Thursday, July 8, 2010

School Days at Lifesong


Yesterday (Wednesday) marked our first visit to Lifesong, the school for orphans and vulnerable children in Garneton. (As we write that, we are in disbelief that it was only a day ago!) Mary Anne, Sarah and Maxine are the educational team; Maxine (hi Maxine! we're tugging our ears for you) was instrumental in planning and preparing for a workshop, and Mary Anne and Sarah delivered it.


Our group spent early Wednesday morning during a sort of orientation at the school, meeting various members of the school and related community. The staff were gracious and welcoming (hugs and kisses - Sarah was reminded of France) and we knew we were in the presence of some wonderful people. We met the Guardians of the Garden ("manned" by four very capable women, they are mothers or guardians of students and in order to keep things equitable, they are hired for a three-month stint; all the gorgeous food feeds the school community), teachers, kitchen staff (Sarah was instrumental in helping stir the cement-like Nshima, national dish), maintenance staff, and some children of the employees. Later on we received our schedule for our time here and then prepped for today's workshop.


This morning, it was back to school for a bunch of grownups: 7 teachers from Lifesong, and 12 staff members from Cedric's (another school nearby), as well as nervous Sarah and Mary Anne. We felt very humbled by the situation and wanted to do our best to give them some new ideas without seeming overbearing.


Our prayers were truly answered. We felt great about our interactions with our fellow (Zambian) teachers and we received some great feedback, especially after we let them "play" with some of the many resources we had collected, received as donations and bought back home. The word on the street? The children are lucky to have such dedicated teachers, and we can't wait to continue our workshop tomorrow! (And maybe Sarah will get to ring the bell again, which was one of her highlights.)


Posted by Mrs Fossum and Mlle Polowski

8 comments:

  1. Sounds amazing! I know that your knowledge and love of teaching is going to help out more than you can ever imagine!! You are both lucky groups of people.

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  2. Thanks for the updates.
    Any chance of sending bigger photos?
    Bill L

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  3. Sounds amazing!!! I am glad you are all enjoying yourselves and it sounds like you have all already had quite the experiences. Thanks for the updates and I look forward to hearing(reading) some more.

    Love, Sam

    P.S. Miss you Dad and Sis

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  4. I've followed Sarah when she was in France through her emails and again I am so grateful to be able see what you are doing for these people on a day to day basis and getting your feedback through the blog. Blessings to all of you who have unselfishly gave up your summer holidays to help those in need. Keep me posted, my prayers go out to all of you.
    Deacon Larry

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  5. Sarah, SUPER COOL!
    Wear your sunscreen...but fully
    suck up the culture.
    You are in my thoughts! Thanks for the
    link.
    Alix

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  6. Hi Sarah! This is such a great opportunity to see how you are doing in Zambia! It certainly sounds as if you are keeping busy and already making a difference (as I'm sure the locals are making a difference for YOU!) Keep up the marvelous work, and don't forget to show them your "Riverdance" with them! Lots of love and prayers,
    Leigh

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  7. Hi Mary Anne,
    It's terrific to be able to read the blog entries and see how things are going. It sounds as if you're off to a wonderful start! I eagerly await further entries.
    Joan

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  8. Wow what a terrific experience, wish I were there. The children will love all your enthusiasm and knowledge.

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