Let me paint a picture of the grade 1 class for you. 41 children, ranging in age from 6 - 9. English is their 3rd or perhaps 4th language, after one or two tribal languages and Afrikaans. Whilst some of them know a handful of words and understand the basics, some of them know nothing at all in English. This makes it difficult to give instructions or tell someone off if they just look at you blankly and have no idea what you're saying. However I did rely on what little Afrikaans I've learned to try and make them comprehend, and I have learned the very useful phrase "be quiet" in 4 new languages.
Luckily there was a "Grade 1 Readiness" program at our disposal, so we had plenty of worksheets to do with them, as well as play-dough and PE to fill up time. This photo shows me re-arranging the desks from the military-style rows they were in beforehand.
In true African style, whenever it rains here, the electricity goes off, usually for about 24 hours. However I've learned to keep a supply of dry wood in the house, so when there's a power cut, we build a fire and have a braai. It usually consists of meat and corn-on-the-cob, but it's fun nonetheless. My normal cooking skills have also improved a lot, I thought you would all like to see my signature curry (from scratch, I'll have you know). We don't get chicken very often, so when we do, it has to be put to good use.
This term is also athletics season for Namibian schools so I have been helping to train them in everything from running to discus and javelin. Gqaina got an impressive 10 learners to the regional competition, but none qualified for the national level. Last but not least, here is a really cute photo of some children helping me on the swings.
