Education-What does that word mean?

              Vandag was Diensdag. Die dag was baia lekker! I enjoyed walking around after, afternoon classes and greeting many people on the road. There are just those days when you can say, "I'm so happy to be in Namibia!" When, despite the many challenges, you can attest to the fact that you fit right in! You can greet someone and make small conversation in Afrikaans, you become accustomed to the common remarks and can behave similarly, you are aware of certain personality traits of Namibians – eliminating some confusion, you don't stick out as much on arrival to a place. This evening there was a knock on the door… "It's Luis!" shouted the man with complete confidence, as if we should know him. Jillian, do you know a Luis? "No" Who's Luis? Should I open the door? I open the first door and of course it would be a micro-wave delivery man at 8pm. "No, sorry, wrong address!"

               Deep into a lengthy lecture this morning with a few of my students about purpose and informing them that they need to desire their own education. If they are doing their work for Ouma, Teacher Anna, Teacher Jillian, or Auntie; they will not complete it. Each student has to want to want to get his education. For example, if Auntie says, "you can have a chocolate bar if you clean your room," will you clean it?

"YES!"

"Why?"

"Because I want the chocolate, Ms. Anna."

"What if your brother dropped 12 eggs and wiped them all over the floor?"

"I would do whatever it takes to clean that room because I want the chocolate."

"What if you were not offered chocolate? Would you want to do such a good job cleaning your room?"

"No!"

"Ok, well what's your chocolate? What's that something you love to keep you interested in your education?...please tell me, I'm waiting."

"Well, Ms. Anna, what does 'Education' mean?" Oh, wow, great question. I guess I have to start again.

"I don't even think chocolate would keep me interested in school for that long. I would get sick of it!"

               I don't know why I thought symbolism would work with very literal brains, but it was an honest mistake on my part. Working here in Arandis has aided in my understanding of how invaluable education is and how irrelevant it is to, much of the government in this country. On my way to Mummies Restaurant to greet a friend who works there, I ran into a ninth grade student who is suffering because her teachers have gone on strike and are lazy at school. They are not being taught anything in class; if they want to pass their exams, they have to go and find out the information on their own. Teachers are threatening not to mark the grade 12 exam papers, which would deter students from passing altogether. Ahh! What do you even say to a student who is going through this on a daily basis? Many students are just fooling around and the serious ones are getting understandably discouraged.

               Back to the above story of our young students who lack the motivation to learn basic academics. What example are they getting from all outside influences? Why is it so hard to motivate these kids to challenge their minds and think outside the box of their current understanding? Everything around them says school is a joke; you won't ever amount to anything anyway. May they hear only the words of Christ; they are children of the King. They are fearfully and wonderfully made! He knows the number of the hair on their head; He knows their thoughts and every detail of their life before they were even born. (Psalm 139)

               Now my thoughts are out – I can stop putting off preparing the end of year exam review for English! Yikes, two weeks left to the term and then it's decided, who moves onto the next grade. May each one reach his full-potential and study to the best of His ability; may God carry him the rest… Write one synonym for carry. Yes, good – Hold! Now use it in a sentence written in the past tense with two common nouns and one proper noun…

Stop typing and get to work, MS ANNA!

I love teenagers and there helpful advice!

"It's just a job Anna, don't worry so much about it!"
"That's the thing, my friend, it's not. If it were I'd be home, sitting on my parents couch drinking coffee! It's not a job; it's why I came here."
"What?"
"Yes, that's what I'd be doing!"
"Remember, it’s just a job. Who are these kids? I’ll come and talk to them! You know Anna, in order for you to gain the students respect; you have to be buddies with them. Then they will do whatever you ask, not because they care about school, but because they like you!"
“Thank you, but, for fifth grade students, that won’t work. They will eat me alive. You know I am so reliant on God. I am desperate for him to fill my mouth with words. 'A soft answer turns away wrath!' Each moment with them is a gift from God."
“Remember, it’ just a job!”
How could I ever say that about real, human beings? Even though I'm terrible at this more days than not, and they help me to daily come face to face with all my imperfections...I still can't be lazy or give up. These are kids’ lives and the future of their community. Thankfully He has them hidden within the palm of His hand. There are those days when I wonder if I'm called to be a teacher. Communicating to students, managing their behavior and learning, disciplining and motivating them to want to want to learn and be successful, dodging their darts, and all the time understanding that they are just calling out to be loved, is nie maak lik werk. (It’s not easy work!) It's asking a lot of a weak, insecure human piece of dirt, it's not asking a lot of God! He knows and loves each one.
I attended a meeting and am pondering the ultimate privilege it is to work with children.  (Simile is on the brain after editing my test for tomorrow) As frustrating as winding up a microphone cord. Tiring - like a ten mile run having been dormant all season; painful as slamming my thumb in the door of an old station wagon and heart-breaking because I want so much for them to realize the full potential that is there life. The privilege is: every question I can ask to stimulate his mind, every moment to plant the seed of God's word to quicken his spirit, every interaction to point him in the right direction. In the recurring words of Ms. Nan to the kids, I may be speaking to the "next president of Namibia!" I can always count the seeds in an apple, but I'll never know the myriads of apples that will come from planting one seed.
We had our first group-guitar class; I gave up giving 10 lessons in a row. There were only a few, who came, but it was great to see the excitement and the eagerness when they saw two brand new guitars purchased just for them. They are eager to learn and practice. Today we learned all the major notes up the neck, not the most fun lesson :) It’s so much more fun to play songs and sing or ask Ms. Anna to sing for them, but we are growing and learning to stay committed to something good, even when it's not as fun. One student hadn't done English homework in two weeks; I couldn't figure out a reason or come up with a way to get them to care about it. This person really enjoys the guitar and is doing so well. I finally decided to deter their practice until they decided to put the effort into the grades. One of the brightest in the class, could still pass without doing any homework or practice at all, but would be soaring if only would apply them self. At first it backfired (like many motivational activities I try to implement) this person decided to give up the guitar or find some other means to learn it. I stuck to my decision, as hard as it was and they came around with the signed agreement. I'm delighted they made the right choice! Let’s have faith it will last. There are so many stories of daily challenges and successes, I hope to jump on here more so you will be able to come along for the ride. All the honor goes to our Maker and Father, Jesus Christ.

Take a look!

 

We are Kindle Readers. Anna, in the highest grade at TKCA, is taking the opportunity to get her homework on the Kindle after school. I think I see a smile :)

The foundation for the new building at TKCA.

It went up very quickly but it's been sitting like this for several weeks now. I think it will be ready for 2013 school year.

 Left, Teacher Shelly, 2nd grade. She's the longest serving TKCA and most dedicated teacher. She has amazing talents. May God continue to bless her as she diligently prepares her students to succeed in their education and finishes her own studies. Bis smiles for coffee break!

 To the right is the upper primary and primary buildings in the background of the new foundation.
1st and 2nd grade play ground, just moved from where the new foundation is. School has been a construction sight for several months now. We can't wait till the work is done and the kids can play again.

  To the left is the pre-school play ground. About 40 kids play on here.

 Grade six to the right. 7 children, our oldest class. They are smart and dedicated. Pray against bullying and picking on the smart ones that like to do well. May they continue to shine as stars and lead their classmates. One day I'll get pictures with everyone inside, it's more interesting. Don't tell anyone but it's my favorite class :) I'm kidding, we have a great time though.

 This small classroom and teacher office is where we pull out some of the kids for math and reading.

Grade 5 classroom. 10 of the most emotionally engaged children I have ever met. It's always a mess. We have our successful days!