Monday, June 11, 2007

We're back in full effect!

Today was another great Monday. Most of the children retained what we taught last week: colors, some animal words, the ABC song and counting up to 20. It is encouraging to know that they are making progress! I talked with Zenyeto this morning and have begun a lesson plan book for him to look at each day so that he will know what to teach for following two days. We want to equip the local teachers as much as we can before we leave so that, if in the next group of volunteers, there is not a teacher, they will be able to handle most things themselves. So, he has a "lesson plan book" and we are talking with him about ways to discipline. He now uses a stick to hit the children on the head if they are not listening, so I am trying to gently teach "time out" and other less threatening types of consequences =)

We are also talking with the villagers, that help us at school, to think of ways to educate the children's parents on relevant topics such as hygiene, HIV/AIDS, throwing away trash in the appropriate places, etc. We hope that these sessions will begin next week, after we have had the time to meet the people and tell them about our informational sessions. (This will also be a good way to have them meet "the white people" and earn their trust. At this point, some have stopped sending their kids to our school because they are afraid that we are teaching religion as opposed to English and other educational topics.) I am thankful, repeatedly, for the work ethic of my fellow volunteers. We really are all here to make a difference- even if it is just a few families at a time.

Apparently our teaching methods were not so entertaining today! Just kidding. A lot of the children have to bring their baby brothers or sisters to school with them, in order to come. So, we hold them until they fall asleep and then they have their own little nap time during our class. How they sleep through 170 kids singing and talking, I have no idea! But, they sure are cute!
Jenny and her little lady. She was new to school today and we already just love her!
My sleepy little friend and me. I had to wake him up from his nap to go home to the village, so I just strapped him on my back and off we went!

6 comments:

Rachelle said...

how much do i love you guys? your updates are amazing and keep the pics coming...your work is leaving an impact that will last a lifetime...
bumpy roads are a must in africa...
hang in there...
keep your minds open and remember it doesn´t have to be ¨TIA¨
so much love coming your way!!!
cant wait to hug your necks....

Anonymous said...

You both look great and thankfully rested. Glad the kids retained much of last week's lessons, great teachers have the knack!

You are all doing a great job and, as you can see, we back home are so supportive of your efforts.

With all that these kids don't have, it is strange to say how lucky they are, but having you folks being there, caring and teaching them is "priceless"

Anonymous said...

I guess that they aren't familiar with "behavior modification" in Africa! Yikes!!
Loved the photos of the children and I do hope that maybe some of the "dropouts" will return because they find out that they are missing out on a good thing!
We look forward to each new entry so keep them coming!! ss

Courtney said...

Okay, Sheena, I love that little boy on your back! I know you just want to adopt them all...

If you do, I'll help you raise them.

-Court

Anonymous said...

I can't even describe how surreal it is, seeing you with a beautiful boy in a papoose over your shoulder, knowing that you are so far away doing something so close to your heart. I am reading and trying to keep up with you. You are world's away, but close in my heart, Shee-ba.

Lynell Hecht said...

Hi Lauren and Jenny-
You both are so amazing!! Everything I read brings a smile to my face. You are obviously having such an impact on so many lives. Stay safe and I continue to send prayers your way!
Love,
Lynell