I can only apologise for the lack of updates to this blog
since June, when we started the second term.
It has been a real struggle juggling teaching and headteacher
commitments with finding time even to keep up with emails. Internet and computer access continue to be a
serious hurdle, due to poor electrical supply, accessing a computer and the up
and down phone and internet network.
We continue to bask in the joys of our new school
building. The whole community continues
to struggle with the ongoing problems caused by the war. School gives a sense of normality to all of
us, children and teachers. We have kept
a normal school timetable going, giving the children a substantial meal each
day through the help of Far Reaching Ministries.
Since we started term, we have taken in thirty new children
from the immediate area who meet our criteria (families with HIV, disabilities
and orphans). This is a challenge
because of the low standards of teaching in their previous schools (in some
cases a complete lack of previous education).
Since the beginning of term we have two new teachers. Doreen is a qualified nursery teacher from
Uganda, who I am sure will be a great boon to the school. One of the issues in South Sudan is the
complete lack of a curriculum for younger children so I am really hoping she
will be able to enhance the teaching of the pre-primary class through her experience
in Uganda, which has a far more developed education system. Additionally we have a qualified primary
teacher called Patrick who is also a local pastor.
Yesterday was the last day of exams. Afterwards I was followed home by several of
my most eager students who just wanted to spend time sitting on the veranda
with me and doing little odd jobs for my friend Pascalina, who is
disabled. I can’t imagine this happening
in England. Teaching here can be very
challenging, but it certainly has its rewards.
However there is still a lot to be done. In the next few months we need to build two
new classrooms to cater for our new intake in January. The current classrooms still need to be
plastered and to have doors and windows fitted.
The cooks need a kitchen.
At the moment they are cooking in the open, in the shade of the school
building, but this relies on good weather.
They cook the beans in the compound where I live with Pascalina and then
arduously carry them on their heads the 20 minute walk across rough and often
slippery muddy ground to school. They seriously
need to be able to do all their cooking on site and for all the school food to
be stored there instead of in my bedroom.
We have employed a watchman called Millah. He has been doing a terrific job, clearing
the long grass, making paths, mending the fence, planting a tree nursery,
chasing away goats and cows and even sleeping on site in case of thieves. One night thieves came, but were scared off
by his shouts. As the saplings grow, they
will be transplanted to various points in the compound and around the perimeter. Some are fruit trees such as mango, pawpaw
and jack fruit. There will also be neem
and other shady trees, so that we can look forward to being able to sit around
the compound, not just in the school building.
He has also been planting vegetables such as onions, aubergines,
tomatoes and greens to enliven the school diet.
However it is a very big job for one man, especially given the large
size of the compound. We really need to
employ another watchman to work with him.
As mentioned, the major need of the school at the moment is
the construction work. We do not waste
money on extras. Every penny we receive
is used to enhance the teaching of our children, whether by providing suitable
classrooms, staff salaries or running costs.
We really need your help so that the school can continue to develop and
improve.
Our bank details are:
For UK tax payers, please send through the Sean Devereux
Children’s Fund so that we can benefit from 25% tax relief from the UK
government. Please contact me by email for the gift aid form, if you are able
to donate in this way. My email address
is rebeccamallinson1@hotmail.co.uk.
