First Day of English Class!

My homestay ended on Sunday. I had a lot of mixed feelings – I loved my family so much and would have liked to spend more time with them, but I also feel more able to relax at the CGE house. I was anticipating an early night when I got back, but all of us CGE students were so happy to be back together that we spent most of the night out back in front of a bonfire (of course I jumped into the pool and then pushed several fully clothed people in as well). So after a night of inadequate sleep (further hampered by skyping) I headed to my internship.

Last Wednesday I had an introduction to one of the HIV support groups with which I am working. They were incredibly welcoming – they sang and danced for me, and I’m excited for them to teach me some of their dance moves. (Last night I also learned some traditional Damara dance moves, which will come in handy during the rural homestay). Today, I started the actual classes with both of my two groups.

The first group (which I had met already) was super enthusiastic. They were really willing to learn and very participative. This group, which is located in the informal settlement of Havana, Katutura, has little to no preexisting knowledge. Some of the learners could name body parts, and others could not even say “Good morning.” Because of this, we spent the day doing basics: body parts, how to talk to a doctor, and aches and pains. We learned and sang the “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” song – really helpful for them to remember the body parts. Next week I think we will do a math lesson. I’m not really sure how extensive their knowledge is, so I’ll have to be well prepared. The classes are taught in a tin shack, so it gets pretty hot. We are looking for space in the budget to buy some juice and fruit so that it’s easier for them to make it through the lesson.

My second group was more challenging. There were only 3 participants, who arrived between 45 minutes and an hour and a half late. They had a much stronger base proficiency, and I was not expecting them to have so much preexisting knowledge. I was planning to repeat the same lesson plan and it was difficult for me to adjust mid-lesson. The group was also a lot less excited. Hopefully now that I know their skill level, and also what they are interested in learning, I will be able to provide better lesson plans and will get a better reception. Both classes were great learning experiences and I am keeping everything, positive and negative, in mind for the teacher manual I want to create.

All in all, I’m feeling really positive about my internship. I have a busy schedule and I’m getting involved in several projects. My official schedule is as follows:
Monday: Arrive 8:30. Do prep work and any administrative/computer help for the staff. Leave for my first class, which runs from 10 – noon. Travel to the second class, which runs from 1 – 3. Return to the office to work until 5.
Wednesday: Prepare lesson plans for the following Monday, 2 – 5.
Friday (intermittent because of CGE travel plans): Work on the newsletter, administrative work, 2 – 5.
In addition to all that, I am getting involved in some of their community dialogue and other programs that run on the weekends. This Saturday I may be going to a meeting for a new project, the Youth Economic Empowerment Program.

Schoolwork is starting….nothing too overwhelming, but I do have several short response papers due this week. I may be starting art classes with several of the CGE girl. I met an amazing artist whose painting I bought and he is helping us get involved in the art school at which he is a student. Next weekend we are travelling to Swakopmund, which is a coast time described as a little Germany. It should be a good time and a good chance to practice my Deutsch.