Week 3 - 17/02/14

Professional

Day One - On our own

On Monday morning we set out early for our first class at Makerere University. We were relieved when we arrived and met our lecturer but unfortunately our peers hadn't received the message that class was starting.

First day at Makerere 

 On Tuesday morning some of our class gathered for our first lecture. Although we are enrolled on a PGCE course and so our peers are much older than us, they have welcomed us into their class and they are very helpful ensuring that we have all notes photocopied and offering to show us around campus. The lecture format involves discussion and also dictation. Due to the language barrier and the lecturer’s accents it can be difficult to understand what they are saying but with time and much concentration I believe this will become easier. Attending lectures has been extremely interesting and challenging, naturally I have found myself reflecting on what I am learning and critically evaluating the teaching style I am using. The GTCNI (2007) considers that those who are honoured with the title and status of teacher will be knowledgeable, skilful and reflective practitioners. (GTCNI, 2007,p.10)

Cultural

‘We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” Jawaharial Nehru (cited in Dunlap, 2011,p.12)

This weekend Nicola and I decided to open our eyes to Africa outside the city of Kampala, travelling to Jinja.

Nile River Explorers Camp

 After settling into our accommodation we journeyed to the source of the Nile by boat. As the boat slowed the tour guide pointed out native birds, fishermen at work and we stopped off at a man-made island with craft shops by the source of the Nile. 

Fishermen at work

Man - made island 

We stepped out of the boat and across the water to the very source of the Nile were the water bubbles due to springs underneath.

Taking a 'selfie' at the source of the Nile

Standing at the source of the Nile

Horseback safari 

Later that evening we set off on a horse back Safari through villages and along the river Nile. As we rode through the villages some children waved and shouted ‘Jambo!’ (Hello in Lugandan), others yelled ‘how are you?’, excited to practice their English and some ran after us singing ‘the horses are coming!’. We were amazed at their excitement especially as horses ride through the area on a regular basis.

Breakfast overlooking the Nile river

After having breakfast on Sunday morning we decided to travel back to our accommodation by Matatu, a mini bus taxi used by most local people in Uganda. It was a warm journey back as we were squeezed in like sardines and not long into the journey I heard a clucking noise, turning around to see the lady behind me had a chicken perched on her lap… Only in Africa!

Personal

Since coming to Uganda naturally I have experienced a change in my diet. Even our home cooked meals have a Ugandan twist, with local vegetables and meats introducing us to new flavours. Yet, we all have something we miss from home and after three weeks in Uganda I have to admit I am missing the many cups of tea I normally drink at home.  I agree with Copeland when he says ‘a cup of tea at this time adds a lot of comfort and happiness.’  (cited in Martin, 2007,p.95) You can also imagine our excitement when we discovered we could buy Heinz baked beans in the supermarket!

A taste from home!

Enjoying tea and cake in Cafe Javas

References

Dunlap, W. (2011) Plan Your Escape: Secrets of Traveling the World for Less Than the Cost of living at home, Bloomington: AuthorHouse.

GTCNI (2007) Teaching the Reflective Profession, GTCNI:Belfast.

Martin, L. (2007) Tea: The Drink that Changed the World, USA: Turtle Publishing.