Kolda Day 5-6

Today I was scheduled to teach a technology class. My plan was to teach how to use Thinglink and Padlet. However.... I soon found out that the computer lab only had internet to the teacher's computer. So with some quick changes I taught the class to use Power Point (first time for them ever) and integrated an English lesson. They used the different fonts and Word Art to illustrate a poem written in English.

OK, I have to admit...teaching students in French on a computer program they had never used before to produce something in English... not bad if I say so myself. lol Thank goodness for Google translate!

As usual, I take technology for granted. The students were very happy at the end even though we all struggled at times to make it happen. I am very proud of them and their efforts!

The next class, was again at the Lycee. Tinty taught another group about American culture. These students again were extremely interested. We again had to borrow the school's only projector and Fanta's laptop.

One of the girls wrote Tinty a poem about women's strength and need for education and recited it for her. This made Tinty's day as she is concerned with women's continuing education in Senegal. Most girls do not finish school due to early marriage (15-17) or due to family household chore overload.

Kids are kids are kids. After class everyone wanted a selfie with the usual teenage goofiness involved.

I love how kids no matter where they are from smile for the camera.

The best part of the day was when I got to host a Skype session with the technology club and my class back in Oklahoma. I admit I was really missing them and their daily antics. We worked though many connection issues but had a FANSTASTIC question and answer session with the Senegalese class and the class from rural Oklahoma.

At the end of the day, Fanta took us to the middle of town. She said the legend was that if someone would walk around the tree seven times they would stay in Kilda. Tinty took her up on that and Fanta physically stopped her at six. I admit I too would love to stay. The spell of Senegal had got me as well.

Tinty and I talked long into the night that night about how much we could do for the kids here if we came back. Hard plans were drawn up as well to see how we could make that happen.

One last class for the day. Tinty was teaching a famous African American / writing class. Once again Kolda was exposed to project based learning as Tinty gave each group of students a poster of a famous African American and some large sheets of paper to brainstorm ideas. After 30 minutes groups would present their person with any information gleaned from the posters plus insights to their own culture. As usual, they astounded us with their results.

For lunch we had a meal at Fanta's home again. This time the older daughters asked if we could eat with them. We quickly agreed and got to know them better.

We stopped at the market so I could get some things to take home. I also had grown to love Bisap which is a drink made from hibiscus petals. So I grabbed a bunch to take home! We also bought some fresh meat for dinner!

The last trip of the day we visited another rural elementary school...Ecole Elementary School. Where they made do teaching with what little they had. We got to observe some lessons, but I really think the kids were more interested in us at that point. Once again the utter complete lack of technology made me sad. We take it for granted in almost every aspect of our daily lives and learning. In fact, in Oklahoma part of the teacher evaluation rubric is how effectively we integrate technology into our lessons. Here in Kolda there is so much these kids could do with even just and iPad or a Chromebook plus some basic internet. I really want to do something that includes bringing some technology here as well as training the teachers how to set it up and use it.

This is one of my favorite pictures of this trip. To me it symbolizes that there is light just on the other side of their current state of education. I think we as part of the World Community need to band together to help these kids and those like them become part of our community.

Doing what I love the most.. Interacting with kids. At first it is just stares and caution, but after awhile we develop some interaction which leads to those hidden smiles all kids have.

Despite the conditions, like kids everywhere they had smiles and joy to share. This was the best way to end the school visits in Kolda. My favorite pictures of the day.. kids and happiness! P.S. note to self DO NOT CHALLENGE THESE GUYS TO SOCCER...I was soundly defeated, not even close to saving my dignity!

But you thought we were finished?????

Fanta had a good bye meal planned for us! So ff the the party we went!

It was a happy/sad occasion as we would not see the kids again. I had grown closer to Fanta and her family. I felt very welcome in their home and so very much appreciate her efforts to make us feel that way.