A Quick Trip to the Store in Namibia

The latest dispatch from Christina Baum, WorldTeach Namibia volunteer.

I woke up this morning at 7:30 without an alarm, despite having gone to bed at about 2:30, and got myself ready for a trip to the grocery store. My usual ride being unavailable, I prepared to walk the 5 miles to town, do some shopping, and walk back, thinking it could be my exercise for the day. Slathered in sunscreen and prepared with my new sun hat, I set out.

I passed one of my grade 7 students sitting in front of her house drinking sugar water. People here put sugar in everything (and a lot of it!) so this didn’t surprise me too much, but given her face and what I know about her attitude, it might also be a local remedy for a hangover. I walked along and came across a group of little boys, some of whom I recognized from the school. They had car tires and were preparing to race them down a hill (kids here actually play that game with a bicycle wheel frame and a stick where they run along side it and try to keep it rolling—I thought that was just in old movies). They stopped to watch me pass and say “good morning teacher, how are you?” just like they’ve been taught in class, and one of them ran over to grab my arm. A little while later I met a group of little girls who also greeted me and proceeded to walk behind me and talk about me. It was all in Khuekhue but I know the words “teacher” (yefrau) and America (Amerika) which, along with my name, were used frequently and accompanied by wild gestures that I can only guess at. I passed the local bar and even at 8:30 AM there were three or four men standing outside having a beer. I ended up walking alongside two high school girls living at the hostel who were also headed to town so they talked to me along the way. All of this was before I left the location (the part of town where I live, meaning I hadn’t even made it to the highway.)

It turns out I didn’t have to worry or prepare for walking because pretty quickly someone pulled over to give us a ride. This gives me an opportunity to talk about the main form of transport in this country: (hitch) hiking. Before you panic and get images of me climbing into a car with an axe murderer, there are a few things you need to understand about what makes hiking here a little different. First of all, there is a country-wide system in place. Generally, there are designated “hike points” where you wait for a ride to a specific place. It is also not free (although it is from the location to town). There are set prices to go to different places, which are slightly less than you would pay for a taxi and are meant to cover gas and expenses for the driver and keep the riff raff out. Finally, you have to remember that although Namibia is a pretty big country area-wise, there are only 2-3 million people living here and only 3,000 in my town. This means I’m never actually climbing into the car of a “stranger”. Everyone is my principals’ brother’s wife or the sister of a student at my school or the nephew of my neighbor, etc. even when I’m coming from a place as far away as Swakop.

I got to the store and was excited to get some sources of protein other than peanut butter and some fresh fruits and veggies. I bid farewell to the two high school girls and, determined to get at least some exercise, set out walking back. I’m starting to recognize people and in the stores those who know me greeted me, one man even ran out of the gas station just to holler good morning. I met Vicki, the owner of Vicki’s coffee shop, the only such place in town, and talked to her and the man who works at the conservancy for a bit. I might head back tomorrow for a cup of good coffee or a milkshake.

Before long, a truck pulled over and I recognized one of the little girls from my school in the back, smiling and waving, so I hopped in. In the car, I got to talk to the owner of the shop in the location for a bit and was totally embarrassed when she remembered the exact day that we met two weeks ago and I couldn’t even remember her face, but I think I covered okay. They dropped me off and for the last leg of my walk home, a man helped me carry one of my bags and talked to me about moving to Uis to become a mechanic. He was very friendly and assured me that he likes it here, even though he moved to this town knowing no one. I got home just in time to scare off the scrawny little kittens who live in my back yard and are terrified of people (although last night one sat on my windowsill and watched me watch a movie for at least 20 minutes).

Just thought I’d share what a “quick trip to the store” around here is like!

photos courtesy of Maggie Tabach

¡Bailemos! :: Learning Not to Dance Like a Gringa in Ecuador

Anique Pegeron, a year-long volunteer in Ecuador, is placed in Guaranda, known to locals as "the Rome of the Andes". Below, she writes about an essential aspect of her integration into the culture and community-- learning to dance!

Dancing is a huge part of Latin American culture. As soon as they start walking, they start dancing. I realized this during my first house party I went to in Guaranda (which, like many get-togethers here, was a mostly-family ordeal). I thought I was in for a slightly boring, small-talk night with the 80 year-old great grandmother… until the music came on, and she stood up and started shaking it alongside her 2 year old great granddaughter. The 7 and 8 year old cousins were already rocking their latino hips with sensuality beyond their age.

Then recently, I went to my little host nephew and niece's Christmas program, naively expecting to see a nativity pageant and listen to off-pitch Christmas carols as one would see at any U.S. elementary school. Even after 8 months of learning to expect the unexpected from Ecuadorian culture, I was a bit shocked when suggestive reggaeton music started blasting from the speakers, and the second-grade class swung their hips down to the floor and back up again in unison. I was expecting baby Jesus, and I instead I got baby José and his sesame street posse breaking it down MTV style in front of their proud parents. That day, I learned that my 8-year old host niece Arianna and her classmates can swing their hips better than I could ever hope to in my life…

Which brings up the well-known fact that North Americans can't dance—los gringos no pueden bailar—and after spending time in Latin America, I understand why. We don't really have the opportunity to dance until we're in middle school—just around the time when puberty is pulling our body in different awkward directions, and we're too self-conscious to risk looking stupid in front of our braces-clad classmates. By then, it's too late—we've already lost years of potential practice—years when we could have been shaking our hips carelessly, before we cared what people thought. Not only that, but when a guy can dance in the US, his friends promptly question his manhood… whereas in Latin America, the guys who CAN'T dance are the ones under ridicule.

Furthermore, the music we dance to in the United States (i.e. techno) makes us look like awkward robots anyway. On the other hand, Latin American music is dynamic and danceable—it has an energetic rhythm and melody that inspires hip-shaking—even in the dance-handicapped gringo. At the dance clubs here (discotecas), they play different genres of music—reggaeton, salsa, meringue, cumbia, and musica nacional—in sets of about 5 songs each, so that you never get bored. Which is why dancing here is so much fun!

Salsa class for our group of volunteers-- part of our cultural orientation in Quito, the capital city

But it wasn't easy to get to the point where I could enjoy a night out dancing with my Ecuadorian friends. I thought the biggest challenge of living in Latin America would be learning Spanish (hah! yet another demonstration of my North American naivete). Learning to follow the steps to all of the different dances while attempting to mimic the swift, suave hip movements that come so naturally to Ecuadorians has been no easy feat. But after several host-family salsa lessons and Saturday nights at the discotecas, I think Blair and I are starting to catch an eensy weensy bit of Latino rhythm. On new year's eve, for example, a guy friend congratulated me on no longer dancing like an awkward gringa—a big confidence boost to start off the new year! And earlier that night, when I was at our family's new year's fiesta and I started dancing with my host dad, the Venezuelan in-laws were shocked: "Look, a gringa who knows how to dance! Where's the camera, we've got to film this!"--as if I were a rare specimen at the zoo. After months of trying to shake off my ingrained awkwardness, I took this as a huge compliment.

So learning to dance has proven a big part of my rite-of-passage as an assimilated gringita in Ecuador. I doubt I'll ever measure up to Arianna's elementary school music video moves, but at least I can defend myself on a dance floor. Step by step, I have overcome my cultural handicap. Perhaps the most important part of this is embracing the true spirit of dancing: shake it like you mean it without caring who's watching. I only hope that when I'm 80 years old, I'll still be twisting my replaced hips alongside the young'uns… (with a little awkward twitch, just to stay true to my gringa roots!)

A view of Guaranda

Que Hubo Colombia!

Angela Strader, a WorldTeach volunteer in Colombia, shares her thoughts as she settles in to her first few weeks at her site placement upon completing orientation.

"On January 4, 2010 I arrived in Bogotá, Colombia to begin a two-week orientation with 21 other bright eyed, adventurous WorldTeach volunteers. We took TEFL and Spanish classes together; attended special lectures at the IDB, the Ministry of Education and the US Embassy; and even broke a sweat together! We are quite an athletic bunch –we went running, played soccer, and practiced some yoga in the evenings. One morning almost the entire group went hiking at the crack of dawn to a view of the city from above. A group of people with similar reasons for joining WorldTeach Colombia, we soon became friends and I already miss them dearly!"

"Today is my fifth day in my new home in Manizales, Colombia and I’m adjusting quickly to the city. It’s hard not to what with the gorgeous mountain scenery, temperate climate and delicious cafes and pandelerias. I’m living with a couple in their 60s who have ample space in their beautiful apartment and who have welcomed me whole-heartedly. Out of the 23 WorldTeach volunteers in Colombia this year, two of us are in Manizales, and we are the only volunteers not to be living with fellow volunteers. We have our separate home-stays, and are each enjoying them thoroughly so far. I have my own room complete with tv and Marilyn Monroe poster, my own bathroom, and plenty of space to cook and relax. I couldn’t be happier with how my living situation turned out, and I hope Gladys and Gonzalo feel the same as this is their first live-in tenant!

mountain view from my room after the rain

Since being here Neta and I have been trying to explore the city a bit. We’ve had more orientation at the Centro Colombo Americano and will be going there again all week this coming week. This week we will also have introductions to our schools. Neta and I are working within two different branches of the English program in Manizales. Neta is working more with the Ministry of Education and their perspective city project, Manizales Bilingue. She will be working in one school called the San Jorge which is intended to become fully bilingual with subject classes to be taught eventually in English. I on the other hand am working much more closely with the Centro Colombo and their work to put a greater emphasis on English and communication in three public schools which also fall under a teaching methodology called the Escuela Activa Urbana, in which students engage in a higher level of discussion and critical thinking with less teacher lecture. I will be working in these three schools: Escuela Nacional Auxiliares Enfermerias, La Asunción, and Instituto Latinoamericano (formerly pacheli).

The library at the Centro Colombo Americano

3 things I love about Manizales:
- You are never too cold in a tank top
- Fruits are aplenty and fresh juice is the norm
- Anything can happen in Manizales ( I’ve heard this a lot, and it’s true.)"

a Sunday sunset

"A Person I Like or Respect"

Jane Brokaw shares her experience teaching an English class for adults in Rwanda during her orientation.

These are some of my adult students responses to our question “Please write a few sentences on a person you like or respect and why."

Pascal - A person who I love and respect is first my mother but I love and respect everybody. My mama because she gave me life, she keeped (kept) me since I born and during my life. She gave me all I wanted if she had it and learned me to be on this world simple, loving another, and help anybody who needed me.

Hermogene- I LOVE MY WIFE. This is because she is one who chose me among all other boys. She take care of both me and my son. Together we make ourselves happy and we plan and work for the future. So, I love her so much.

Charles– In my life, I love and respect so much my ground mother because she keeped (kept) me since I was eight years old after my mother dieing (died).

Jane- I love my father because he prays for me every day. I love my teacher Jane because we have the same noun (name).

Jonathan – I love God because he gave us his son who is died for me.

Jean - I like my mother so much because she made me what I am now. She gave me the school fees and she adviced (advised) me in order to have the good manners. She did many things to develop my mind and grow up physically. So I think to God for what God do for me through my mum. May God help my Mum and Rwanda.

Sook San Wan Valentine! :: Happy Valentine's Day from Thailand

Haley Boone shares her heartwarming reflections on Valentine's Day from her placement in Nakhon Phanom province...

"Happy Valentine's Day! In honor of the holiday, I thought I’d make a list of the things that I love most about my life here in Thailand. I’m not sure my heart could possibly be happier… I think I love my life here more and more everyday. Here are just a few reasons that I love this place:

• My students! I’m sure I have the sweetest and most adorable students in the entire world. On Friday, I was greeted in each class by students with roses, stickers, and chocolates. The teachers just laughed and shook their heads, saying “Student love Teacher Baibua very much.” Also, in one of my third grade classes I looked up after the students had been working for a few minutes to find two of my really sweet girls knitting scarves. I was very confused as to why they were making scarves (this is a tropical country, afterall, AND they were supposed to be working) and my partner teacher, Khru ToiTing, just smiled and told me they were making the scarves for me because they knew that it was very cold in America. I think my heart melted.

• My WorldTeach fam! I am so lucky to spend the year with such an amazing group of people! They understand like no one else when I have a frustrating day at school or when I want a cheeseburger so much I think I might cry. They are my comfort here and help me stay sane. They also love to have fun, and everytime we get together the end result is always hilarious stories, great pictures, and memories of this year that I’m sure I will never forget.

• Nakhon Phanom! I love this little town in NE Thailand so much. I love the river. I love the night market. I love how incredibly friendly everyone is. I love that I can’t go anywhere without running into at least 5 people that I know.

• My host family… I never imagined my living situation would be so comfortable and great when I first got to Thailand. I live with the greatest family that has done everything they possibly can to make my year wonderful.

• My school, Annuban. I couldn’t have asked for a better placement… I work at such a friendly school. The way the school is run is a little strange (and frustrating) to me at times, but the other teachers are just wonderful. Despite being so large, it feels like the school community is a big family.

• Thai fruits! They seriously have the best fruits here. And they are SO cheap. I’ve eaten so many fruits that I’d never heard of before, and then there are the delicious pineapples and watermelons everywhere. The other day I accidently ate a whole pineapple because they are just that good. And it was only 20 Baht (about 60 cents)!
  

These are just a few things that have me feeling all warm and fuzzy on this Valentine’s Day. I hope that yours back home is wonderful… enjoy the snow that I am missing!"

A day in the life from Uis, Namibia

Christina Baum shares below a snapshot of a typical day as a WorldTeach volunteer in Uis, Namibia. Uis is a small town in the northwestern region of the country where Christina is teaching 6th grade math as well as working on a library development project.

"5:54- wake up, wash face, breakfast of cornflakes and coffee

6:45- arrive at the school. The school is made up of three long buildings running parallel to each other that contain 5 classrooms each. Running perpendicular to these is another building which has the office, store room, and the principal’s office. Behind that building are the bathrooms.

7:00-7:15- daily staff meeting. Involves greeting everyone else, praying together/ reading from the bible, announcements from the principal and staff (on Mondays and Fridays this is replaced by the all-school meeting outside where students sing prayers, the national anthem, the bible is read, and announcements to students are made)

7:20-10:00- “morning” classes. I’m basically teaching a part-time load (1/2 to 2/3 as much as other teachers) so during off periods I either work on lesson planning in the staff room, work in the library, or read.

10:00-10:30- break. We head to the staff room for tea time. Teachers contribute $50 Namibian monthly and get a tea bag or a cup of coffee each day with sugar (we make it ourselves). This is also when I eat my apple and 2.5 rusks. It is not my favorite time of day since 95% of the time the other teachers are speaking in other languages. I have a very hard time making small talk here that doesn’t feel like I’m just asking hundreds of questions and getting one-word answers, so I often just read or space out. Also, during this time the kids are wreaking havoc outside and women from the town come sell snacks in the school yard.

10:30-1:10- “afternoon” classes. Same as before break

1:10- 1:45- depending on the day, detention.

1:45-2- lunch, typically a peanut butter sandwich and some guava yogurt with granola. Side note: guava yogurt with granola is God’s gift to man. Probably the third best food in the world (after chocolate and buffalo wings)

2-5:30- various activities. Often working in the library for 1-2 hours, sometimes attending athletic practice, sometimes a short nap and reading, frequently lesson planning/preparation. Also the time when students come to visit.

5:30- shower. By this time of day I am hot and the water is warm.

Sometime between 6:00 and 8:00- dinner. Consists of rice, noodles, chicken, eggs, bread, cheese, tomatoes, cauliflower, peanut butter, or yogurt (usually some combination of them) depending on the day.

After dinner to 9:45- checking email, reading, cleaning, watching shows/movies.

Sometime between 9:15 and 10:15- bed

And that’s my life! Today was my first day doing “study” after school (having kids come in for some more one-on-one attention or just extra practice) and that seemed to go well, so that might be happening more often. I was also asked to describe how things smell here, and my only answer is this: dusty. The classrooms smell overwhelmingly stale and dusty in the mornings before we open the windows and outside smells… dusty, except if you get within 20 feet of the kids' bathroom, but that’s another story. More interesting might be the sounds. It may be because I’m so close to the school, but I can hear children shouting almost all day. Parents yell, too, and there is the infrequent sound of a car clattering by on the rocky road outside my house or music being blasted from a house somewhere nearby. It is incredibly noisy except during meal time (1:15 to 2:15ish) when it is dead quiet and after about 9 when things die down."

[photo courtesy of Maggie Tabach]

Haiti Fundraising :: an update from Stephanie's class in Thailand

A few weeks ago we posted about Stephanie Paguio, one of our Thailand volunteers, and her efforts to raise funds and awareness about the relief efforts in Haiti in her classroom in the village of Pla Pak. Here, she dispatches some uplifting updates on her ongoing project.

"I am still so amazed by how supportive and generous the village has been. We have now raised 21,000 Baht (almost $700)! I along with five students and another Thai teacher went around Plapak village last weekend asking for donations."

Finding support outside the local bank

Support from Pla Pak's postmaster!

Support from the agricultural office!

Stephanie's students with the mayor of Pla Pak

A local policeman offers a donation

Some of Stephanie's students [all photos courtesy of Stephanie Paguio]

Stephanie now plans to donate these funds through the Thai Red Cross this week. We're inspired by her efforts and the heartwarming involvement of her whole community.

High tides in Majuro

Sarah Lipson, a volunteer in the Marshall Islands, writes about the high tides that are threatening to flood Majuro, the town where she is based.

Some of the highest tides ever predicted to occur in Majuro are forecast during January, February and March of 2010. From Friday 29^th of January until Tuesday 2^nd of February the evening high tide is predicted to be over 2.00 meters or 6’ 6’’, reaching 2.19 meters or 7’ 2’’ on the 31^st of January. These water levels alone are enough to create multiple hazards, particularly in vulnerable low-lying areas. These potential hazards are magnified if a period of large swell coincides with the high tides. Both ocean and lagoon coasts are vulnerable to flooding and increased erosion during these events.

photo courtesy of Sarah Lipson

"At high tide on January 29, I walked to the tip of Rita to assess the tides and was struck by one particular home. In the poorest community in Majuro, this shack was feet from being swept into the ocean. Terrifyingly, the highest tide is predicted for approximately 20 hours from now. Such vulnerability, such beauty…"

photo courtesy of Sarah Lipson

The First Day

Kyle Gaiser, a volunteer in Rwanda, shares his thoughts about his first day of teaching.

"We must take proper care of our children. We must quit treating them as commodities for the "job market" and teach them to be good neighbors and citizens and to do good work." - Wendell Berry, Peaceableness Toward Enemies

photo courtesy of Jane Brokaw

"As I think about and prepare for the first day of my teaching stint here in Rwanda, I am beginning to realize the significance of education beyond that of just teaching the material. My "job" is to teach math and physics by completing the curriculum laid out for me before the year's end. It seems straightforward enough: prepare the notes in advance, organize labs and homework assignments, mix in some quizes and diagnostic testing for evaluation, and add a dash of class discussion here and there. But as I read Berry's essay, I am challenged to do more. Education is more than relaying information and making kids into successful adults ("successful" usually refering to economic status). Education is vital not only in teaching students the material, but also how to use the material to benefit our world and communities now while ensuring our health tomorrow.

This is especially true in Rwanda. Here, the focus is on becoming a technological hub for East Africa and there is a strong incentive to move from a subsistence agricultural economy to a "knowledge based economy." And this change is evident in Rwanda's rapid economic growth, the value of higher education, the 2010 mandate that all classes be taught in English (not French or Kinyarwanda), the recruitment of international math and science teachers, and the improvements in infrastructure enabling an industry-based economy. With these changes in mind, may I reemphisize Berry's thoughts: education must be guided by a practical care for the world and a respect for morals. Science must be accompanied by ethics. Technology must be rooted in an awareness of our neighbors' needs and our future resources. Kids must become good neighbors before they can become good engineers, politicians, or doctors."

photo courtesy of Jane Brokaw