Professional
‘The ‘knowing of
knowledge’ is no longer enough to succeed in the increasingly complex, fluid,
and rapidly evolving world in which we live.’ (CCEA,2007,p.1)
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| Guess what my job is? |
After only a few days in City Parents school I was
astonished by the wealth of knowledge that my class displayed. Yet the skills
to apply this knowledge lacked. Over the past five weeks I have been determined
to integrate as much active learning into my lessons in the hope that children
will develop skills to become independent thinkers and problem solvers.
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| Showing off their hard work |
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| A pupils impression of the job of a teacher |
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| Art with 73 pupils |
Furthermore I have a keen interest in active learning and
have taken the opportunity to carry out research in City Parents School which
will form part of my final year dissertation. Observations have taken place, questionnaires
were happily completed by members of staff and pupils have participated in active
learning lessons to explore the barriers associated with active learning.
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| Finding a space to draw |
Cultural
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| Enjoying the thrill of a Boda Boda journey |
‘Keep your wits about you when driving;
cyclists, cows and large potholes often appear from nowhere.’ (Fitzpatrick,
2012,p.532)
News spread quickly within Kampala that the traffic police
have declared that Boda Boda drivers can only carry one passenger on each Boda,
with the threat of arrest if stopped! Therefore when moving in Kampala City
Centre Nicola and I travel separately. Our
Boda Boda driver, Victor explained in his excellent English that the traffic
police are corrupt and so periodically declare new laws in the hope that they
can stop, arrest, bribe and fine unsuspecting members of the public.
If I was to write a travel guide to Kampala I would definitely
advise seeing Kampala from the back of a Boda Boda. Not only do I enjoy the thrill
of a Boda Boda journey but I spend every minute taking in the surroundings and
enjoying the weird and wonderful things as I pass by.
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| A normal sighting in Kampala! |
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| Daily life in Budabika |
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| Riding solo |
Personal
Weekends are a time to relax and socialise after the busy
week at school. Kampala is a City of extremes – extreme poverty and extreme
wealth. There are many new and upcoming places to eat and shop and this weekend
we enjoyed great food and company!
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| Natalie and Jonny at the Bistro |
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| Emma and Cara at the Bistro |
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| A favourite place for a mid - week treat |
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| La Cafesseire serves a super meal |
Sunday afternoons are spent at Tomorrow’s Heroes and their
aim is to ‘provide a safe,
secure and supportive environment for the children where they can forget
their worries of street life. We also present the gospel of Jesus Christ
to these children by practically caring for them and sharing the word of God.’
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| Michael and Nicola teaching the 'Lions' a dance |
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| Audience for the dance competition |
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| Jonny and Joshua |
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| Looking great in my shades! |
Each and every moment spent with the street kids is special
and each and every child touches your heart. Not only do we provide medical
care, food and entertainment for the boys but we show them love, support and
help them to know someone believes in them and cares for them. Boys who are ‘tough’
and hardened by street life call me ‘Auntie Naomi’ and love a hug or a chance
to rest their head on your shoulder.
On Saturday we planned to visit the home for street boys who
have received sponsorship but the boys informed us that their school was
hosting a concert and so we decided to attend. On arrival we tried to find a
space at the back of the audience but instead we were paraded to the front and
welcomed personally – having to stand up and wave at all those gathered. The
concert was wonderful with a variety of cultural dances from all regions in
Africa and we were amazed by the community spirit displayed.
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| Kids and parents at St Peter's Primary School |
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| Dancing and singing |
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| Super costumes in P1 |
References
CCEA (2007) Active Learning and Teaching Methods for Key
Stages 1&2, Belfast:CCEA.
Fitzpatrick,
M (2012) Lonely Planet, East Africa, Austraila:
Trent Holden.
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