Week 1 - 03/02/14

Professional

After arriving on Sunday afternoon we were eager to start Makerere University on Monday morning. Unfortunately classes would not start this week. Nicola and I are determined that we will grasp every opportunity to develop professionally whilst in Uganda and so we contacted a former Stranmillis student, Natalie Williamson who teaches in Ambrosoli International School, Kampala and asked if we could volunteer in the school for a few days.   

Year 2 Rwensori's classroom

This experience has been deeply enriching. We arrived at school with children from many backgrounds, cultures and families. Despite the diversity, there is a strong sense of community. I was placed with Teacher Steve in a Year 1 class (equivalent of Year 2 in Northern Ireland) and I soon became ‘Teacher Naomi’, helping enhance learning in the classroom. Much of my time was spent targeting phonics and I was challenged to consider the difficulties that newcomer pupils will encounter when learning to use phonics. These lessons learned will help me become a more effective practitioner.

Ambrosoli International School share the belief that ‘developing young children’s awareness of words, syllables, rhymes and phonemes significantly increases their later success in learning to read and write.’ (CCEA, 2007, p.1)

Cultural

Preparation for a trip so far across the world takes time and in the weeks and months leading up to my trip I spent much time preparing myself to travel and live here. Yet, it is safe to say there is nothing that can prepare you for the sights, smells and reality of living in a different country. As the plane came to land I looked out to see that the green of Ireland had been replaced by the red dust of Africa. As we travelled from the airport and reached Kampala we were struck by the reality that there were so many people and that so many people had so little. This was difficult to digest. Yet, Uganda is as I have been told many times since arriving, ‘the pearl of Africa’ and it is the people who make it a pearl. Yes, life is slow here and many people run by African time, but most people we have met are friendly and have a genuine interest in getting to know us. A meeting with a university lecturer to find out about classes we assumed would be quick, but more time was spent discussing family than organising our timetable!

Kampala spreads across a large area and so on Monday we had to conquer our fears and climb onto the back of a Boda – boda. This was a scary experience and we couldn’t help but laugh at how ridiculous we both looked on the back of the Boda – boda. After a week and after what felt like a few near death experiences we decided it would be best to invest a helmet. At least all the onlookers can’t see our expressions now!

Safety first!

It isn’t just when we are on the back of a Boda – boda that we attract attention in Kampala. In most areas we can’t walk too far without hearing ‘Mzungu’ which means ‘a white person’.  On one occasion a mother carrying her baby stopped and pointed saying to her child, ‘look mzungu!’ This was quite intimidating at the start but we now realise that they do not say this to be offensive.

'White person'

Personal

Saying goodbye at the airport

It is hard to believe that over a year ago I would not have considered leaving home for three months, never mind flying to Uganda. As difficult as goodbyes were and despite the culture shock we have faced it is clear that challenges faced shape character. Already I realise that in the past I have been too afraid to embark on new experiences. John Shedd expresses ‘a ship in harbour is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.’ (Shedd, 1982, p.28)

Having spent a week in Ambrosoli International School we had a brilliant opportunity to take part in a Colour run to raise money for children in the Special Educational Needs wing of the school. Not only was this enjoyable but it was a great opportunity to meet new people and get to know others better.

Celebrating after the Colour Run

It is impossible to visit Uganda without feeling compelled to reach out and help where possible. Sunday afternoon was spent volunteering for a charity called Tomorrow’s Heroes. It is a charity for street children who have run away from their homes because of abuse and poverty and I savoured every moment getting to know the boys and enjoyed learning to break dance as much as they did!

Learning to break dance at Tomorrow's Heroes

References 

CCEA (2007) Language and Literacy in the Foundation Stage, Phonological Awareness, Belfast, CCEA.

Oxford Dictionary(2014), available at:  http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/mzungu [accessed 11/02/14]

Shedd, J. (1928) Salt from My Attic, America, Mosher Press.