Pt 2

Okay--back for a little bit...

More about the schools....
The second school we went to was an inclusive, well-to-do private school that included children w/ disabilities and children who were deaf/hard of hearing. It was an interesting experience--the model of the school and educating children who are deaf or hard of hearing was opposite of that in the US. They require students to use hearing aids and do not use any sign language or lip reading or anything of that sort, it is all communication through speaking as someone w/out such impairment would use. But, it was good to get a different perspective on education and see a different side of schools in South Africa.
We also went to a school for students with autism--I loved it! It was an eye opening experience for some of the Purdue students, but I think it ended well. I enjoyed interacting with k12 students with disabilities again but wished I could have spent more time that--that was the theme across the schools!
We spent last Friday (also my birthday) in schools. The secondary students attended a high school with one of the faculty members and I went with the elementary ed majors to an elementary (k-7) school. This Friday school was the complete opposite of the school on Tuesday. But, the students were just as disciplined and learned. I spent most of the day with a department head and learned a great deal about African educational policy--most of which was similar to policies in the US.
Overall, I loved the school visits--I wish I could have stayed longer and worked with the students.
We spend this past weekend in Krueger National Park--we went on SAFARI! It was awesome--we saw lions eating their prey, elephants, zebras, impala (deer like animals), and TONS of other animals. We even stayed in these hut-like things. It was fantastic. I was sad to leave--it was a very relaxing weekend of looking for animals and riding around in these huge jeep like vehicles. We had a blast---at breakfast one more in a place called Monkeyland, monkeys kept stealing our toast--off of plates! I can't wait to post all my pictures from the safari!

All over!

Hello!
I'm sorry for the lack of posts lately. Apparently, the South African government controls something with the Internet and we haven't had it for several days. So, I'll recap over the last few weeks since Internet has been sporadic and slow and now I have lots of time :)

Last week, as I said before, we spent time in the schools. It was fantastic. The first school I attended with the students was a township school; most of the students lived in the shantee villages or small, overcrowded houses near the school. All of the students were black, I believe all the teachers were as well. It was obvious from the school that there was little funds going into it--and, most of the money going into was going straight back to the students. The students welcomed us in song--I can't wait to post pictures and video of it. I then observed several classrooms---I couldn't believe my eyes, 40 odd students in one classroom. With no book. No posters. No decoration. No computers. No fancy equipment. But, they were learning.

More later...I promise....tonight...back to grading :)