Another term has passed; time is flying as fast as ever. The Yellow team won Sports Day, after it was almost rained off, and received their hard-earned ice-cream. Our Project Trust desk officer, Felicity, arrived in time for the event. She took photos throughout the day and chatted to everybody involved as well as bringing one of her colleagues with her to get footage for a new promotional Project Trust video. It was a long, hot day, but everybody enjoyed themselves and the whole Otjikondo community was brought together; teachers, staff, learners and their families.
Coming back after the Christmas holidays I immediately felt more at home and comfortable around the staff and teachers. We are no longer the new GAPs and feel a lot less like silly little girls when asking the teachers for help. I think Ive accepted that we are not going to get the same amount of respect the teachers do, because were GAPs and not teachers. However, we dont let the children walk all over us.
Me and Alice decided to bring Scotland to Namibia on Burns Day. We taught the children and teachers Auld Lang Syne which was then performed in assembly. Everybody made their own tartans and we explained a bit about the Scottish holiday and the history of Robert Burns to each grade.
In March we spent a whole day painting faces to celebrate Carnival. This is a German holiday which marks the beginning of Lent. As well as this, Holy Mass was taken in the Otjikondo Church of The Holy Cross. Each child wrote down their Lenten Promises and put them in a basket which then remained in the church throughout Lent. At home people usually promise to give up something; food, alcohol, EastEnders. However, the Otjikondo children promised to be well mannered, study hard for their exams and be nice to their friends.
My school timetable stays the same throughout each term, but my afternoon activities were changed for the new year. I still do a lot of dance classes with the addition of playgroups and craft activities too. Having the Grade 1 and 2 boys for playgroup allows me to do something a bit different Lego is always a favourite. In my dance classes Ive been doing songs from Grease and Hairspray as musicals are very popular with the girls and Im hoping to put on a talent show next term so they can show-case their hard work!!
Big news recently has been becoming the sponsor of a little girl named Fredelina. Shes 6 years old, in Grade 1 and speaks (and sings) a lot of Damara, but not much English. Each child in the school has a sponsor who pays for their hostel fees and sends birthday and Christmas presents. Its a big commitment but I think its really important for them to have someone constantly supporting and communicating with them. This is a big part of our job here as we write letters to the childrens sponsors with them. I think its a good thing for the GAPs to do as we have sponsor children ourselves and therefore understand the importance of keeping in contact with them.
My parents came out to visit last month which was amazing. It felt very strange to see them after so long, but still really lovely. They took me and Alice to Etosha, where we saw lions and cheetahs hunting their prey. Project Trust often tell us not to have our parents to visit, but I disagree. Now they know exactly what Im talking about when Im telling them about my week and when I go home there will be somebody there who knows Otjikondo and has experienced it for themselves.
Drama rehearsals are well under way and hopefully the cast will have learnt all of their lines over the holidays! We have chosen the musical Scheherazade and so far its going well. Although its the Easter Holidays and we have a month off school, weve come back to Otjikondo a week early to sort out costumes, set, props and the backdrop – which is almost ready to paint! After watching previous years dramas I am very excited to get ours ready.
Term starts on Tuesday and we have a lot to organise before then, as well as attend one of the teachers weddings! Its going to be busy, but when is it not? Im so sad that we only have 3 months left in Otjikondo and dont feel ready to go home yet at all. Lets hope the forthcoming term is even better than the last two!
