So I mentioned briefly in the previous blog that another responsibility of mine is at the preschool. Please imagine 300 children (ages 3-7) six teachers, one secretary, two cooks, and a Director. Scary, I know. It’s also reality.
After one month, I know the names of the trouble-makers and recognize the faces of those who listen. The teachers are some of the most patient women I have met, and the Director takes on way too much responsibility.
Our days begin at 7:30 with drums, accompanied then by one-hour of singing, all of which I hear during breakfast because the preschool is just around the corner. I arrive at 8:30 and by then almost every child is in their classroom. In each of the six rooms there is one teacher, roughly 50 students and hardly any supplies. For example, each classroom has one pair of scissors and they share four paintbrushes between them. Imagine doing an art project with 50 students that involves cutting or painting. Yes, it takes all morning.
“THE PROJECT”
Despite all the heat that Africa bestows upon us each day, I feel that Christmas is closer than ever because of the rather ambitious project we just completed.
To be honest, it was exhausting and so I will spare you too many details.
We started this project in the middle of November. The supplies included: mud/clay, left over cardboard pieces, old watered-down paint, four paintbrushes, and chunky glue. The older children molded mangers from the mud and the younger children, stars. We glued cardboard strips to the sides of the mangers so that they could be carried. We covered the mud with paint and Sr. Jeanette (the Director) also gave me little angels to glue onto each of the stars and little plastic baby Jesus’ for the mangers. In the end, I assisted every child at several stages with the gift.
The children have also been practicing a poem for months. After Christmas, I really hope to never hear it again. They sang it at least a dozen times per day. The teachers and I made cards for every student with the poem handwritten inside. Did I mention there were 300 students? Honestly, I had to have written the poem close to 100 times myself. Though for a few, I recruited my community members for help, and they were happy to oblige.
FINALE
The Christmas project concluded in 2 scheduled events. First, there was a promenade to the Education Minister, a visit to the Canossian convents, and of course a quick hello to Sr. Alba in the Cyber Café. Rather than describe the experience of taking 300 children for a walk through town, I have attached video: (coming soon, having technical difficulties)
Second was the presentation of the manger and star gifts to their parents. On Wednesday, the parents came to receive their children at 11am. The previous two hours were spent passing out packaged biscuits and a lollipop to each of the children and placing their manger/star with the Christmas card & poem in front of them, as they sat somewhat patiently waiting. I loved meeting all the parents and seeing the affection they shared with their children. Many gave hugs and kisses, which prompted laughing from the other children. It was a wonderful day!
After one month, I know the names of the trouble-makers and recognize the faces of those who listen. The teachers are some of the most patient women I have met, and the Director takes on way too much responsibility.
Our days begin at 7:30 with drums, accompanied then by one-hour of singing, all of which I hear during breakfast because the preschool is just around the corner. I arrive at 8:30 and by then almost every child is in their classroom. In each of the six rooms there is one teacher, roughly 50 students and hardly any supplies. For example, each classroom has one pair of scissors and they share four paintbrushes between them. Imagine doing an art project with 50 students that involves cutting or painting. Yes, it takes all morning.
“THE PROJECT”
Despite all the heat that Africa bestows upon us each day, I feel that Christmas is closer than ever because of the rather ambitious project we just completed.
To be honest, it was exhausting and so I will spare you too many details.
We started this project in the middle of November. The supplies included: mud/clay, left over cardboard pieces, old watered-down paint, four paintbrushes, and chunky glue. The older children molded mangers from the mud and the younger children, stars. We glued cardboard strips to the sides of the mangers so that they could be carried. We covered the mud with paint and Sr. Jeanette (the Director) also gave me little angels to glue onto each of the stars and little plastic baby Jesus’ for the mangers. In the end, I assisted every child at several stages with the gift.
The children have also been practicing a poem for months. After Christmas, I really hope to never hear it again. They sang it at least a dozen times per day. The teachers and I made cards for every student with the poem handwritten inside. Did I mention there were 300 students? Honestly, I had to have written the poem close to 100 times myself. Though for a few, I recruited my community members for help, and they were happy to oblige.
FINALE
The Christmas project concluded in 2 scheduled events. First, there was a promenade to the Education Minister, a visit to the Canossian convents, and of course a quick hello to Sr. Alba in the Cyber Café. Rather than describe the experience of taking 300 children for a walk through town, I have attached video: (coming soon, having technical difficulties)
Second was the presentation of the manger and star gifts to their parents. On Wednesday, the parents came to receive their children at 11am. The previous two hours were spent passing out packaged biscuits and a lollipop to each of the children and placing their manger/star with the Christmas card & poem in front of them, as they sat somewhat patiently waiting. I loved meeting all the parents and seeing the affection they shared with their children. Many gave hugs and kisses, which prompted laughing from the other children. It was a wonderful day!
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