stakes

In the U.S the phrase "high stakes testing" is commonly used when referring to standardized tests which measure student performance and determine federal funding or a school's label as "failing".  Here in Kenya (as in much of east Africa) the stakes are high, but the students take all of the risk and in turn are burdened with the consequences. 

In grade 8 (or standard 8 as it's called here) students take National Exams which determine what high school they will attend.  Students from public, private, and international schools around the country are competing for spots at high schools.  If students do not perform well on their exam they will attend a low quality school (poor instruction, lack of materials, and overcrowded classes reaching 50 students) or not attend high school at all.  A lot rests on one exam, a student's future opportunities.  Now that's high stakes.