Hi Everyone
After several unsuccessful attempts to get through – we finally spoke with Lisa today - Sunday 9pm her time – she had a busy weekend. She was able to get to Keetmanshoop – by traveling with the sports team from Aroab. I gather the Principal called her and asked if she’d mind going into town with them and if she could find a place to stay overnight Friday since they didn’t plan on returning till Saturday. She said she thought she could stay with PCVs there and he said great – and that was it! I guess it was easier for her to go in with them rather than with some of the other teachers who were going in Friday and coming back Friday night. Or could it have been no one wanted to go in with the sports team? (Grin) Being new teacher on the block couldn’t have had anything to do with the decision could it? (Double grin) This was the 1 Friday a month when school gets out early so the teachers can go into Keets and shop, get their monthly pay etc.
Friday night she had a wonderful dinner of Eggplant Parm with Rashid, Jenn, and other PCVs and she stayed at the Youth Center. Lots of good conversation was held among one and all – in English! Saturday night she spent at the TRC (teacher resource center) – she was with all the kids that night so it was a bit noisy! She came back Sunday. It was wonderful though - getting away for a few days.
Lisa managed to get a little shopping done – buying stuff that isn’t available in Aroab – food – a wimpy pot (which was the best she could get for about $8 US she’ll try to get something better when she goes to Windhoek in April for PC training) etc. She ended up feeling like Keets was the “big town” and she was the “little farm kid”. The PCVs in Keets don’t consider their town that big but compared to Aroab it sure seemed that way to Lisa!
Teaching/Learners
As time goes on Lisa is picking up a lot of info about the educational system of Namibia, her learners, and why many of them aren’t very motivated to do well in school. It seems that most of the kids will live their whole lives in Aroab – not even venturing as far as Keetmanshoop. Most don’t manage to pass their 10th grade exams – which isn’t surprising since most are promoted grade by grade without having to master the material they were expected to learn. So there is little expectation for most of them that they’ll go on to HS forget going any further. So they have a “why bother” attitude.
Last year they tried doing some after school tutoring but it wasn’t very successful – the learners didn’t want to come, and eventually the teachers didn’t want to spend their limited free time on a project no one wanted. Lisa would like to get their Library open as an additional PC project so learners can check out books (also so she can have access to them for classroom use) but that will apparently take time (she hopes it’s before her term as a PCV is over)
In a way it was nice but in another sad – that the sports teachers brought every kid that qualified - and made sure all of them qualified – to Keetmanshoop for the weekend since it was explained that for most of these kids it would be their only trip away from Aroab. Considering how far Lisa is away from home now, how far she traveled to college in DC, and how we all take for granted trips to family and friends several hours away it’s hard to imagine how many people in this world will never travel even the 90 miles from Aroab to Keets that she traveled this weekend. Thanks for looking in on this blog!
Susan Rothman
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Happy Belated Valentines Day! (2/16/08)
Hi Everyone!
Spoke with Lisa today – she’s learning how to adjust to teaching and getting to know her learners (what they call students in Namibia). She sounded happy and excited – very Lisa-like. Yesterday was a big dance at the Hostel next door – and she loves dancing! In fact she danced over 3 ½ hours! Also on Valentine’s Day they had an assembly (less class time – teachers like that as much as learners) where a discussion of Valentine’s Day Love and AIDS took place – everything has AIDS as a background theme there! She received a few Valentines and a letter from one of her 9th grade girls welcoming her to Aroab and telling her how happy they are that she’s there to teach them.
School
Lisa’s developing teaching strategies to help her cope – first of all she’s not trying to keep the kids as quiet as she would in an American school – it’s saving her voice (she was constantly hoarse and getting headaches from having to yell to be heard) and making the kids feel more relaxed, so when she does tell them to settle down they are more likely to do it. Second she’s learned that many of her most difficult students have actually gone through 8th grade several times and are on their second trip through 9th grade. So she realizes that these kids have had problems with the system already and it’s not all her teaching style that’s making things hard. Sometimes knowing that helps you view the learners in a more positive light – not blaming yourself takes a lot of the stress off teaching too. But 9 different classes to teach is a lot no matter what!
The Hostel
It’s an odd situation for her being right next door to many of her learners. They’re visiting her more and more – and are very curious about “the American”. In fact while we were talking to Lisa one came over and invited Lisa to the hostel for the evening – Lisa put her on the cell phone and we chatted for a few minutes – she spoke very nicely! Forgot her name – sorry! She did have a lovely voice – speaking British English!
Since their daily dinner is a hard boiled egg, some bread, and sometimes some porridge – it’s understandable that they all ask her for food etc. I gather that happens to a lot of PCVs (Peace Corps Volunteers) – no matter how limited their diet is from a US standard it’s exotic from a Namibian point of view. She also has to make sure to keep her house locked up since combining a world view that doesn’t include much privacy or alone time, curiosity over the white American, a freer attitude toward “borrowing stuff from anyone” and a youthful sense of mischief nothing is safe if left alone for any time at all. (Grin)
Aroab
She’s getting used to everything being closed on Saturdays and Sundays (can’t get gas on the weekends – of course PCVs aren’t supposed to drive while in service anyway) – though having the post office closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – makes checking for mail more of a challenge. And mail from home means everything! Having things close by 5pm every day can be a problem when she is expected to work most days from 7am to 1pm then from 3pm to 5pm. The days she only has a few meetings during the 3-5 slot are her best bet. From 1 to 3 it is just too hot to do anything! But of course as she says she really doesn’t have to shop much for one person anyway. I guess one store in Aroab is open part of Saturday but I’m not sure if it’s far away from her place or not.
She wanted me to thank everyone who’s kept in touch via e-mail, card, letter, or package – it means the world to her! Her learners love to receive the small stickers, bookmarks, pretty decorated pencils etc that many of you have sent. Lisa’s been blessed with many wonderful friends! And her family isn’t half bad either! (Grin) Will try to keep this updated every week or so - Thanks for looking in on Lisa!
Susan Rothman
Spoke with Lisa today – she’s learning how to adjust to teaching and getting to know her learners (what they call students in Namibia). She sounded happy and excited – very Lisa-like. Yesterday was a big dance at the Hostel next door – and she loves dancing! In fact she danced over 3 ½ hours! Also on Valentine’s Day they had an assembly (less class time – teachers like that as much as learners) where a discussion of Valentine’s Day Love and AIDS took place – everything has AIDS as a background theme there! She received a few Valentines and a letter from one of her 9th grade girls welcoming her to Aroab and telling her how happy they are that she’s there to teach them.
School
Lisa’s developing teaching strategies to help her cope – first of all she’s not trying to keep the kids as quiet as she would in an American school – it’s saving her voice (she was constantly hoarse and getting headaches from having to yell to be heard) and making the kids feel more relaxed, so when she does tell them to settle down they are more likely to do it. Second she’s learned that many of her most difficult students have actually gone through 8th grade several times and are on their second trip through 9th grade. So she realizes that these kids have had problems with the system already and it’s not all her teaching style that’s making things hard. Sometimes knowing that helps you view the learners in a more positive light – not blaming yourself takes a lot of the stress off teaching too. But 9 different classes to teach is a lot no matter what!
The Hostel
It’s an odd situation for her being right next door to many of her learners. They’re visiting her more and more – and are very curious about “the American”. In fact while we were talking to Lisa one came over and invited Lisa to the hostel for the evening – Lisa put her on the cell phone and we chatted for a few minutes – she spoke very nicely! Forgot her name – sorry! She did have a lovely voice – speaking British English!
Since their daily dinner is a hard boiled egg, some bread, and sometimes some porridge – it’s understandable that they all ask her for food etc. I gather that happens to a lot of PCVs (Peace Corps Volunteers) – no matter how limited their diet is from a US standard it’s exotic from a Namibian point of view. She also has to make sure to keep her house locked up since combining a world view that doesn’t include much privacy or alone time, curiosity over the white American, a freer attitude toward “borrowing stuff from anyone” and a youthful sense of mischief nothing is safe if left alone for any time at all. (Grin)
Aroab
She’s getting used to everything being closed on Saturdays and Sundays (can’t get gas on the weekends – of course PCVs aren’t supposed to drive while in service anyway) – though having the post office closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – makes checking for mail more of a challenge. And mail from home means everything! Having things close by 5pm every day can be a problem when she is expected to work most days from 7am to 1pm then from 3pm to 5pm. The days she only has a few meetings during the 3-5 slot are her best bet. From 1 to 3 it is just too hot to do anything! But of course as she says she really doesn’t have to shop much for one person anyway. I guess one store in Aroab is open part of Saturday but I’m not sure if it’s far away from her place or not.
She wanted me to thank everyone who’s kept in touch via e-mail, card, letter, or package – it means the world to her! Her learners love to receive the small stickers, bookmarks, pretty decorated pencils etc that many of you have sent. Lisa’s been blessed with many wonderful friends! And her family isn’t half bad either! (Grin) Will try to keep this updated every week or so - Thanks for looking in on Lisa!
Susan Rothman
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day:
This is Lisa’s Mom again – Spoke with Lisa today and she sounded great! She still has no access to computers and can only read e-mail off her cell phone so while you can send her e-mails (no graphics please they are very slow and very expensive for her to download and read) a regular old letter (with some stickers for her kids?) would be great. Mail from home is magical! Today was a Field Day at her school - Oosterheim Junior Secondary School. She doesn’t get the name since it covers grades 1 – 10 – but so it goes. The team she was helping coach won! They had some great food and she was able to bring home some yummy leftovers for dinner. We forgot to ask if they knew about Groundhog Day in Namibia – I’m guessing they don’t.
Quick Updates:
While it’s the rainy season with severe flooding in the north of Namibia - in the south it just means things are just getting greener – no flooding so far. The storms seem to come through at night and when the wind blows (and it often does) the power goes off - for most of the night. She’s used to lighting candles when that happens. She’s discovered that her last name is well known around town and elsewhere –People know Rothman cigarettes – J so she’s often asked if she’s related to that company.
Teaching has both good days and crazy days – she finally got her own classroom but it’s across campus closer to the elementary students so her learners take a while getting there from their other classes – I gather the chanting of primary aged learners is an odd background sound for them. Not having had Teacher Ed courses all this is new for her. It sure gives her plenty to do – prep work and planning take up all her free time! She teaches from 7 to 1 – then there is a 2 hour lunch break then all the teachers are required to return from 3 to 5 for meetings, classroom prep time, and special projects– That break is during the hot part of the day. The learners get a bowl of what seems to be mush in the morning but the teachers don’t get anything till they leave at 1. Right now she walks home for her lunch but she’s trying to come up with meals she can bring since the 20-30 minute walk back and forth really chews up the break time and keeps her out in the sun more than she’d like! No fast food places or even restaurants in her town!
She’s extra happy when packages arrive with dried soup mixes (chicken noodle, vegetable beef, beef barley, and onion work wonderfully as bases for her own soups and stews)– it adds variety to her dinners which is sorely lacking. Dried fruit, nuts, and quick oats are great too. She has also discovered that high protein granola or power bars are heaven sent – since they provide her with a quick breakfast – and since she has to do a full day of teaching before eating that’s important. She likes the “Luna” brand of bars, but is more than happy to try any of your own personal favorites. Will keep you updated!
Susan Rothman
This is Lisa’s Mom again – Spoke with Lisa today and she sounded great! She still has no access to computers and can only read e-mail off her cell phone so while you can send her e-mails (no graphics please they are very slow and very expensive for her to download and read) a regular old letter (with some stickers for her kids?) would be great. Mail from home is magical! Today was a Field Day at her school - Oosterheim Junior Secondary School. She doesn’t get the name since it covers grades 1 – 10 – but so it goes. The team she was helping coach won! They had some great food and she was able to bring home some yummy leftovers for dinner. We forgot to ask if they knew about Groundhog Day in Namibia – I’m guessing they don’t.
Quick Updates:
While it’s the rainy season with severe flooding in the north of Namibia - in the south it just means things are just getting greener – no flooding so far. The storms seem to come through at night and when the wind blows (and it often does) the power goes off - for most of the night. She’s used to lighting candles when that happens. She’s discovered that her last name is well known around town and elsewhere –People know Rothman cigarettes – J so she’s often asked if she’s related to that company.
Teaching has both good days and crazy days – she finally got her own classroom but it’s across campus closer to the elementary students so her learners take a while getting there from their other classes – I gather the chanting of primary aged learners is an odd background sound for them. Not having had Teacher Ed courses all this is new for her. It sure gives her plenty to do – prep work and planning take up all her free time! She teaches from 7 to 1 – then there is a 2 hour lunch break then all the teachers are required to return from 3 to 5 for meetings, classroom prep time, and special projects– That break is during the hot part of the day. The learners get a bowl of what seems to be mush in the morning but the teachers don’t get anything till they leave at 1. Right now she walks home for her lunch but she’s trying to come up with meals she can bring since the 20-30 minute walk back and forth really chews up the break time and keeps her out in the sun more than she’d like! No fast food places or even restaurants in her town!
She’s extra happy when packages arrive with dried soup mixes (chicken noodle, vegetable beef, beef barley, and onion work wonderfully as bases for her own soups and stews)– it adds variety to her dinners which is sorely lacking. Dried fruit, nuts, and quick oats are great too. She has also discovered that high protein granola or power bars are heaven sent – since they provide her with a quick breakfast – and since she has to do a full day of teaching before eating that’s important. She likes the “Luna” brand of bars, but is more than happy to try any of your own personal favorites. Will keep you updated!
Susan Rothman
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