Friday, February 6, 2009

Mwalimu Returns to St. Theresia

I had a wonderful reception from the staff and students at St. Theresia. I was greeted by the director Mr. Silaa, Mr. Jumba (the new headmaster), Miss Mary (assistant headmistress), staff, and of course the students. Everybody is in high spirits and welcomed me back excitedly. We shared a terrific day together catching up, discussing holidays and home, and getting reacquainted with each other. There were some new faces, so we got to know each other as well. We ended the day with a trip to the pitch where the students regularly engage in games of football (soccer), netball, and volleyball. It was very exciting as now they participate in physical activity every Monday and Thursday. What a great development!
This morning we made some positive progress. I met with the director once again. He is enthusiastic about the books coming. They should be arriving any time. We discussed and determined a room in which to set up the libary area and which would be accessible to students and staff. We also discussed how the books would be stored and organized once they arrive. Shelves will be constructed soon after. Plans are being formulated for operating the library and ensuring long term care and usage of the books.
In addition, I met with the assistant headmaster and the academic master. We made preparations to create a list of the English and Kiswahili texts which are taught at all levels, so that we might supplement the number they currently possess and utilize in class. Once we establish the list with the most useful titles we will be deciding on a way to proceed which is beneficial to the greatest number of students and staff.
There was some more good news as I will be able to teach some English classes in the next few weeks when we are not working on the libaray. I am very excited about this opportunity, and I look forward to getting to know the new students and working with my old ones too.
Pictures will be posted in the near future.

4 comments:

Denise McCarthy said...

Wow, things are rolling; right along there in Moshi. All good news. One thing I forgot to ask you to do. Can you find out if the kids in Form III got all the DVDs of their movie that I mailed to them. And do they work on DVD players there? Computer? The kids assured me that they would be able to watch the DVDs.

Also, are the super-deluxe erasers I sent still there?

Nick said...

I'll check on the DVDs. I think you meant form 4. This is the second school year you've been away now. I'm not sure they have any DVD players let alone any computers which work, but I'll check on that.
The super-deluxe erasers are still there. Actually, it surprised me to see such things as I didn't think you could find them around Moshi town. They're still in use.

Anonymous said...

I'll check on the DVDs. I think you meant form 4. This is the second school year you've been away now. I'm not sure they have any DVD players let alone any computers which work, but I'll check on that.
The super-deluxe erasers are still there. Actually, it surprised me to see such things as I didn't think you could find them around Moshi town. They're still in use.

Anonymous said...

Habari za leo kaka Nick, I love what you and Denise have been able to accomplish. Keep up the good work. Enjoy Moshi and keep in touch
Where did you end up staying?
Karibu
Monika