First Day in School...

Kwaamba...
Today we had our first experience of rural Zambia at our partner schools & meeting our partner teachers. Everyone had totally different experiences and so we have all written a brief quote describing our first impressions...

"It's not just a different countries culture, it's a different classroom culture."

"What awesome singers the children are. No need for instruments, just their beautiful voices."

"Watched netball and soccer (football) - conditions basic, to say the least, but some of the skills - amazing!"

"feelings of anxiousness, excitement and bewilderment at the state of the school, but humbled by the obvious pride in the school and the pleasure to be there teaching and learning."

"Red dust sweeps through open doorways, settling on books & children."

"Life is not about having things, it's about doing things."

"The day started off quite slow with fuel problems however we all got to the schools. Teachers and Children were all braving the cold!"

"This is the day that the lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

I truley believe these quotes from us all show the many different experiences and emotions felt but each of us as we experienced the real reason we are here. After our initial observations we are brimming with enthusiasm to get into the nitty gritty of teaching.

As well as visits to the schools, we had the pleasure of meeting the district commissioner, his quote of the day - "I am the eyes and the ears of the President." He was a very charismatic and humourous man.
We also paid a visit to the Ministry of Education's District Boards, unfortunatly there was no one available to speak to us but we are hoping we will have another chance before leaving.

Bridget Plowman