The next two days were very much like the day before with Rog at the bike shop and me at the school. Rog is impressed with Ibrahim who he says performs magic on bikes. He is learning lots from him and has been invited to his home. It's a busy place with people stopping by constantly and negotiating for bikes & parts. Teacher's are asking for suggestions but I hesitate to say too much…not that I don't have some! There's too much dead time and shouting lessons. Not enough books and no reading aloud. Only half the teachers are qualified but others are still going to school. Teacher's training here consist of going to classes during their breaks—about 3 months a year—for 2 years. Gunjur project sponsors some of their education. When I arrive in the morning, fun music is blaring as the kids play. At 8:30 the bell rings & kids line up for morning assembly…which last about 30-45 minutes. They sing lots of songs like If you're happy & you know it, Days of the Week & Months, and even You are my Sunshine! They also recite the date, review a color/shape/body part etc lesson, tell name of their town, country & president and finally sing the national anthem:
"For The Gambia, our homeland,
We strive and work and pray,
That all may live in unity,
Freedom and peace each day.
Let justice guide our actions
Towards the common good,
And join our diverse peoples
To prove man's brotherhood.
We pledge our firm allegiance,
Our promise we renew;
Keep us, great God of nations,
To The Gambia ever true."
We strive and work and pray,
That all may live in unity,
Freedom and peace each day.
Let justice guide our actions
Towards the common good,
And join our diverse peoples
To prove man's brotherhood.
We pledge our firm allegiance,
Our promise we renew;
Keep us, great God of nations,
To The Gambia ever true."
Wish those words become reality here…and everywhere.
They have a lesson plan prepared for the teachers from area complete with objectives and lots of interactive activities. Students & teachers shout and repeat most everything they say. Overall they seem very happy.
I've been walking the 1 km back each day which has allowed me to get a better feel for the area and a chance to get some nice pictures. A good lunch, cold Coke and cool pool awaits me when I get back around 2 …Rog about 3. We order dinner around 6…play cards while we wait and then feast on the delicious meal. Email, facebook, news and reading finishes up the day. Pretty perfect.
