Yesterday was the first day at the school. No kids were there, only teachers preparing for the start of the new year. The school year is done differently here, it starts in January and ends in November. I think it’s better for me this way as well, as I will get to start the year with new students and new teachers and be on pace with everything they are doing. Everyone has been so welcoming; showing me around the grounds, teaching me simple Swahili greetings, introducing me to other friends and teachers. I’m hoping to learn a good amount of Swahili whilst here, but languages have never been my thing so we’ll see.
The school grounds are very beautiful. The classrooms run in a square perimeter along a lush, tropically landscaped garden. It reminds me of some of the Southern California designs of open space buildings. I was told there are around 450 students (from ages 3-13) which seems like it will fill up the space quickly. It was very busy around the school grounds, all the teachers were getting last minute meetings and prep work done. But I’m told today will be even more hectic and exciting! After being an unemployed couch surfer for the past few months, it’s really energizing having days full of activity and business. Over the next few days my role is to observe the classes so I can see how teaching is performed (I’m expecting it to be quite different, I’ve heard it’s more lecture centered).