The week is going too fast
This morning I woke up with lots of energy after a great night sleep. The girls were laughing at my early night at 730pm but it was needed. I think I was in bed before most of the children in Malawi last night!
As we ate breakfast, we once again appreciated that Kabula view with pancakes and chocolate spread( a great addition packed by Robyn). Soon Francis came and we set off for the rural TCD. It was a bumpy ride once again and I was loving the fact that my Apple Watch began clocking up the daily steps with all the turbulence, despite the fact I was sitting still. (Don’t tell my PT that I wasn’t actually getting those steps in)
We arrived and set up quickly and Lynos, the Headteacher asked us if we would like to visit a classroom. Obviously, Laura and I jumped at this chance and were taken to a Standard 6 class. They were learning Mathematics and how to find the perimeter of a rectangle.
Laura and I sat beside a few children who shared their workings with us. Once again, despite the fact there were many learners packed into a small, hot classroom covering all of the floor space, they all listened intently to the teacher. It was lovely to see partner work and the teacher asking one pair to come out and demonstrate their learning for the class on the board.
We then had to get back to work. As we made our way back over to the TDC, I could see Regina, an HT who had since became a PEA. I remembered her fondly from my last trip and it was so lovely to see her again.
We had a fantastic morning training with leaders from lots of different rural zones.
We were even treated to a fan being brought into the room. A few headteachers stood up to fix the fan and socket but I can’t say I wasn’t concerned as they prodded different metal items into the socket. Luckily teamwork prevailed and we had a lovely breeze throughout the training.
During the break, Laura and I decided to take a walk and as we walked lots of little happy faces appeared as the children began their break and all ran to gather around us. At one point, I thought we may have to crowd surf back to the training centre. It is the loveliest sight to see how happy the children are and excited to come and say hello.
The second half of the training was equally as good as the energy from our colleagues continued throughout. We shared many jokes and laughs and celebratory “whooshes” for participation.
Once again, it was great to read the positive feedback and the pledges of what our colleagues on the leadership training today planned to take back to their schools. It was also very encouraging that many said their only wish was for more training and more time to deliver training. It shows the commitment teachers and leaders have out here constantly striving to gain more learning through training.
Many teachers pledged to take back the POLLI model to their schools with Regina adding at the end of training that she planned to show her HTs this tomorrow during a meeting with them. After giving a few colleagues a lift some of the way back with us. We arrived home.
It was lovely to be joined by Fraser and Tracey, friends of Laura’s who joined us at Kabula and told us all about living and working in Malawi. It was also lovely to see Fraser representing Scotland in his kilt. After we said our goodbyes, we went and got Malawi’s version of Nando’s and brought it back to Kabula. We ate on the balcony as the rain poured down. Such a relaxing sight!
After some down time together and prepping for tomorrow, I headed to bed . We are all very aware the week is disappearing fast and as we all said tonight,we wish we could stay longer.
Only two more full days left to enjoy…
