Loving it!

I have been working with the students for a bit over a week now. My Tigrinya is getting much better and I am remembering the names of all the kids. They are so great and it is a real buzz to teach them. I can kind of understand why Mathewos dedicates so much time here (besides the fact that he is an extremely dedicated teacher.

You see, if I give a good lesson, they are sure to tell you. Not only that, they give me a clap! Also, if I practice Tigrinya in class, or tell them it is home time in Tigrinya, the whole class applauds. It's pretty cool.

Not only that, at the end of each day, everyone wants to shake my hand and say good bye. I think this is a bit of a novelty for them that teachers don't necessarily entertain, but I think it's cool. They are all growing in confidence and skill everyday. There are some brilliant students amongst them.

I just want to give you a brief summary of what school is like for most Eritrean students. This doesn't include what happens at Science Club though. Teachers have a text book, as do students, perhaps one between 3. The teacher writes the learning material on the board and the students copy. From what I have seen, if they don't understand, that's their bad luck. In English, the main focus is on spelling words correctly, and using correct grammar. You rarely speak to express yourself, or explain something, you rarely speak the language at all. As such, I guess things aren't much fun, and it is hard to learn. Depsite this, there are still some good students. And despite this, there are still some great teachers. And, like I said, Science Club is NOT like this.

Now, why haven't I provided any pictures, you ask? Any visual evidence about what I have said. Well, good question and I wish I could, but there are only certain times when the internet is quick enough to upload a picture, and I'm either fast asleep (like everyone else) or can't get to a computer. However, I promise I will try and get to one before I leave Asmara and head for Barentu. Check it all out on Google Maps.

So, to summarise, I have been learning a lot from my work already. I'm not really a teacher, i'm more of a learner, and that suits me fine. It's been a great experience, so Barentu has some pretty high standards to live up to!

Steve Bolton (an imaginary friend created from my admiration for 2 kingsbury teachers according to Mr Tyas) how are things in your neck of the woods. Settled in now a bit, hey? I bet the education side is a bit different where you are.