My Week

First the good news - the kids are doing great. I've had a lot of fun with them this week. Since we have power again, we've watched Shrek about 3 times! I've realized that since they don't understand most of the words, they don't get sick of movies like I do. We've also played on the new swingset and tonight I'm bringing them cookies!

This week was, however, a little frustrating for me due to exams (we are ending a term). Sidai just bought the exams from a vendor in Ngong. The exams are HORRIBLE! Misspelled words, incorrect subject/verb agreement, improper grammar, etc. I was really frustrated when I saw the exams. How are we supposed to teach the kids proper English when their tests are incredibly sloppy? Unfortunately, there was little we could do about it. Danny and I read most of the exams outloud to Class 2 so that we could correct/explain the mistakes.

The content of the exams was also frustrating. I didn't even understand what the exams were asking on several questions. Also, little of the exams corresponded to the level the kids are at. The math was too easy, the English was too difficult, etc. It was pretty frustrating, and the kids didn't do all that well. What makes more sense is to teach the kids the next logical thing for each unit and then test accordingly (which is what Rachel and I informally did each Friday).

Education here is very "sink or swim." If a kid is smart enough, they will figure things out. However, if a kid isn't as bright or has any kind of learning disability, the chances of them doing well in school are extremely slim. There is little personal attention, and teachers basically just have the kids parrot what they are saying and copy what is on the chalkboard.

I'm pretty sure Matt and I are going to sponsor Frances, the boy I'm in love with. The private schools here aren't great, but at least they are better than the school at Sidai or government schools, which are incredibly overcrowded. Rachel is also working on finding sponsors for several of the Masai boys in Canada, which is awesome.

So...all the problems with education have been tough for me to deal with this week, but things are going well otherwise. Ha - except for the deworming issue!