As many of you know last year was my first year as a teacher. And if you can remeber,I did not study to be a teacher, but rather a chemical engineer. A little more than a year ago I decided that after 4 years of chemE school I needed a break,I was burnt out. For those of you who know my family, you know how volunteer work is valued,hence how I found myself teaching chemistry in Rwanda.
I wanted to take this time before a new year starts to reflect back on last year-both the ups and the downs.
I think I would like to get the downs over with first..(this is going to semi be a list/mash up of it all)..
~not having any books,dittos,worksheets,materials.language barrier. cultural barrier.my closeness in age to students(some were older than I). my temper.having a curriculm to big to cover in one year. an at times disorganised school. my house being inside the boarding school~
Now onto to the ups
~my students. my students.my fellow teachers(most of the time).my headmistress.all the school activities I did with students,from watching dance and modeling competitions to playing football and running with my girls.Living inside my boarding school~
Although this is just skimming the surface, somehow these points are really all that I say about last year without going into crazy amounts of detail..
Now here I find myself about to embark upon another year of teaching. Hopefully this year I will have found that in some teaching aspects I have improved or at the very least learned to deal with the status quo of the situation.
I find myself partially scared of the year to come, yet in the very next instant I am oddly excited. All I know is that I will do my best for my students and my school,and at the end of the day thats all I can do.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Earthquake
Thats right friends, you read the title correct;Last night I was in my first earthquake. I believe it happened around 2 am. When it occured I was like thats strange as I woke in bed not really sure of what it was,but come morning I had confirmation it was indeed an earthquake.
I have never studied signs or omens, but I am about to create my own. I am going to take it that as an anniversary of me being back in Rwanda for one month, the great ones decided to give me an earthquake for goodluck. So thank you. I much appreciate it. But now lets not let it happen again :)
I have never studied signs or omens, but I am about to create my own. I am going to take it that as an anniversary of me being back in Rwanda for one month, the great ones decided to give me an earthquake for goodluck. So thank you. I much appreciate it. But now lets not let it happen again :)
Akagere National Park
There are a few national parks in Rwanda. Last year I was lucky enough to travel to the most popular one, volcano nat park in the north of Rwanda. This is were the mountain gorillas are. If you remember I went on two gorilla treks and got to see two different gorilla families, for by far the coolest thing I have done in my life.
This year I figured I needed to get out and see some more parts of Rwanda. An oppurtunity came up that I was able to go with some friends to Akagere.
In order to do this we had to hire a car/driver for the day to drive us from Kigali to the park, and then of course through the park.
Getting to the park took about 2.5 hrs. Part of the road I had been on before, but the other I had not seen, so it was great to see some more Rwandan countryside.
Upon entering into the park we had a park ranger/guide join us in our car.
Akagere is a park that is mostly savannah which in some areas is dotted with lakes(remember it is the great lakes region).
In just about 2 hours we were able to see baboons, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, impala, storks, and hippos. I would say a pretty good viewing, and in such a short amount of time.One interesting fact that our guide told us was that originally there were no giraffe and 6 were brought from kenya to populate the park(I believe he said they now number in the 50s).
Now last year I went on a week long safari with my parents in Tanzania. As much as it was nice to go to Akagere, it was kindof a step down from Tanzania, because I had seen so much..but even with that said I was very happy that I went and enjoyed myself.(though it was pretty hot in the car and I didn't enjoy that too much)
One neat thing that was greatly different from the safari I went on in Tanzania, was that as we came upon the animals we could off-road(trail)-it in order to be right next to them, that sure made taking pictures easier.. It was a litle nerve racking as we drove through/alongside a group of buffalo though..haha but surely our guide did not seem concerned, so I tried to not be also.
Now I have 2 parks down, we will see if I am able to visit more as the year goes on..it would be cool to see some chimps...
This year I figured I needed to get out and see some more parts of Rwanda. An oppurtunity came up that I was able to go with some friends to Akagere.
In order to do this we had to hire a car/driver for the day to drive us from Kigali to the park, and then of course through the park.
Getting to the park took about 2.5 hrs. Part of the road I had been on before, but the other I had not seen, so it was great to see some more Rwandan countryside.
Upon entering into the park we had a park ranger/guide join us in our car.
Akagere is a park that is mostly savannah which in some areas is dotted with lakes(remember it is the great lakes region).
In just about 2 hours we were able to see baboons, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, impala, storks, and hippos. I would say a pretty good viewing, and in such a short amount of time.One interesting fact that our guide told us was that originally there were no giraffe and 6 were brought from kenya to populate the park(I believe he said they now number in the 50s).
Now last year I went on a week long safari with my parents in Tanzania. As much as it was nice to go to Akagere, it was kindof a step down from Tanzania, because I had seen so much..but even with that said I was very happy that I went and enjoyed myself.(though it was pretty hot in the car and I didn't enjoy that too much)
One neat thing that was greatly different from the safari I went on in Tanzania, was that as we came upon the animals we could off-road(trail)-it in order to be right next to them, that sure made taking pictures easier.. It was a litle nerve racking as we drove through/alongside a group of buffalo though..haha but surely our guide did not seem concerned, so I tried to not be also.
Now I have 2 parks down, we will see if I am able to visit more as the year goes on..it would be cool to see some chimps...
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A New Year Car Wash
For the second time I found myself celebrating New Years here in Kigali,Rwanda. I rung-in the 2009 year I went to an East African Concert. This year I went to Car Wash.
Now you might be asking yourself, what is this carwash, well let me tell you. It is a sports-bar/restuarant/alimentation, and a 24hr executive car wash, no joke. Over the past year it has become one of the most frequent places I go to. One of these reasons is because they play football matches on TV(premier league) and many non-rwandese go there, so English is commonly used, even amongst the other Africans. I also like it because its not white person central.
Speaking of white person central, on New Years that is what is was. Just like last year this year there is another group of volunteers(I am the only returnee). It was decided that this is where we would go for new years.no problem. A reservation was made and when we showed up at 9pm they had a huge table for us(we were about 25 white people+ others). They were smart enough to put us in the back, which is more secluded, this was some privacy was awarded, and we weren't a big muzungu freak show for everyone to watch, yet everyone watched us anyway..haha..
Overall it was a great night. Nothing fancy, just sitting around with friends and talking till it was new years. Before I knew it time had flown by and it was 2010.
A new year, and new decade, and new chapter of my life. I think that carwash was the perfect place to start these off.
The only not so great part of the evening was the bill. We had known with that many people things would get out of hand, but even with that foresight, it still did get out of hand. And we all know that when drinking in large groups is what we are talking about a bill is never going to be easy to sort out.. but we lived and we learned and we got out of the place without have to wash any dishes..haha..don't worry it wasn't really gonna come to that, but it was close..haha..
Hopefully wherever you and yours were you were able to have a great new years! Its hard to imagine that its 2010 already, it seems like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it is not..
With that said I did make my new years resolution to get me a flying car, just lke george jettison(daughter judy)..haha..sorry loved that show..
But seriously Happy New Years!!
Now you might be asking yourself, what is this carwash, well let me tell you. It is a sports-bar/restuarant/alimentation, and a 24hr executive car wash, no joke. Over the past year it has become one of the most frequent places I go to. One of these reasons is because they play football matches on TV(premier league) and many non-rwandese go there, so English is commonly used, even amongst the other Africans. I also like it because its not white person central.
Speaking of white person central, on New Years that is what is was. Just like last year this year there is another group of volunteers(I am the only returnee). It was decided that this is where we would go for new years.no problem. A reservation was made and when we showed up at 9pm they had a huge table for us(we were about 25 white people+ others). They were smart enough to put us in the back, which is more secluded, this was some privacy was awarded, and we weren't a big muzungu freak show for everyone to watch, yet everyone watched us anyway..haha..
Overall it was a great night. Nothing fancy, just sitting around with friends and talking till it was new years. Before I knew it time had flown by and it was 2010.
A new year, and new decade, and new chapter of my life. I think that carwash was the perfect place to start these off.
The only not so great part of the evening was the bill. We had known with that many people things would get out of hand, but even with that foresight, it still did get out of hand. And we all know that when drinking in large groups is what we are talking about a bill is never going to be easy to sort out.. but we lived and we learned and we got out of the place without have to wash any dishes..haha..don't worry it wasn't really gonna come to that, but it was close..haha..
Hopefully wherever you and yours were you were able to have a great new years! Its hard to imagine that its 2010 already, it seems like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it is not..
With that said I did make my new years resolution to get me a flying car, just lke george jettison(daughter judy)..haha..sorry loved that show..
But seriously Happy New Years!!
Updates On My Life
Well Well Well
A lot has happened since the last time I posted anything. Since my last post, the 2009 school year ended, all my students left the school. I then went on a quick visit to Uganda..way to go for super-long bus rides.. Then I spent about 2 more weeks in Kigali. I finally had the time to do my gift shopping. After going to all the different places imaginable I made my purchases. I bought many a basket, Rwanda, like some other African countries is known for its woven baskets. I decided to go for the more natural colors, though these days they dye the baskets any color imaginable. I also got a huge amount of long paper-bead necklaces. Also a rwandese doll, and assorted other goodies. Other than that I just spent time trying to rest up before returning to the states.
Before I new it I found myself back in the US. (It should be noted before that could happen I had to take one VERY long plane ride. Please note also the talent that many Africans have at just throwing a blanket over their entire body and falling asleep. No such luck for me, so I found myself watching ALL the movies the plane had to offer.. the GIJoe movie, come on, not that good, Julia and Julia, actually pretty good..haha, so name just 2. Also I would like to take this time to give a shout-out to the elderly Ethiopian lady who I had the pleasure of sitting next to for the entire journey.. I greatly enjoyed you spitting on the floor, next to my feet, just like I really enjoyed you resting your hand on my thigh, who needs a blanke to keep warm when your seat campanion is there for you..haha)
I got to be home in the states for both Thanksgiving and Christmass. I also was able to visit my sisters, one in Boston, the other in Miami. I also got to see my sister officially recieve her PhD--way to go! we got a doctor in the family!! I got quality time infront of a TV, in a soft/real bed, and of course access to the public library, and not to mention but wireless internet all over the house, and last but certainly not least, hot water showers. Oh and then I got to eat all the food I had missed for an entire year, Franco's sausage pizza, bagel bites, lasagna, orange buns(thanks pillsbury for selling them again), and CHEESE, all different kinds of cheese, not just Guada(which is the only type found here in Rwanda).
Before I knew it I was packing up to return. Shopping for everything from new work clothing, to parmesian cheese and tuna to bring back. I had thought that this time around packing would be easier because I had done it once before, but somehow I believe that this year was harder. The first time around there were things that I could say I actually NEEDED. This year, most things were stuff I just WANTED to make my stay more enjoyable, so therefore discarding things became very hard. Just to give you a taste of the things I packed, I had a table-top Foosball set, 6 pairs of shoes, and roughly 50 lbs of clothings, and of course things like popcorn kernals, purses, and suntan lotion also made it in.
Being home was amazing. At times I had missed it so much, but I did start to realize that in my mind I know call another place home, and thats my house here.It might not be much, but its somehow become my own.
At times adjusting to being back in the states was not easy.After a year away I realized that I had starting doing things a little differently and since I knew I would be shortly returning I didn't always make the effort always needed to 'get back into the swing of things.'
I would like to thank all my family memebers and friends that I was able to see and talk to. Thank you for letting me ramble on and on about Rwanda,my friends and life here. Being able to finally talk to you guys face to face about stuff was really great. I'm sure you weren't always interested in what I was saying as I dived into intense detail, but thanks for putting up a good face for me.
To the friends that read my blog, but that I was unable to see, I'm sorry. I was only home for a month and a half, and with my schedule doing family stuff, your schedule for work, and of course distance I did not get to see everyone I would have liked to. Just because I didn't see you doesn't mean that you aren't important to me, or that I don't value the fact that you take some of your time to read my blog and stay updated on my life, so thanks:)
Now I find myself back in Rwanda for a second year of teaching. Just as last year was full of stories, I hope that this year will also be, so stay tuned. Hopefully at some point during the year I will be able to make you laugh, chuckle, or at least crack a smile about my shenanagins here:)
A lot has happened since the last time I posted anything. Since my last post, the 2009 school year ended, all my students left the school. I then went on a quick visit to Uganda..way to go for super-long bus rides.. Then I spent about 2 more weeks in Kigali. I finally had the time to do my gift shopping. After going to all the different places imaginable I made my purchases. I bought many a basket, Rwanda, like some other African countries is known for its woven baskets. I decided to go for the more natural colors, though these days they dye the baskets any color imaginable. I also got a huge amount of long paper-bead necklaces. Also a rwandese doll, and assorted other goodies. Other than that I just spent time trying to rest up before returning to the states.
Before I new it I found myself back in the US. (It should be noted before that could happen I had to take one VERY long plane ride. Please note also the talent that many Africans have at just throwing a blanket over their entire body and falling asleep. No such luck for me, so I found myself watching ALL the movies the plane had to offer.. the GIJoe movie, come on, not that good, Julia and Julia, actually pretty good..haha, so name just 2. Also I would like to take this time to give a shout-out to the elderly Ethiopian lady who I had the pleasure of sitting next to for the entire journey.. I greatly enjoyed you spitting on the floor, next to my feet, just like I really enjoyed you resting your hand on my thigh, who needs a blanke to keep warm when your seat campanion is there for you..haha)
I got to be home in the states for both Thanksgiving and Christmass. I also was able to visit my sisters, one in Boston, the other in Miami. I also got to see my sister officially recieve her PhD--way to go! we got a doctor in the family!! I got quality time infront of a TV, in a soft/real bed, and of course access to the public library, and not to mention but wireless internet all over the house, and last but certainly not least, hot water showers. Oh and then I got to eat all the food I had missed for an entire year, Franco's sausage pizza, bagel bites, lasagna, orange buns(thanks pillsbury for selling them again), and CHEESE, all different kinds of cheese, not just Guada(which is the only type found here in Rwanda).
Before I knew it I was packing up to return. Shopping for everything from new work clothing, to parmesian cheese and tuna to bring back. I had thought that this time around packing would be easier because I had done it once before, but somehow I believe that this year was harder. The first time around there were things that I could say I actually NEEDED. This year, most things were stuff I just WANTED to make my stay more enjoyable, so therefore discarding things became very hard. Just to give you a taste of the things I packed, I had a table-top Foosball set, 6 pairs of shoes, and roughly 50 lbs of clothings, and of course things like popcorn kernals, purses, and suntan lotion also made it in.
Being home was amazing. At times I had missed it so much, but I did start to realize that in my mind I know call another place home, and thats my house here.It might not be much, but its somehow become my own.
At times adjusting to being back in the states was not easy.After a year away I realized that I had starting doing things a little differently and since I knew I would be shortly returning I didn't always make the effort always needed to 'get back into the swing of things.'
I would like to thank all my family memebers and friends that I was able to see and talk to. Thank you for letting me ramble on and on about Rwanda,my friends and life here. Being able to finally talk to you guys face to face about stuff was really great. I'm sure you weren't always interested in what I was saying as I dived into intense detail, but thanks for putting up a good face for me.
To the friends that read my blog, but that I was unable to see, I'm sorry. I was only home for a month and a half, and with my schedule doing family stuff, your schedule for work, and of course distance I did not get to see everyone I would have liked to. Just because I didn't see you doesn't mean that you aren't important to me, or that I don't value the fact that you take some of your time to read my blog and stay updated on my life, so thanks:)
Now I find myself back in Rwanda for a second year of teaching. Just as last year was full of stories, I hope that this year will also be, so stay tuned. Hopefully at some point during the year I will be able to make you laugh, chuckle, or at least crack a smile about my shenanagins here:)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Kigali Public Library
There is no public library in Rwanda. Most schools have something they call a library, but to be honest what they have do not do the word justice. Therefore one of the projects of the Rotary club here is to build a public library. This had been going on for a while, but I believe things are finally on their way, the building is actually being constructed and books are starting to be donated.
My school has a chapter of the interact club(the school version of rotary). Therefore when a shipment of books was donated a group of students volunteered to help sort the books. Being more familiar with books and how a library is set up my roomate and I volunteered to accompany the girls not only to supervise, but to also work. And let me tell you, work is what we did.
We worked from approximately 9 am till 3 pm(with a lunch break).
The first thing we had to do was sort the boxes of books into subjects. On the floor using chalk we wrote labels, therefore creating piles of books all over the floor as we sorted. Before we started we had told the girls to come to us if they weren't sure about what category a book should go into. Well, this resulted in my roommate and I being consulted for I would say 80% of the sorting. At times this was frustrating because I felt some of the girls were not even trying to read the titles or the back of the book/book jacket, they were purely picking up books and coming to us for the answer. Of course me being me was all over the place with doing my own sorting and helping the girls. Another hard part was that we only made so many categories and sometimes we would be unsure where to put a book because we knew where it would belong in an American library, we just hadn't made all those distinctions in the genres(but you have to start small). One of the worst categories was Novels. In here we put everything from biographies, memoirs, classic literature, to actual novels. At times it was very frustrating but there was just no way to separate them out more without my roommate and I doing it, because the girls just don't know enough about books and how to distinguish them apart.
As the day wore on we were joined by some university students who are also in interact clubs. I had hoped they would really be a help. I think that it was about 50-50. At times they would be great workers,and at other times all they would do is stand around and browse the books,not to mention that they too had to ask us what categories books belong in.
After we had sorted a massive amount of books we then had some of the girls start to record them and box them up. The girls did this very well, but at times finding the author of the book was not easy for them(I would like to thank Edgewood Elementary School for taking us to the library and having to learn all about books and how a library functions).
Overall though I was very proud of the students for working as hard as they did even when they weren't familiar with the system.
They only thing I have to complain about is what happened at the end of the day. I was very dissapointed in my students. As much as I understand what they did, and why they did it, I just cannot agree with it, no matter how much they, or someone attempts to convince me.
So here's the deal.
The man in charge of the public library committee for Rotary is the nicest person ever. He actually cares about everyone, and especially the students at my school. But, that doesn't mean that students should take advantage that he will do whatever they want. Some of the girls wanted to take novels for themselves. I told them no, these were books donated to the library, and they are going to have to wait untill the library opens. Well what did they do, they went and asked, and of course the VERY nice man said yes and he knew that I did not agree, so he came to talk to me. He said we would make a comprise and that instead of giving the books to the girls, he would donate the ones the girls took to the our school's library. I said fine, because at this point the students already had the books. I told the girls this, yet as we were on the bus back to school I saw students writing their names in the books and I asked them why, and they tell me teacher its my book, and I was like you are selfish, those books are supposed to be for the school library.
That is why I was dissapointed. I know they are young and that they are students who always just care about themselves, but they are 17 years old, and its time for them to act responsibly. Those books were donated to a public libary to be used by many, not to my students for their private usage.
My school has a chapter of the interact club(the school version of rotary). Therefore when a shipment of books was donated a group of students volunteered to help sort the books. Being more familiar with books and how a library is set up my roomate and I volunteered to accompany the girls not only to supervise, but to also work. And let me tell you, work is what we did.
We worked from approximately 9 am till 3 pm(with a lunch break).
The first thing we had to do was sort the boxes of books into subjects. On the floor using chalk we wrote labels, therefore creating piles of books all over the floor as we sorted. Before we started we had told the girls to come to us if they weren't sure about what category a book should go into. Well, this resulted in my roommate and I being consulted for I would say 80% of the sorting. At times this was frustrating because I felt some of the girls were not even trying to read the titles or the back of the book/book jacket, they were purely picking up books and coming to us for the answer. Of course me being me was all over the place with doing my own sorting and helping the girls. Another hard part was that we only made so many categories and sometimes we would be unsure where to put a book because we knew where it would belong in an American library, we just hadn't made all those distinctions in the genres(but you have to start small). One of the worst categories was Novels. In here we put everything from biographies, memoirs, classic literature, to actual novels. At times it was very frustrating but there was just no way to separate them out more without my roommate and I doing it, because the girls just don't know enough about books and how to distinguish them apart.
As the day wore on we were joined by some university students who are also in interact clubs. I had hoped they would really be a help. I think that it was about 50-50. At times they would be great workers,and at other times all they would do is stand around and browse the books,not to mention that they too had to ask us what categories books belong in.
After we had sorted a massive amount of books we then had some of the girls start to record them and box them up. The girls did this very well, but at times finding the author of the book was not easy for them(I would like to thank Edgewood Elementary School for taking us to the library and having to learn all about books and how a library functions).
Overall though I was very proud of the students for working as hard as they did even when they weren't familiar with the system.
They only thing I have to complain about is what happened at the end of the day. I was very dissapointed in my students. As much as I understand what they did, and why they did it, I just cannot agree with it, no matter how much they, or someone attempts to convince me.
So here's the deal.
The man in charge of the public library committee for Rotary is the nicest person ever. He actually cares about everyone, and especially the students at my school. But, that doesn't mean that students should take advantage that he will do whatever they want. Some of the girls wanted to take novels for themselves. I told them no, these were books donated to the library, and they are going to have to wait untill the library opens. Well what did they do, they went and asked, and of course the VERY nice man said yes and he knew that I did not agree, so he came to talk to me. He said we would make a comprise and that instead of giving the books to the girls, he would donate the ones the girls took to the our school's library. I said fine, because at this point the students already had the books. I told the girls this, yet as we were on the bus back to school I saw students writing their names in the books and I asked them why, and they tell me teacher its my book, and I was like you are selfish, those books are supposed to be for the school library.
That is why I was dissapointed. I know they are young and that they are students who always just care about themselves, but they are 17 years old, and its time for them to act responsibly. Those books were donated to a public libary to be used by many, not to my students for their private usage.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Candidate Party
Candidate Party, aka a graduation ceremony and party
The secondary school system in Rwanda is divided into ordinary level and advanced level, otherwise known as O and A level respectively. There are 3 years to each level. In the first three levels the students take a variety of classes. They then sit for the O-level exam, which tests them on about 8 subjects. Based on their scores they are then able to apply/go to A-level either at the school they attended O-level, or they can transfer schools. In A-level the students study in a tract or combination. The combinations have 3 principle classes(subjects) and then a few other electives, some of which are nation mandated, and others are given by certain schools. Then at the end of their 3 years in A-level, they take another national exam. It is this exam that will decide their future, what they can study in univeristy(if they go) and even where they will study.
Clearly the O and A- level National Exams are very important in the lives of students here, so it should make sense that we want to celebrate it. In the past at my school these celebrations were always done through religious groups, but this year it was decided that we would have a school wide celebration. Not only would the non-candidate students be invited, but each candidate would be able to invite 2 people to attend.
All the teachers were invited and the invitation said the event started at 9 am. I don't know why after all this time I still believe things will start on-time, I should learn, but I continue to show up on time. Sunday morning was a rainy morning, but I still got there at 9 am. On the walk from my house up to school I passed the dormitories and some of my students ran out to tell me I looked smart,etc. Then as I passed by the wash house I saw candidates still in towels greeting me a good morning. I was like, hey ladies aren't you supposed to be somewhere right now, they reacted with yes teacher we are coming we are coming.. yet none of them were dressed yet.
As I walking up to school I realized I had no idea where exactly I was going;I asked one of the girls and she offered to show me there. The party was set up on the basketball court, there were 3 big tents. When I arrived only my headmistress was there and everything was still being setup, even though it was after 9 at this point. Somehow I wasn't surprised.
I'm not sure when exactly everything started, but I want to say between 10 and 10.30 was when most of the family and students arrived. I must say that the girls looked fabulous. They were dressed in traditional dresses that are somewhat reminiscent of an indian sari(sp?). All the girls had different patterns and accessories, you could tell they really took the time to get ready(some of them were 2 hours late).. The girls even tried to work with their short little fros to make them look good, I was surprised with what they were able to do.
The official part of the day consisted of giving out certificates and having a few speeches. The girls sang and danced for us, and presented our headmistress with a gift. Then there was a chance for family members to give gifts. Then it was lunch time. I was shocked at how well lunch worked out considering the amount of people that were in attendence.
Then the waiting started.
In the afternoon I'm not even sure what was exactly planned but we sat around for a while(at least there was a DJ playing music).
Then the unofficial party started. All the families and friends were taking pictures and just having fun. We had a singer called LilG perform, he's most likely 16 plus or minus. He's Rwandese and the students went crazy for him.
Most of the rest of the day consisted of me sitting around with my students, talking and taking pictures with them. I was told we were waiting for more musical guests to come. I asked what time were they expected, they told me 8 pm, and that point I looked at my watch saw that it was 6.30 and I was like OK, I'm going home I'll be back later..
Later in the night I went back with some of my fellow teachers and we hung out some more with the students. Finally these other singers did come, and the girls went crazy, I couldn't believe it. We teachers left around 10.30, but the girls continued till around midnight.
Overall it was a great day and I know I won't forget it and I'm pretty sure the students won't forget it either. I also loved the fact that on Monday morning at 8 am the senior 6s were already studying,they really are serious girls.
The secondary school system in Rwanda is divided into ordinary level and advanced level, otherwise known as O and A level respectively. There are 3 years to each level. In the first three levels the students take a variety of classes. They then sit for the O-level exam, which tests them on about 8 subjects. Based on their scores they are then able to apply/go to A-level either at the school they attended O-level, or they can transfer schools. In A-level the students study in a tract or combination. The combinations have 3 principle classes(subjects) and then a few other electives, some of which are nation mandated, and others are given by certain schools. Then at the end of their 3 years in A-level, they take another national exam. It is this exam that will decide their future, what they can study in univeristy(if they go) and even where they will study.
Clearly the O and A- level National Exams are very important in the lives of students here, so it should make sense that we want to celebrate it. In the past at my school these celebrations were always done through religious groups, but this year it was decided that we would have a school wide celebration. Not only would the non-candidate students be invited, but each candidate would be able to invite 2 people to attend.
All the teachers were invited and the invitation said the event started at 9 am. I don't know why after all this time I still believe things will start on-time, I should learn, but I continue to show up on time. Sunday morning was a rainy morning, but I still got there at 9 am. On the walk from my house up to school I passed the dormitories and some of my students ran out to tell me I looked smart,etc. Then as I passed by the wash house I saw candidates still in towels greeting me a good morning. I was like, hey ladies aren't you supposed to be somewhere right now, they reacted with yes teacher we are coming we are coming.. yet none of them were dressed yet.
As I walking up to school I realized I had no idea where exactly I was going;I asked one of the girls and she offered to show me there. The party was set up on the basketball court, there were 3 big tents. When I arrived only my headmistress was there and everything was still being setup, even though it was after 9 at this point. Somehow I wasn't surprised.
I'm not sure when exactly everything started, but I want to say between 10 and 10.30 was when most of the family and students arrived. I must say that the girls looked fabulous. They were dressed in traditional dresses that are somewhat reminiscent of an indian sari(sp?). All the girls had different patterns and accessories, you could tell they really took the time to get ready(some of them were 2 hours late).. The girls even tried to work with their short little fros to make them look good, I was surprised with what they were able to do.
The official part of the day consisted of giving out certificates and having a few speeches. The girls sang and danced for us, and presented our headmistress with a gift. Then there was a chance for family members to give gifts. Then it was lunch time. I was shocked at how well lunch worked out considering the amount of people that were in attendence.
Then the waiting started.
In the afternoon I'm not even sure what was exactly planned but we sat around for a while(at least there was a DJ playing music).
Then the unofficial party started. All the families and friends were taking pictures and just having fun. We had a singer called LilG perform, he's most likely 16 plus or minus. He's Rwandese and the students went crazy for him.
Most of the rest of the day consisted of me sitting around with my students, talking and taking pictures with them. I was told we were waiting for more musical guests to come. I asked what time were they expected, they told me 8 pm, and that point I looked at my watch saw that it was 6.30 and I was like OK, I'm going home I'll be back later..
Later in the night I went back with some of my fellow teachers and we hung out some more with the students. Finally these other singers did come, and the girls went crazy, I couldn't believe it. We teachers left around 10.30, but the girls continued till around midnight.
Overall it was a great day and I know I won't forget it and I'm pretty sure the students won't forget it either. I also loved the fact that on Monday morning at 8 am the senior 6s were already studying,they really are serious girls.
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