WorldTeach Costa Rica summer volunteer Brian Pavlich has been keeping a video journal and shares with us here a montage of some of the images he has seen and experienced during his time living in Costa Rica so far!
A WorldTeach blog providing our latest news updates & spotlighting our volunteers in the field
7/28/10
7/26/10
First Ever Emails in Namibia
Our WorldTeach Namibia summer volunteers work largely at the very important task of teaching students, teachers and administrators computer and IT skills to use in their work. Dana Bays, a summer volunteer teaching in Okahao, Namibia, shares with us the experience of receiving the first emails that her students, who are schoolteachers and administrators, have ever written! First, though, we wanted to share with you this amazing video sent to us by Namibia Field Director Jocie to give you an idea of the spirit, energy and rhythm of this amazing country!
"The last couple of weeks I have worked to set up email addresses for the teachers that do not yet have them. I’m have signed up 10 total, and it has hands down been one of the highlights of my experience. It is pretty unreal to watch someone receive their very first email – the excitement, shock, and smiles can hardly be contained! They are astonished by the speed with which you can send and receive an email, and how much fun it can be.
So what is even more fun than watching them receive their first email? Being the first one to send that inaugural message, and to be the first person they send an email to. I have saved the emails they have sent me as they are priceless.
I have posted them below (no editing) in case you are interested in reading them! The message from Mr. Kamati, the principal, was extremely touching and brought tears to my eyes.
Dana with some of her students
First emails ever sent by the teachers:
Ms. Mufwinda:
Hi Dana. i m so excited to use my email for the first time and especially with you.This is great. I love it. Thanks a lot Dana.
Ms. Uushona:
Thank u Ms Dana for assissting me on how to sent an E-mail.
I will enjoy it.Thank u once more.Ok.
Helen
Mr. Hamatumwa:
Am really excited to have ma lovely e-mail. we will keep in touch yaaaaaaah.
Mrs. Kamati:
It mazing to met u around and connect us to world wide tecnology. Almigth God bless u ever .Will miss u alot !!!
Mr. Kamati:
It will take our school community so millions of words and countless thoughts to express our sincere gratitude over the services rendered both to our learners and teachers while with us just over a period of almost two moths. Your servises contributions has indeed made a great and tangible impact to the targeted group. I am so happy that you have attained your goal in the light that all our teaching staff have acquired some basic computer skills. Your departure will be surelry another vacuum in our journery for ICT learning and we will miss you.
But however , though leaving , you have made an unerassable record in the persuit of ICT adventure and teaching and leaning in general, in our lovely institution.So, God bless and be ahead of your trip back to Portland-USA.
With sincere appreciatios
Mr. E.I.Kamati : Head master"
Ms. Mufwinda:
Hi Dana. i m so excited to use my email for the first time and especially with you.This is great. I love it. Thanks a lot Dana.
Ms. Uushona:
Thank u Ms Dana for assissting me on how to sent an E-mail.
I will enjoy it.Thank u once more.Ok.
Helen
Mr. Hamatumwa:
Am really excited to have ma lovely e-mail. we will keep in touch yaaaaaaah.
Mrs. Kamati:
It mazing to met u around and connect us to world wide tecnology. Almigth God bless u ever .Will miss u alot !!!
Mr. Kamati:
It will take our school community so millions of words and countless thoughts to express our sincere gratitude over the services rendered both to our learners and teachers while with us just over a period of almost two moths. Your servises contributions has indeed made a great and tangible impact to the targeted group. I am so happy that you have attained your goal in the light that all our teaching staff have acquired some basic computer skills. Your departure will be surelry another vacuum in our journery for ICT learning and we will miss you.
But however , though leaving , you have made an unerassable record in the persuit of ICT adventure and teaching and leaning in general, in our lovely institution.So, God bless and be ahead of your trip back to Portland-USA.
With sincere appreciatios
Mr. E.I.Kamati : Head master"
7/20/10
Community Ties :: An Unexpected Honor
WorldTeach Thailand volunteer Caitlyn Pisarski writes about taking part in a cultural ritual that drew her into her community and helped her re-connect with her experience, her colleagues and her students.
This picture is a result of a string-tying ceremony I was a part of last Thursday at Wang Yang Elementary School. These ceremonies are an important ritual in Thailand, usually performed when someone enters or leaves a community, or when two people are wed. The ceremony I attended last week was to welcome the newly appointed principal to our school and say goodbye to the former; Teacher Bai-Khao was to receive strings as well, unbeknown to me until the ceremony was underway!
The ceremony started when the new principal lit a candle at the top of the banana leaf structure (see below) holding the strings soon to adorn our wrists. This structure is an intricate centerpiece of leaves folded into origami-like shapes and accented by flowers. Beneath this centerpiece is a whole, cooked chicken on a platter, numerous boiled eggs, and sticky rice wrapped neatly in banana leaves. I was seated in a circle around the centerpiece with principals from several surrounding schools in addition to the Wang Yang principals. Then a village elder offered prayers, and oratorical performance that, at the end, elicited shouts of jubilation from his audience, and a shot of whiskey from a principal. Then we began the actual string-tying; one of my favorite aspects of this part is how everyone in the ceremony connects to the receipent of the string, as everyone touches an elbow, forearm, or shoulder of another, until each person in the room is connected.
When it was my turn, I had to blink back tears as the village elders, students, and their parents circled around me and waited for a chance to tie a string and give me their kind words. Many wished for me to find a handsome husband, happiness, or good luck, though quite a few (from the limited Thai I was able to pick up) also wished upon me a quick return to the school, or to not leave them at all. With a hard-boiled egg and sticky rice in each hand, I looked around at the faces of my students, trying to imprint the moment forever in my memory as one of unconditional acceptance and appreciation. I noticed one of my third-graders wiggling back into the circle at least two more times to tie more string to my wrist, his face just beaming with what I thought to be excitement and adoration, the same look I get after giving him words of encouragement in class. As the ceremony was wrapping up, one of my co-teachers asked if I understood what people were saying, and when I replied “A little,” she responded by saying “Everyone loves Bai-Khao.”
The ceremony started when the new principal lit a candle at the top of the banana leaf structure (see below) holding the strings soon to adorn our wrists. This structure is an intricate centerpiece of leaves folded into origami-like shapes and accented by flowers. Beneath this centerpiece is a whole, cooked chicken on a platter, numerous boiled eggs, and sticky rice wrapped neatly in banana leaves. I was seated in a circle around the centerpiece with principals from several surrounding schools in addition to the Wang Yang principals. Then a village elder offered prayers, and oratorical performance that, at the end, elicited shouts of jubilation from his audience, and a shot of whiskey from a principal. Then we began the actual string-tying; one of my favorite aspects of this part is how everyone in the ceremony connects to the receipent of the string, as everyone touches an elbow, forearm, or shoulder of another, until each person in the room is connected.
When it was my turn, I had to blink back tears as the village elders, students, and their parents circled around me and waited for a chance to tie a string and give me their kind words. Many wished for me to find a handsome husband, happiness, or good luck, though quite a few (from the limited Thai I was able to pick up) also wished upon me a quick return to the school, or to not leave them at all. With a hard-boiled egg and sticky rice in each hand, I looked around at the faces of my students, trying to imprint the moment forever in my memory as one of unconditional acceptance and appreciation. I noticed one of my third-graders wiggling back into the circle at least two more times to tie more string to my wrist, his face just beaming with what I thought to be excitement and adoration, the same look I get after giving him words of encouragement in class. As the ceremony was wrapping up, one of my co-teachers asked if I understood what people were saying, and when I replied “A little,” she responded by saying “Everyone loves Bai-Khao.”
For me this experience came at an incredibly important time, as I was struggling with (admittedly) self-centered feelings of under-appreciation, becoming extremely critical of my co-teachers’ styles of instruction, and having a hard time re-adjusting to my daily routine after saying goodbye to my latest visitor from the States. This experience put me in check and reminded me how lucky I am to live and teach in this community. I was so humbled by the ceremony and it truly could not have occurred at a better time. My life in Thailand has been surprising in that regard; no matter how confusing, disheartening, or impossible a situation may seem, things just have a way of working out when it’s least expected.
In other words: mai pen rai.
In other words: mai pen rai.
7/19/10
Painting a Mural at Escuela San Cayetano
WorldTeach Costa Rica Summer volunteer Emma Sagor has been working with some of her students to create a mural for her school. She shares with us here a video documenting the progress of the beautiful artwork while taking the opportunity to dance the Waka Waka and help support 1Goal's Education for All initiative!
7/16/10
"Mini Yoga"
Being a WorldTeach volunteer is so much more than just being a teacher, and our volunteers share themselves and their skills with the community at large, not only those in their classrooms! The latest adorable dispatch from Jane Brokaw, WorldTeach Rwanda volunteer: kids from her neighborhood practicing their yoga moves!
And from an earlier post, neighborhood kids catching up on their American media:
7/14/10
Off to Morogoro
Another dispatch from our pioneer group in Tanzania, where volunteers have left the capital city of Dar es Salaam for the town of Morogoro. WorldTeach volunteer Matt Mills shares his impressions upon arrival.
Today we departed to Morogoro town, which is located about 120 miles west of Dar es Salaam. The drive was beautiful, filled with lots of green and scenic African landscape. We knew we were approaching Morogoro when we could see the breathtaking Uluguru mountains in the distance. The climate even began to cool as we got closer to our destination, and it was a welcome break from the humid heat of Dar. It was hard not to be amazed at how incredible this place is, with the mountains rising above the rest of the town.
We got a first glimpse of the town center, which was filled with many shops, markets and lots of people. It’s certainly smaller than what we’ve been used to for the past couple of weeks, but very busy and exciting nonetheless.
We arrived at our hostel, located at a teacher’s college just outside of the main Morogoro town. While it was exciting to move into new surroundings, it was a bit of a reality check in a lot of ways, and prepared us for what we would expect in our own housing for the next year. Gone were the hot showers, wireless internet, and air conditioning we were used to at our hostel in Dar (luxury accommodations, indeed). Instead, we arrived to find very basic accommodations that included mosquito net covered beds, a basic bathroom with cold running water and a stall-less shower. At first it took some getting used to, and hit me a little hard that this would be what our living situation would be for the next year. However, after some getting used to, you realize that it’s not so bad. It’s safe, clean, and we have a bed, running water and electricity, which is all you can really ask for considering where we are living.
On another plus side, there are lots of monkeys running around! Apparently, they’re like squirrels here- always running around in trees, chasing one another, or snacking on whatever food they can find nearby. I much prefer the monkeys over squirrels, and I can’t imagine I’ll get tired of watching them run about.
It’ll be a fun week in Morogoro, where we can relax, have fun, and get some good teaching practice.
On another plus side, there are lots of monkeys running around! Apparently, they’re like squirrels here- always running around in trees, chasing one another, or snacking on whatever food they can find nearby. I much prefer the monkeys over squirrels, and I can’t imagine I’ll get tired of watching them run about.
It’ll be a fun week in Morogoro, where we can relax, have fun, and get some good teaching practice.
7/13/10
Settling In & Making Coffee in Ecuador
All of our summer volunteers are now in-country! WorldTeach Ecuador Summer Volunteer Leaf Elhai writes about settling in to her new community and host family (and learning how to make coffee!) at the beginning of her two-month stay in-country.
My host family lives in a rural area about 5 miles away from Peñaherrera proper. The community is called El Paraíso ("Paradise"), which is appropriate-- small, family farms are nestled in the green mountains, which extend as far as you can see. Raising animals seems to be the dominant revenue-generating activity on the farms in this area, but some families also grow fields of beans on the steep slopes.
There is a single dirt road that twists its way through the mountains. It makes for a good hike when I want to travel between home and town when the camioneta is not available (it makes its route only once a day, and not at all on Saturdays). My family lives in a small, comfortable house surrounded by plantain, lemon, orange, and coffee trees.
There is a single dirt road that twists its way through the mountains. It makes for a good hike when I want to travel between home and town when the camioneta is not available (it makes its route only once a day, and not at all on Saturdays). My family lives in a small, comfortable house surrounded by plantain, lemon, orange, and coffee trees.
People who live in town also run family farms with chickens, cuyes, plantains, yucca, coffee, and more. There's not much other business to be had, other than a few general stores that are tiny grocery-pharmacy combinations that also sell some clothing, shoes, and stationary items. One of the stores has a copy machine (currently broken, so no help to me in my classes) and a couple pay phones that can make pricey international calls. The students at my colegio mainly use the town stores as ice-cream suppliers.
There are two town centers in Peñaherrera: a stone plaza in front of the Catholic church and this park, which is near the town government office and the clinic. The wireless internet signal is broadcast from the government office, so I often sit in the park with my laptop to plan classes and communicate with people from home.
[Recently], I learned how to make coffee. At one point, Ecuador was the top global exporter of coffee—Hermania and Alvino, true Ecuadorians, grow, harvest, and roast their own beans. Hermania was very amused and delighted with the idea that I wanted to document each step of the coffee-making process. Since the whole procedure is so work-intensive, she makes about enough for two months each time she roasts and grinds the beans. The coffee fruit grow on shiny-leafed trees and are harvested by hand--the ripe fruit are red.
There are two town centers in Peñaherrera: a stone plaza in front of the Catholic church and this park, which is near the town government office and the clinic. The wireless internet signal is broadcast from the government office, so I often sit in the park with my laptop to plan classes and communicate with people from home.
[Recently], I learned how to make coffee. At one point, Ecuador was the top global exporter of coffee—Hermania and Alvino, true Ecuadorians, grow, harvest, and roast their own beans. Hermania was very amused and delighted with the idea that I wanted to document each step of the coffee-making process. Since the whole procedure is so work-intensive, she makes about enough for two months each time she roasts and grinds the beans. The coffee fruit grow on shiny-leafed trees and are harvested by hand--the ripe fruit are red.
Alvino’s brother owns a machine that processes the fruit to separate the outer skin from the white, mucous-covered seeds. After processing, the naked beans are dried in the sun. Hermania roasts the dried beans over a fire in a ceramic dish (a family friend, Myra, watches). She stirs the beans constantly to roast them evenly, and whenever the wind changes direction, which is often, she needs to reposition herself to avoid the smoke.
After about twenty minutes, the smoke starts to smell sweet and rich. When the beans are entirely roasted, they are set out in a large tray to cool a bit. My 10-year-old host brother David and I take turns on the hand-crank to grind the beans. One of us turns the crank, while the other feeds the beans in very slowly. We spend about an hour with one-third of the batch (one roasting dish worth) and leave the rest for Alvino and another man who helps on the farm.
Hermania makes the coffee with a sieve and a piece of cloth. Sometimes we have it with milk, sometimes with water, but always with a very generous helping of sugar.
After about twenty minutes, the smoke starts to smell sweet and rich. When the beans are entirely roasted, they are set out in a large tray to cool a bit. My 10-year-old host brother David and I take turns on the hand-crank to grind the beans. One of us turns the crank, while the other feeds the beans in very slowly. We spend about an hour with one-third of the batch (one roasting dish worth) and leave the rest for Alvino and another man who helps on the farm.
Hermania makes the coffee with a sieve and a piece of cloth. Sometimes we have it with milk, sometimes with water, but always with a very generous helping of sugar.
7/8/10
To Nine Months!
WorldTeach Thailand volunteer Haley Boone writes about 9 of her favorite things in Thailand upon having spent 9 months in country... but first, a video of her students doing the Waka Waka!
It’s pretty hard to believe that nine months ago I landed in Bangkok and started my life here in Thailand. Time flies when you’re having fun, right? I am still loving my life here in Nakhon Phanom and enjoying every day that I get to spend with my Thai family and friends. When I was traveling, I was sitting on the beach one day and thinking about how lucky I am to have had these amazing opportunities… from spending my summers in Yellowstone National Park to my post college months on the streets of Kolkata and of course, most recently, living life in a country where my vacations are spent island hopping in the south… sometimes I feel like it’s all just too much. This same day, I wrote in my journal, “How can my heart be so full? And for so much of my life? I feel as though I've cheated somehow, taken more than my share of happiness.” I don’t know how it’s happened… but if the past few years are any indication of the future, I can honestly say that I am completely in love with life.
In honor of my nine month Thailand anniversary, here are nine things that I love about this place!
1. Greetings
You would think that after teaching at one school for so long, your face would become really familiar to the students and they would no longer be all that excited to see you each day. Well, here you would be wrong. Every day I am greeted at school as though I’m the visiting celebrity that day…. “TEACHER BAIBUA!” The really cute waves and giggles and hugs that follow are my motivation to come to school each day. The younger students greet me with so much enthusiasm it often sounds as though they’ve just seen Santa Claus walking across campus. I’m still waiting for this effect to wear off… and secretly hoping that it never does.
2. Home Sweet Home
I have a house here in Thailand… a really nice house. I have my own room, a bathroom with hot water, a kitchen, and all of the other many things that belong in most houses. And on top of all of that, I have a family. My family here creates such a warm home environment for me… something that is irreplaceable and has been so important to me in my time here. I love that I have a place to go where I am waited for… a place to go where I am loved. From my crazy dog, Kai Dtun, to my adorable Thai grandmother… there is nothing that can replace the feeling of having a place where you feel like you belong.
3. The Mekong
Nakhon Phanom is situated right on the banks of the Mekong River, and I just think it’s beautiful. I love the aerobics classes that are held each night all along the river, and I also love that if you spend enough time there you will see the many break dancers of Nakhon Phanom in action. I also love my nightly runs along the river and passing the old women who clap for me as I run past them. It’s said that those who swim in the Mekong will always come back to Nakhon Phanom… something I’ve done already but plan on doing at least once more just to make sure I make it back one day.
In honor of my nine month Thailand anniversary, here are nine things that I love about this place!
1. Greetings
You would think that after teaching at one school for so long, your face would become really familiar to the students and they would no longer be all that excited to see you each day. Well, here you would be wrong. Every day I am greeted at school as though I’m the visiting celebrity that day…. “TEACHER BAIBUA!” The really cute waves and giggles and hugs that follow are my motivation to come to school each day. The younger students greet me with so much enthusiasm it often sounds as though they’ve just seen Santa Claus walking across campus. I’m still waiting for this effect to wear off… and secretly hoping that it never does.
2. Home Sweet Home
I have a house here in Thailand… a really nice house. I have my own room, a bathroom with hot water, a kitchen, and all of the other many things that belong in most houses. And on top of all of that, I have a family. My family here creates such a warm home environment for me… something that is irreplaceable and has been so important to me in my time here. I love that I have a place to go where I am waited for… a place to go where I am loved. From my crazy dog, Kai Dtun, to my adorable Thai grandmother… there is nothing that can replace the feeling of having a place where you feel like you belong.
3. The Mekong
Nakhon Phanom is situated right on the banks of the Mekong River, and I just think it’s beautiful. I love the aerobics classes that are held each night all along the river, and I also love that if you spend enough time there you will see the many break dancers of Nakhon Phanom in action. I also love my nightly runs along the river and passing the old women who clap for me as I run past them. It’s said that those who swim in the Mekong will always come back to Nakhon Phanom… something I’ve done already but plan on doing at least once more just to make sure I make it back one day.
4. Non and Dti Dti
My Thai parents are incredibly open with their home, and along with inviting me to live with them, they’ve also taken in a niece and a nephew. Dti Dti is 18 and in technical college, and Non is 8 years old and in one of my 3rd grade classes. I absolutely love them both… my favorite afternoons are spent playing volleyball or riding bikes along the river with them. I also love that Non cannot say Haley for anything, so he calls me Pi Lee, which means older sister. I also love Dti Dti’s ability to listen to Taylor Swift for hours on end, and her attempts to sing along are pretty hilarious.
5. Ahan Thai (Thai food)
I’m pretty sure I discover something new and delicious every week that I’m here. Most recently, my discovery was Monkey Ice… Thailand’s version of the sno cone. Let’s just say it involves a lot of condensed milk, chocolate cereal, and marshmallows. I’ve put myself on a strict “once a week” Monkey Ice rule. Luckily, Thai fruits are almost as delicious as the chocolate.
6. What’s your nickname?
This was pretty much the first question I was asked as I stumbled off the bus at 7am when we arrived in Nakhon Phanom. I had no idea how common and important nicknames were at the time… now it’s hard to imagine my life in Thailand without thinking of my Thai name, Baibua. It doesn’t seem strange at all to me anymore that my students and pretty much everyone close to me refers to me as “Lotus Leaf” until I really start to think about it. And then it just makes me laugh. How do my students take me seriously at all when all of their questions begin with “Teacher Lotus Leaf!” I guess in a country where nicknames such as Cucumber, Benz, Chang Noi (Little Elephant), and Violin are common… Lotus Leaf isn’t so strange. I will never, however, be able to say “Hey, Tiger!” and not giggle at least a little bit inside.
7. My ride
I have two modes of transportation in Thailand that belong to me… my feet and my trusty bicycle. I’ve been amazed at the things I’ve been able to transport on my little yellow bike… you can fit more in a basket and on a “back seat” than you would think! I’ve driven a car once since I’ve been here (probably not the smartest decision when you are visiting Bangkok), and while some days I miss it… I also love the feeling of living in a town where I can get anywhere I need to go using my feet or my bicycle. Sometimes I actually get really overwhelmed when I think that I used to own my very own car.
8. AirAsia
In the US, you have Southwest Airlines. In Southeast Asia, we have AirAsia. If you think flights are cheap on Southwest… you would be blown away by the deals of AirAsia. I spend a considerable amount of time on their website planning imaginary trips, but I’ve also turned those dreams into reality and booked two trips for my end of the year backpacking adventure: Sri Lanka and Bali! Both of these trips… round trip… cost me less than a hundred and thirty dollars! I will never be quite as impressed with Southwest due to its ability to only fly within the U.S.
9. Cherry and Pink
I love all of my students… really, I do. They could easily be the most lovable group of children you will ever meet. I wouldn’t say I have favorites… but I really, really love Cherry and Pink. They are inseparable best friends, and I think what I love about them so much is that they remind me of myself in elementary school. Wherever I was, you could be sure that my best friend Joy Beth was right there beside me. Joy Beth is still my very best friend in the world, and I think these two girls make me feel a little bit closer to her when I see them together. I also think they are going to be heartbreakers in the future… not only are they incredibly sweet, but they are both so beautiful!
My Thai parents are incredibly open with their home, and along with inviting me to live with them, they’ve also taken in a niece and a nephew. Dti Dti is 18 and in technical college, and Non is 8 years old and in one of my 3rd grade classes. I absolutely love them both… my favorite afternoons are spent playing volleyball or riding bikes along the river with them. I also love that Non cannot say Haley for anything, so he calls me Pi Lee, which means older sister. I also love Dti Dti’s ability to listen to Taylor Swift for hours on end, and her attempts to sing along are pretty hilarious.
5. Ahan Thai (Thai food)
I’m pretty sure I discover something new and delicious every week that I’m here. Most recently, my discovery was Monkey Ice… Thailand’s version of the sno cone. Let’s just say it involves a lot of condensed milk, chocolate cereal, and marshmallows. I’ve put myself on a strict “once a week” Monkey Ice rule. Luckily, Thai fruits are almost as delicious as the chocolate.
6. What’s your nickname?
This was pretty much the first question I was asked as I stumbled off the bus at 7am when we arrived in Nakhon Phanom. I had no idea how common and important nicknames were at the time… now it’s hard to imagine my life in Thailand without thinking of my Thai name, Baibua. It doesn’t seem strange at all to me anymore that my students and pretty much everyone close to me refers to me as “Lotus Leaf” until I really start to think about it. And then it just makes me laugh. How do my students take me seriously at all when all of their questions begin with “Teacher Lotus Leaf!” I guess in a country where nicknames such as Cucumber, Benz, Chang Noi (Little Elephant), and Violin are common… Lotus Leaf isn’t so strange. I will never, however, be able to say “Hey, Tiger!” and not giggle at least a little bit inside.
7. My ride
I have two modes of transportation in Thailand that belong to me… my feet and my trusty bicycle. I’ve been amazed at the things I’ve been able to transport on my little yellow bike… you can fit more in a basket and on a “back seat” than you would think! I’ve driven a car once since I’ve been here (probably not the smartest decision when you are visiting Bangkok), and while some days I miss it… I also love the feeling of living in a town where I can get anywhere I need to go using my feet or my bicycle. Sometimes I actually get really overwhelmed when I think that I used to own my very own car.
8. AirAsia
In the US, you have Southwest Airlines. In Southeast Asia, we have AirAsia. If you think flights are cheap on Southwest… you would be blown away by the deals of AirAsia. I spend a considerable amount of time on their website planning imaginary trips, but I’ve also turned those dreams into reality and booked two trips for my end of the year backpacking adventure: Sri Lanka and Bali! Both of these trips… round trip… cost me less than a hundred and thirty dollars! I will never be quite as impressed with Southwest due to its ability to only fly within the U.S.
9. Cherry and Pink
I love all of my students… really, I do. They could easily be the most lovable group of children you will ever meet. I wouldn’t say I have favorites… but I really, really love Cherry and Pink. They are inseparable best friends, and I think what I love about them so much is that they remind me of myself in elementary school. Wherever I was, you could be sure that my best friend Joy Beth was right there beside me. Joy Beth is still my very best friend in the world, and I think these two girls make me feel a little bit closer to her when I see them together. I also think they are going to be heartbreakers in the future… not only are they incredibly sweet, but they are both so beautiful!
7/2/10
Habari!! Greetings from some of our Pioneer Volunteers in Tanzania!
This June, WorldTeach sent its first ever group of volunteers to teach in partnership with the Ministry of Education in Tanzania. Being part of an inaugural group brings an added element of excitement for the volunteers (and for the staff here in the office!) in addition to the usual excitement and anticipation they experience during the one-month in-country orientation process. Below are some excerpts from our volunteers' reflections upon arrival from intrepid WorldTeach volunteers Megan Randall and Matthew Mills.
"So I finally made it to Tanzania yesterday! Not only did I arrive in one piece, but I arrived completely happy and ready for this big adventure to start! I was so excited to land finally - the plane trip over was nearly 24 hours long so it was nice to get out and stretch my legs once we got here. I say "we" because I am accompanied by 7 others in the WorldTeach program who will be teaching here also. Since we got here last night, we've had some stellar home cooked meals at a hostel that we're staying at in Mikocheni (right on the coast in Dar es Salaam), we've been to the beach once, rested a little, been stuck in traffic for about 2 hours trying to go only 15 miles, set up functioning cell phones (I'll hand my number out soon), been to the shops at a couple of malls, taken a walk through town, been to some orientation info sessions, and have learned a lot already! I'm about to eat dinner here and then watch the World Cup match between Ghana and the USA. Although I do love you, USA, I'm an African resident now for the year, so I'm rooting for Ghana to take the win - Africa needs to kick our butt to keep their hopes up in this thing! Toodles for now, the chakula (food) is ready." -Megan
This is from our hotel in Dar. There is a terrace up on the roof, with a smaller terrace above that provides a spectacular view of the city. Many of our orientation classes are held on the terrace as well, so not a bad place to learn some Kiswahili and teaching techniques! [photo courtesy of Matthew Mills]
"Habari!! As you might be able to tell from that common Swahili greeting, today we started learning a bit of Kiswahili. Mostly we learned greetings, which apparently are very very important and essential to know, and can get you a long way in Tanzania. There are many greetings for different times of the day, general greetings, and greetings that are more age appropriate. For example, a common greeting to say to a young person would be “Mambo!” to which the response would be “Poa” or “Safi” meaning “cool.” A common respectful greeting for an elder would be “Shikamoo,” to which the response would be “Marahaba.” Apparently, this will be a common greeting from my students.
Already I can tell how important the language training will be, because once you get out into the streets amongst the Tanzanian people, just knowing even the common greetings puts you more at ease and you start to feel less like an outsider. I can certainly see how simple greetings and respect will get you far here.
Besides beginning our formal teaching and language training, we’ve already spent a bit of time out and about in Dar es Salaam. Yesterday we traveled into the city center, where we saw the main marketplace (Kariakoo) that housed many local merchants selling goods, the fish market by the shore, and many of the government and commercial buildings throughout the city. It was a bit hot, but a gorgeous day to explore Dar. Also, since it was a Sunday and most of the shops and businesses were closed, it was a nice, quiet day to see the city without being overwhelmed.
Our other experiences in Tanzania so far have been pretty low key, as we’re just slowly settling in. Some nights we’ve been able to get out and check out a local restaurant or bar. It’s been great to get to know my fellow volunteers and share many of the expectations we all have for the next year. In a new culture it’s nice to have a good support system as you face many of the same challenges adjusting.
For now, tutaonana! Usiko mwema! (Goodbye! Have a good night!)" -Matt
Already I can tell how important the language training will be, because once you get out into the streets amongst the Tanzanian people, just knowing even the common greetings puts you more at ease and you start to feel less like an outsider. I can certainly see how simple greetings and respect will get you far here.
Besides beginning our formal teaching and language training, we’ve already spent a bit of time out and about in Dar es Salaam. Yesterday we traveled into the city center, where we saw the main marketplace (Kariakoo) that housed many local merchants selling goods, the fish market by the shore, and many of the government and commercial buildings throughout the city. It was a bit hot, but a gorgeous day to explore Dar. Also, since it was a Sunday and most of the shops and businesses were closed, it was a nice, quiet day to see the city without being overwhelmed.
Our other experiences in Tanzania so far have been pretty low key, as we’re just slowly settling in. Some nights we’ve been able to get out and check out a local restaurant or bar. It’s been great to get to know my fellow volunteers and share many of the expectations we all have for the next year. In a new culture it’s nice to have a good support system as you face many of the same challenges adjusting.
For now, tutaonana! Usiko mwema! (Goodbye! Have a good night!)" -Matt
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